SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Song of Solomon 7:10

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Introduction 1. Song 7:10 Celebrating the joy & security of committed love in marriage 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE The song of songs, which is Solomon’s 2. Song 1:1 The Song of Solomon is truly unique! Most beautiful & unique of his 1,005 songs: celebrates passionate love in context of marriage Courted & married the Shulamite in youth before political marriages marred his character

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE 3. The value of studying this unusual book: The beautiful story of love & marriage Learn to cultivate true love in marriage

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage A. 1st SCENE Love’s Passion (1:2-2:7) Solomon & the Shulamite Share Admiration & Affection

Gender specifice pronouns reveal the speaker. 1:2-3 She expresses her longings & affection She says: Gender specifice pronouns reveal the speaker. 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. 3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Refreshing! Good name: character, reputation

17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. 1:15 -17 They exchange compliments & praise. He says: 15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. 16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green. 17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. She says:

2:1- 2 Love grows: she expresses insecurity, he adds security. She says: 1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. 2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. He says:

2:7 Love grows in its own time & way. She says: 7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge you by all things beautiful & tender, let love grow in its own time & way.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage B. 2nd SCENE Love’s Promise (2:8-3:5) The Springtime of Their Love Was Followed by Anxious Searching

2:10 -13 Their young love flourished like the spring. relates what he said: 10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. 11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

3:1- 5 She dreams she cannot find him, then finds him & holds him fast. She says: 1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

3:1- 5 She dreams she cannot find him, then finds him & holds him fast. She says: 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. Love includes the challenge of seeking & finding: up’s & down’s, drifting apart & drawing together, alienation & reconciliation, confusion & clarity.

3:1- 5 She dreams she cannot find him, then finds him & holds him fast. She says: 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge you by all things beautiful & tender, let love grow in its own time & way.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage C. 3rd SCENE Love’s Wedding (3:6-5:1) After the Royal Wedding, Solomon Praises the Beauty of His Wife & She Invites Him into the Garden of Love.

9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 3:9 -10 “Behold King Solomon” & his entourage with his bride on their royal wedding day. Friends share the celebration: 9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for [by] the daughters of Jerusalem. Honored the occasion & his bride with new carriage!

7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. 4:1-7 Solomon woos her with passionate praise of her beauty. He says: 1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. 7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

He praises her moral purity! 4:12 - 5:1 Solomon says she is a garden, & she invites him to enjoy her fruits. He says: He praises her moral purity! 12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

This love is exclusive, yet free, inviting, giving, & sharing! 4:12 - 5:1 Solomon says she is a garden, & she invites him to enjoy her fruits. She says: 16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. This love is exclusive, yet free, inviting, giving, & sharing!

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage D. 4th SCENE Love’s Reconciliation (5:2-6:3) Marital Love Includes Seeking & Finding, Alienation & Reconciliation.

5:2 - 8 She dreamed she did not open when he knocked; later they reconciled. She says: 2 I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. 3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? His tender, fervent plea Why do you bother me at the most inconvenient time?

5:2 - 8 She dreamed she did not open when he knocked; later they reconciled. She says: 6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. The damage was done— I was heartsick— All my efforts failed— No one helped me!

5:9 -16 She greatly admired her husband as “the chiefest among ten thousand.” She says: 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. 11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. As he found her perfect for him (4:7), she finds him perfect for her! A prize, not an inconvenience! 16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

Regret, reflection, & reevaluation exclusive relationship 6:2 - 3 After reconciliation, she yields herself to his care with a greater sense of security. She says: 2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies. Separation Regret, reflection, & reevaluation Reconciliation: Growing security in a mutual, committed, exclusive relationship

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage E. 5th SCENE Love’s Captivity (6:4-8:4) The Two Lovers Are Captivated by Each Other.

He praises her as his one & only! 6:8 - 9 Great King Solomon finds his wife the prize catch—the perfect mate! He says: 8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. 9 My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. He praises her as his one & only!

10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. 7:10 -13 She invites him into the garden of love to enjoy her delicious fruit. She says: 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. 11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. 13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. Complimented, she feels valued, secure, wanted! Yes, spring is here, come & taste all my delicious fruits!

8:4 Love grows in its own time & way. She says: 4 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge you by all things beautiful & tender, let love grow in its own time & way.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE I. The Beautiful Story of Love & Marriage F. 6th SCENE Love’s Security (8:5-14) Solomon & His Bride Express Mutual Love & Commitment

8:6 -7 The bride expresses their undying indestructible love. Finality! She says: 6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned [scorned, NIV].

vital part of her total beauty! 8:8 -10 Her brothers doubt her maturity, but she has proven her maturity. Brothers say: If she is strong in character, we will honor & adorn her! 8 We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? 9 If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar. 10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour. Strong character: vital part of her total beauty! If she is weak, we will protect her! She says:

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage A. Love Has Its Own Way to Grow 2:7; 3:5; 8:4 Repeated for emphasis: love grows, it cannot be rushed, pushed, bribed, demanded, intimidated, or forced

2:7; 3:5; 8:4 Love grows in its own time & way. She says: 7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. I charge you by all things beautiful & tender, let love grow in its own time & way.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage A. Love Has Its Own Way to Grow Unselfish character: genuinely seeking the welfare of other people— NOT “What’s in it for me?” Consideration, kindness, courtesy— NOT “Am I being noticed & pampered?” Patience—NOT “I want what I want when I want it” applied to life & relationships

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage B. Godly Character Is the Foundation of True Love Solomon & the Shulamite maintained godly character in courtship & marriage 1:3 “thy name is as ointment [perfume]” 4:12 “A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.” 8:10 “I am a wall”

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage B. Godly Character Is the Foundation of True Love Respect God & each other as made in His image Avoid conduct which erodes moral character Coarse, profane, & abusive language Alcohol, illegal drugs, & misuse of legal drugs Lascivious dress & entertainment, pornography, & fornication

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage C. Maturity Is Essential 8:8 -10 Marriage requires maturity If a door (easy access, lack of mature character): “inclose her with boards of cedar” (restrict her) If a wall (maturity & strength of character): “build upon her a palace of silver” (honor her) “I am a wall, & my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favor”— a mature man saw me as a mature woman

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage C. Maturity Is Essential Signs of a mature man & a mature woman Putting God 1st in all decisions Faithful in public worship, godly in private life Ready to accept responsibilities as husband, wife, & parents Good stewards of money & material possessions

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage D. Express Love, Care, Compliments, & Admiration “You are the one, the right one, the only one” 4:7 “All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you” (NIV) 5:10 “My lover is radiant & ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand” (NIV) 6:9 “My dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite…”(NIV)

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage D. Express Love, Care, Compliments, & Admiration Create an atmosphere for renewed passion 2:10 -13 “My lover spoke & said to me, Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over…” (NIV) 4:9 “One glance of your eyes” took my heart (NIV) 4:16 - 5:1 You are an oasis— “Let my lover come into his garden & taste its choice fruits” (NIV)

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage E. Be Patient with Cycles of Seeking & Finding These cycles help love grow stronger 2:14 She withdraws like a dove “in the clefts of the rock,” he coaxes & reassures her of his love 3:1- 5 She dreams of searching for him, a sign of a setback or insecurity—she finds him! 5:2 - 8 After marriage she had a similar dream: he sought her, she rejected him, later reconciled!

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage E. Be Patient with Cycles of Seeking & Finding Love embraces the challenge of working to strengthen the marital relationship Reconciliation includes reflection, inquiry, self-evaluation, adjustment, & apology

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage F. We Must Build an Atmosphere of Security, Loyalty, Fidelity, & Peace to Have Harmony Each mate contributes to these bonds of love 2:3-4 Solomon is like an apple tree giving shade & fruit—he honored her with a banquet: “his banner over me was love” 2:15 Guard lest little foxes “spoil the vines”

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage F. We Must Build an Atmosphere of Security, Loyalty, Fidelity, & Peace to Have Harmony We work to maintain mutual & exclusive love 2:16 “My beloved in mine, & I am his” 6:3 “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine” 7:10 “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me”

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE II. Learning to Cultivate True Love in Marriage F. We Must Build an Atmosphere of Security, Loyalty, Fidelity, & Peace to Have Harmony 8:6 -7 The right atmosphere produces undying & indestructible harmony of hearts: marital love! An atmosphere of anger, abuse, intimidation, manipulation, broken vows, deceit, distrust, suspicion, & insecurity destroys harmonious love!

8:6 -7 The bride expresses their undying indestructible love. She says: 6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Invitation 1. Song 7:10 Celebrating the joy & security of committed love in marriage 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Invitation 2. The value of studying this unusual book: The beautiful story of love & marriage Learn to cultivate true love in marriage

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Invitation 3. God’s greatest gift of love: forgiveness in Christ! Jn. 3:16 The gift above all gifts! 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Invitation 3. God’s greatest gift of love: forgiveness in Christ! Mk. 16:15-16 We must receive the gift! 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

SOLOMON’S SONG OF MARITAL LOVE Invitation 3. God’s greatest gift of love: forgiveness in Christ! Ja. 5:16 Saints who sin can be restored! 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.