The Foundation of Love

Hebrew poetry, a significant part of the Old Testament, includes books like Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. It is distinct from modern poetry because it relies less on rhyme and meter and more on parallelism, imagery, and rhythm of thought.

Key Features of Hebrew Poetry

1. Parallelism

The repetition or correspondence of ideas rather than sounds. Where a thought in the first line is either repeated, contrasted, or expanded for effect.

2. Imagery and Metaphor

Use of vivid, often symbolic language to convey ideas (e.g. "The Lord is my shepherd" – Psalms 23:1).

3. Repetition and Refrains

Reinforcement of key themes through repeated phrases or ideas (e.g. Psalm 136's refrain, "His love endures forever").

4. Chiastic Structures

Patterns that mirror ideas (e.g. ABBA or ABCBA), often highlighting central themes. Example Psalms 3:7-8:

A: "Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, my God!"
B: "Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked."
B: "From the Lord comes deliverance."
A: "May your blessing be on your people."

5. Economy of Words

Compact, dense expressions with layered meanings.

Song of Solomon's Poetic Style

The Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs) stands out among Hebrew poetic texts because of its unique focus on love and romantic relationships. It employs many elements of Hebrew poetry while adopting features specific to its celebratory and intimate themes.

Distinctive Features of Song of Solomon

1. Love Poetry as the Genre

Unlike other poetic books, it centers on human love, romantic desire, and marital intimacy rather than divine worship or wisdom. It celebrates the mutual affection between a bride and groom, often understood allegorically as God's love for His people.

2. Rich Symbolism and Imagery

Nature metaphors dominate: The beloved is compared to flowers, animals, and geographical features (e.g., "Your eyes are doves" – Song of Solomon 1:15). These metaphors express admiration, beauty, and the transcendent nature of love.

3. Dialogue Format

A conversational interplay between the bride, the groom, and sometimes the "daughters of Jerusalem." This back-and-forth structure is less common in instances of Hebrew poetry present in other books of the Old Testament.

4. Sensory Language

Song of Solomon is deeply sensory, invoking sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch (e.g., "Your name is like perfume poured out" – Song of Solomon 1:3).

5. Repetition and Refrains

Phrases like "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" recur (Song of Solomon 2:7, Song of Solomon 3:5, Song of Solomon 8:4), emphasizing themes of timing and restraint in love.

Similarities to Other Hebrew Poetry

• Use of Parallelism: Like other Hebrew poetry, Song of Solomon uses synonymous and synthetic parallelism to expand on ideas.
• Symbolic Imagery: The book employs vivid metaphors, consistent with the poetic traditions found in Psalms and Prophets.

Differences from Other Hebrew Poetry

1. Focus on Human Love

While Psalms exalts God and Proverbs provides wisdom, Song of Solomon uniquely focuses on romantic and marital love.

2. Lack of Direct Theological Themes

Unlike most Hebrew poetry, it does not explicitly mention God, prayer, or worship, though its themes often have spiritual applications.

3. Celebratory Tone

The tone is celebratory and intimate, reflecting joy and delight, contrasting with the laments and moral teachings of other poetic books.

I. Introduction to Song of Solomon

The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.
- Song of Solomon 1:1

The Song of Solomon is a unique and poetic book of the Bible that celebrates love, marriage, and intimacy. Its opening verse establishes it as "The Song of Songs," a superlative phrase that highlights its significance as the pinnacle of Solomon's songs.

Tradition attributes its authorship to Solomon, the son of David, renowned for his wisdom and poetic contributions, including many of the Psalms and Proverbs.

Authorship

Solomon as the Author:

• Solomon is credited with composing 1,005 songs (I Kings 4:32), and this is considered his masterpiece.
• His wealth, wisdom, and status provide the context for this book, as Solomon's experiences with love and marriage likely informed its content.

Alternative Views:

• Some scholars suggest that the book may have been written by another poet in Solomon's court or was later attributed to him because of his association with wisdom and love poetry.

Purpose

The Song of Solomon serves multiple purposes, depending on the perspective from which it is read:

A. Literal Perspective

• A celebration of romantic love, courtship, and marital intimacy between a man and a woman.
• Provides a biblical model of mutual respect, admiration, and passion in relationships.

B. Allegorical Perspective

• Seen as a symbolic portrayal of God's love for His covenant people, Israel.
• In Christian tradition, often interpreted as a picture of Christ's love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27).

C. Practical Perspective

• Offers wisdom on cultivating healthy relationships and the value of love within God's design for marriage.

Themes

The Song of Solomon is rich in themes that resonate across time and cultures. These themes highlight the beauty and complexity of love in its various forms.

A. Love and Desire

The book portrays love as a powerful and beautiful force that must be cultivated with care and intention (Song of Solomon 2:7, Song of Solomon 8:6). Love is shown as both an emotional and physical connection, celebrated within the covenant of marriage.

B. Marriage and Intimacy

It emphasizes the joy and sanctity of marriage, presenting intimacy as a gift to be honored and cherished.

C. Beauty and Admiration

The poetic descriptions of physical beauty and emotional qualities reflect the importance of affirming and valuing one's partner (Song of Solomon 4:1-7).

D. God's Relationship with His People

Through allegorical readings, it serves as a reminder of God's deep love, faithfulness, and desire for an intimate relationship with His people.

E. Timing and Patience in Love

Repeated admonitions to not "arouse or awaken love until it so desires" (Song of Solomon 2:7, Song of Solomon 3:5, Song of Solomon 8:4) underscore the importance of waiting for the right time and context for love to flourish.

5. Application

For Relationships:

• Encourages mutual respect, admiration, and the celebration of love within marriage.
• Provides guidance on the importance of communication, commitment, and selfless love.

For Spiritual Growth:

• Encourages believers to reflect on God's deep love for His people and the intimacy of their relationship with Him.

Key Takeaway

The Song of Solomon invites readers to celebrate the beauty of love and relationships within God's design. Whether understood as a literal celebration of marriage or a spiritual allegory, it teaches timeless truths about the value of love, intimacy, and commitment.

II. Mutual Attraction (Song of Solomon 1:2–14)

This passage captures the beginning of mutual attraction between the beloved (the bride) and the lover (the bridegroom). Through poetic language and vivid imagery, it highlights the admiration of both character and physical qualities. The focus is on the deep respect and delight each person feels toward the other, forming the foundation for a godly relationship.

1. Expression of Desire

²"May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine.
³"Your oils have a pleasing fragrance,
Your name is like purified oil;
Therefore the maidens love you.
⁴"Draw me after you and let us run together!
The king has brought me into his chambers."
"We will rejoice in you and be glad;
We will extol your love more than wine.
Rightly do they love you."
- Song of Solomon 1:2-4

The bride expresses her longing for the bridegroom's love, comparing it to the richness and pleasure of wine. The language conveys deep emotional and physical desire within the context of admiration. The bridegroom's love is not just physical; it is enriching, delightful, and worth pursuing.

In verse 3, the bride praises the character and reputation of the bridegroom. His "name" reflects his inner qualities—trustworthiness, kindness, and integrity. True attraction is rooted in the whole person, not merely in appearance but in character and reputation.

2. Awareness of One's Worth

⁵"I am black but lovely,
O daughters of Jerusalem,
Like the tents of Kedar,
Like the curtains of Solomon.
⁶"Do not stare at me because I am swarthy,
For the sun has burned me.
My mother's sons were angry with me;
They made me caretaker of the vineyards,
But I have not taken care of my own vineyard.
⁷"Tell me, O you whom my soul loves,
Where do you pasture your flock,
Where do you make it lie down at noon?
For why should I be like one who veils herself
Beside the flocks of your companions?"
- Song of Solomon 1:5-7

The bride acknowledges her natural beauty while recognizing societal pressures and insecurities. Her physical appearance, marked by labor in the sun, reflects her hard work and humility.

Healthy relationships involve self-acceptance and confidence in one's God-given worth. The bride actively seeks the bridegroom, showing that mutual attraction involves intentional pursuit and engagement.

3. Admiration of Beauty and Character

⁸"If you yourself do not know,
Most beautiful among women,
Go forth on the trail of the flock
And pasture your young goats
By the tents of the shepherds.
⁹"To me, my darling, you are like
My mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.
- Song of Solomon 1:8-9

The bridegroom compares the bride to a prized horse, symbolizing her elegance, strength, and uniqueness. His words affirm her value and highlight her captivating presence.

¹⁰"Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of beads." ¹¹"We will make for you ornaments of gold With beads of silver."
- Song of Solomon 1:10-11

The bridegroom admires her physical beauty but also enhances it with imagery of adornment, suggesting his appreciation for her uniqueness and dignity.

¹²"While the king was at his table,
My perfume gave forth its fragrance.
¹³"My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh
Which lies all night between my breasts.
¹⁴"My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
In the vineyards of Engedi."
- Song of Solomon 1:12-14

The bride uses sensory imagery to describe the intimate and cherished nature of her relationship with the bridegroom.

Love begins with genuine appreciation of the other person.

True attraction encompasses both inner and outer qualities. Admiration in a relationship should go beyond physical appearance to include character, integrity, and reputation. Mutual affirmation builds the foundation for a strong and healthy relationship, fostering respect and confidence.

Application

1. For Individuals

Evaluate what draws you to others: Is it character or merely outward appearance? Cultivate personal qualities, such as kindness and integrity, that make you admirable to others.

2. For Relationships

Take time to affirm your partner's character and qualities. Recognize and celebrate the uniqueness and value of your partner.

3. Spiritual Connection

Reflect on how God admires His people, not for outward perfection but for the heart (I Samuel 16:7). Emulate God's love by valuing others for who they are, not what they can offer.

Mutual attraction in a relationship is not superficial; it involves recognizing and appreciating the whole person—their character, values, and God-given uniqueness. Genuine admiration lays the groundwork for a love that is deep, enduring, and God-honoring.

III. Godly Restraint in Relationships (Song of Solomon 2:1–7)

This passage captures the joy and beauty of love, using poetic imagery to describe the blossoming of affection between the bride and groom. It also emphasizes the need for patience and restraint, reminding us that love flourishes when it is nurtured in the right time and context. The refrain, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires," underscores the importance of self-control in relationships.

1. The Beauty of Love (vs. 1-3)

"I am the rose of Sharon,
The lily of the valleys."
- Song of Solomon 2:1

The bride describes herself as a humble yet beautiful flower, emphasizing her uniqueness and value in the eyes of her beloved.

"Like a lily among the thorns,
So is my darling among the maidens."
- Song of Solomon 2:2

The bridegroom affirms the bride's singular beauty, elevating her above others. This imagery highlights the exclusivity and special nature of their relationship.

"Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest,
So is my beloved among the young men.
In his shade I took great delight and sat down,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste.
- Song of Solomon 2:3

The bride compares the bridegroom to a fruitful tree, providing shade and sustenance, symbolizing his ability to protect and nurture her.

2. Love's Delight and Joy (vs. 4-6)

"He has brought me to his banquet hall,
And his banner over me is love.
- Song of Solomon 2:4

The bride describes her joy in being publicly cherished by the bridegroom. The "banner" symbolizes his protection, provision, and declaration of love.

"Sustain me with raisin cakes,
Refresh me with apples,
Because I am lovesick.
- Song of Solomon 2:5

The bride acknowledges the overwhelming emotional and physical pull of love. The intensity of her feelings highlights the passion that accompanies love when it is genuine and mutual.

"Let his left hand be under my head
And his right hand embrace me."
- Song of Solomon 2:6

This intimate imagery reflects the closeness and security found in their relationship. It also points to the care and intentionality of love within proper boundaries.

3. The Call for Restraint (vs. 7)

"I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field,
That you do not arouse or awaken my love Until she pleases."
- Song of Solomon 2:7

This refrain appears multiple times throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of patience in allowing love to develop naturally and at the right time. It is a reminder that rushing love or indulging in physical passion outside of its intended context (marriage) can diminish its beauty and sanctity.

Waiting for love at the right time protects its beauty.

Love is a gift from God, designed to flourish in its proper season and context. Patience and self-control allow love to develop on a solid foundation of trust, respect, and mutual admiration. Impulsiveness or premature actions can lead to regret and harm the purity of the relationship.

Application

For Individuals

• Practice Patience: Resist the temptation to rush into relationships or physical expressions of love. Trust God's timing.
• Focus on Growth: Use the waiting period to grow spiritually and emotionally, preparing yourself for a future relationship.

For Relationships

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect the purity of the relationship.
• Honor Each Other: Seek to respect and cherish your partner, valuing their character and integrity over momentary desires.

Spiritual Connection

• Trust in God's Timing: Just as God's plans for our lives unfold at the right time, so should love.
• God's Restraint and Faithfulness: Reflect on how God's patience with us mirrors the restraint He calls us to practice in relationships.

The joy of love is fully realized when it is nurtured within God's design and timing. Restraint and self-control are not restrictions but protective measures that preserve love's beauty and ensure it flourishes in the right season.