Days 156-157, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (note: I have linked to the dramatized audio version this time because I like it. You can listen to it or choose your own version. Use your browser arrow to return): Song of Solomon; Psalm 45
Because this is a two-day Bible study, it is suggested that today’s Bible reading be read on June 5 and the Bible study on June 6.
Keeping Love Strong
When love is fresh and new, lovers share an abundance of compliments, and their words drip like honey from their mouths. They share a strong physical attraction and want to be close all the time. They have a gleam in their eyes and a dreamy look on their faces. They give gifts to one another. Butterflies twitter in their stomachs when they anticipate being together.
If we ask a woman about her lover, she will talk with animation and excitement about his virtues. If we ask a man about his lover, he will point out how beautiful and caring she is. However, over time, romantic love seems to wane. How do we keep love strong and vibrant?
Erotic romantic love is the kind of affection that the author of the Song of Solomon describes in his dramatic lyrical poem. However, the language of the book is unfamiliar to many people because most do not live in an agricultural society of sheepherders, wheat and barley farmers, and winegrowers. Today’s Chronological Bible study will help us understand and apply the lessons of Solomon’s Song of Songs.
Solomon’s dramatic love story leads us to believe that his new wife is from Lebanon (Song of Solomon 4:8, 11, 15). She is not his first wife, for his first wife was from Egypt, and Solomon has many wives and concubines (secondary wives, 1Kings 11:1-3). She is, however, the most loved (Song of Solomon 6:8-9).
Solomon was a godly king in his early reign, but his example does not prove that God condones multiple marriages; he does not. Indeed, God warned Israelite Kings not to multiply wives. Later, God’s Son, Jesus Christ, would say that in the beginning of creation, God made one male and one female for intimacy and procreation (1Kings 11:4-14; Mark 10:6-12).
In their desire for physical love, King Solomon and his new bride exchange words of love between each other in quick erotic expressions, making the heart beat faster in anticipation. Because of this, many of us are uncomfortable with this love song. Why would God put such an erotic story in the Bible? Because making love within the boundaries of marriage is approved by him. The physical relationship between husband and wife in marriage is a gift from God to be cherished and enjoyed (Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 5:15-19).
King Solomon and his bride boast of the love and admiration they feel for each other. They look forward to being together and cannot bear to be apart. However, sometimes an over obsession with a lover can lead to suspicion and fears of losing him. She reveals her anxieties in a dream (see chapter 5).
How Do We Overcome Our Fears and Suspicions?
Trust, continual reassurance, and careful attention to the relationship are necessary for a young marriage to succeed, and this is what Solomon does after his wife’s dream. However, neglect and suspicion, unloving attitudes and actions, flirtations with the opposite sex, criticism, and selfishness are some of the little foxes which can creep into our love gardens and devour them.
To keep from losing love, we should express compliments, praise, and be careful that we are devoted to our spouse in all our words and actions. Men should know that women like appreciation for their beauty, character, and what they do for their household. Ladies should know that men want admiration for their strength, honor, and achievements. Whether we are newlyweds or have been married longer, we can learn from this Song that we should encourage one another with words and actions of love.
Principles for Singles
Much of the Song of Solomon focuses on the erotic love between a husband and his wife. What is there for singles to do or apply? To the unmarried women (and this could easily apply to single men) Solomon’s wife gives this advice: Do not awaken love until it so desires (Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4). In other words, do not force love. Wait on the LORD to gently bring it to pass.
Singles of whatever age or situation in life can also learn the importance of encouraging and speaking appropriate words of love to those who need to hear it (not erotic words, of course).
Forming a Family Unit
When two people get married, they must each leave their father and mother and cling to their spouse to become one flesh and form a new family unit (Genesis 2:24). In describing the wedding of Solomon and his new bride (Psalm 45), this is the advice the Psalmist gives to her.
Some men and women have difficulty leaving their mother or father because they are emotionally dependent upon them. A momma’s boy or daddy’s girl could bring trouble, unhappiness, anger, and jealousy into a marriage. They each need to break these emotional ties and cling to their spouse so that they might have a happy marriage. They must do this and still honor their parents as God requires (Exodus 20:12)
Discussion
Is the physical relationship between a husband and his wife just for bearing children? Why or why not?Why did God put the Solomon's Song of Songs in the Bible?
How do we help our spouse overcome fear and suspicion in our marriage?
What principles can unmarried adults apply from the Song of Songs?
Nationally known minister, Pastor Tommy Nelson has free podcast sermons on the Song of Solomon or you may buy his six disc set.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Having done and tried everything, Solomon Looks for Meaning in Life. Where does he finally find it? Also, Some Causes and Cures for Depression are in our Next Lesson.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagepage re-edited June 5, 2021
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES