February 26, 2024

What's the Difference Between a Natural, God-Given Desire and a Temptation?

Song of Solomon 1

Préçois Norcilus
Monday's Devo

February 26, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 26, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 26, 2024

Monday's Devo

February 26, 2024

Big Book Idea

God's design for relationships is always best.

Key Verse | Song of Solomon 1:2

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.

Song of Solomon 1

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

The Bride Confesses Her Love

She 1 1:2 The translators have added speaker identifications based on the gender and number of the Hebrew words

2  Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine;
3      your anointing oils are fragrant;
your name is oil poured out;
    therefore virgins love you.
4  Draw me after you; let us run.
    The king has brought me into his chambers.

Others

We will exult and rejoice in you;
    we will extol your love more than wine;
    rightly do they love you.

She

5  I am very dark, but lovely,
    O daughters of Jerusalem,
like the tents of Kedar,
    like the curtains of Solomon.
6  Do not gaze at me because I am dark,
    because the sun has looked upon me.
My mother's sons were angry with me;
    they made me keeper of the vineyards,
    but my own vineyard I have not kept!
7  Tell me, you whom my soul loves,
    where you pasture your flock,
    where you make it lie down at noon;
for why should I be like one who veils herself
    beside the flocks of your companions?

Solomon and His Bride Delight in Each Other

He

8  If you do not know,
    O most beautiful among women,
follow in the tracks of the flock,
    and pasture your young goats
    beside the shepherds' tents.

9  I compare you, my love,
    to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots.
10  Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments,
    your neck with strings of jewels.

Others

11  We will make for you 2 1:11 The Hebrew for you is feminine singular ornaments of gold,
    studded with silver.

She

12  While the king was on his couch,
    my nard gave forth its fragrance.
13  My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh
    that lies between my breasts.
14  My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms
    in the vineyards of Engedi.

He

15  Behold, you are beautiful, my love;
    behold, you are beautiful;
    your eyes are doves.

She

16  Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful.
Our couch is green;
17      the beams of our house are cedar;
    our rafters are pine.

Footnotes

[1] 1:2 The translators have added speaker identifications based on the gender and number of the Hebrew words
[2] 1:11 The Hebrew for you is feminine singular
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Song of Solomon

Introduction to The Song of Solomon

Timeline

Author and Date

The wording of the first verse in Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs; 1:1) does not necessarily mean that Solomon wrote the book. It may have been written by Solomon himself, or it could have been written in his honor. When he is mentioned (1:5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11–12), it is generally as a distant, even idealized figure. What is known about Solomon suggests that he probably was not the writer himself (1 Kings 3:1; 11:1–8). However, the book was probably composed during Solomon’s time, perhaps under his oversight, between c. 960 and 931 B.C.

Theme

The Song of Solomon contains beautiful poetry expressing romantic love between a young man and a young woman in ancient Israel. He is a shepherd (1:7) and she is a shepherdess (1:8). They are looking forward to their marriage and the pleasure it will bring.

Interpreting Literary Images

The Song of Solomon includes several extravagant comparisons. For example, the woman is compared to a horse in Pharaoh’s court (1:9), and her hair is compared to a flock of goats (4:1). It is helpful to remember that (1) the comparisons are figurative rather than literal, and (2) what the person has in common with what he or she is compared with is a certain quality, usually the quality of excellence, or of being the best of its kind.

Structure

The author has presented the Song of Solomon as a series of exchanges, mostly between the shepherdess and the shepherd, with the chorus-like “others” sprinkled in. These others usually pick up items from the lovers’ speeches and urge the two forward in love. There is also a refrain, “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, . . . that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases” (2:7; 3:5; 8:4; variation in 5:8), spoken by the shepherdess. This is understood as her urging the other women not to push this love too fast, in order to let it reach its consummation at the right time (the marriage bed, which seems to begin in 8:5).

Key Themes

  1. God’s law commands sexual purity. Marriage provides the right framework within which his people may properly enjoy the gift of sexual intimacy (see Gen. 2:23–24). Thus God’s people honor him and commend him to the world when they demonstrate with their lives that obedience in such matters brings genuine delight.
  2. Marriage is a gift of God, and is to be founded on loyalty and commitment (see Gen. 2:24, “hold fast”), which allows delight to flourish. As such, it is a fitting image for God’s relationship with his people.

Outline

  1. Title: The Best of Songs (1:1)
  2. The Lovers Yearn for Each Other (1:2–2:17)
  3. The Shepherdess Dreams (3:1–6:3)
  4. The Lovers Yearn for Each Other Again (6:4–8:4)
  5. The Lovers Join in Marriage (8:5–14)
The Global Message of The Song of Solomon

The Global Message of The Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon paints a beautifully passionate, pure, and even provocative picture of marriage and sexuality. It may seem remarkable, to Christians and nonbelievers alike, that such a book is a part of the biblical canon. And how different Scripture would be without this book! What, then, is the global message of the Song of Solomon? What message does the universal church need to hear from its pages?

God’s Glorious Design in Marriage and Sexuality

Sexuality was God’s idea. Human sexuality is one of God’s most marvelous and blessed ideas. God is not boring, prudish, or ashamed of sex. To make the mating procedure whereby procreation takes place an experience of intense attraction, intense bonding, and intense pleasure was his idea! The beauty of human sexuality is expressed thoroughly and without hesitation in the Song of Solomon. The very first words of the young maiden express her intense desire for her beloved: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” (Song 1:2). There is a refreshing freedom, joy, and delight expressed by the couple in their passionate mutual admiration (1:9–10, 12–16; 2:9, 14; 4:1–15; 5:10–16; 6:5–10; 7:1–9), their intense sexual longing for marriage (1:2–2:17; 7:11–8:3), and the final and wonderful consummation of their marriage bond.

God’s gift to all humanity. The command to become one flesh pre-dates the fall (Gen. 1:28). Sex was not a concession to sinful mankind. It was a blessed provision and gift from God for humanity to enjoy. It is a gift of common grace.

God’s design for sexuality. God designed sex to be enjoyed within the marriage context. The repeated admonition not to “stir up or awaken love until it pleases” emphasizes that there is a right and a wrong time for sex (see Song 2:7; 3:5; 8:4). Scripture strongly forbids the improper use and context of sex. For example, sex outside of marriage, or with someone other than one’s spouse, or with someone of the same sex are explicitly prohibited (Lev. 18:22; Prov. 5:20–23; 1 Cor. 6:9). Yet Scripture just as strongly commends the full enjoyment of sex within the God-ordained context of marriage (Prov. 5:15–19; 1 Cor. 7:3). Such sexual enjoyment between a husband and wife is a blessed expression of lifelong commitment and mutual delight. There is joyful celebration of the beauty of creation in the human body in all its features and distinctiveness. There is a wonder and glory in God’s creation of male and female, and the beauty of each gender complements the other. There is freedom and security found in unrivaled, exclusive, passionate, and lifelong commitment.

The Song of Solomon is refreshingly honest in acknowledging that waiting for love and not misusing sexuality are difficult. Sexual longing is not wrong, but sexual enjoyment before marriage defiles God’s design. Though sexual desire is great, sexual enjoyment must be waited for and enjoyed in God’s proper timing and design.

The World’s Broken Sexuality

This is a message that our world needs to hear. One of the most painful expressions of the fall of mankind in our world today is in the area of sexuality. Sexuality is broadly misunderstood, misused, and abused. While various cultures and each generation offer varied and supposedly “progressive” perspectives on sexuality, God’s view is timeless.

We live in a fallen world in need of a Savior. Marital conflict, divorce, sexual immorality, and sexual abuse teach us of the painful impact of sin and each person’s desperate need for a Savior. The Internet has radically transformed the nature of pornography, now that it is almost universally accessible. Around the world there is an unprecedented amount of trafficking in human beings, a large proportion of whom are exploited and abused in the sex industry. Such abuse of men, women, and even children, all of whom are made in God’s image and have inherent dignity, is wicked. Indeed, it is one of the most God-offending, pervasive, and evil forms of wrongful sexuality in our world today.

The Global Church’s Witness in Sexuality

Through Christ, God’s design for humanity in all its fullness is being restored and renewed. The Song of Solomon presents a picture of God-honoring sexual delight that is one expression of the blessed life that we have in Christ and his glorious redemption.

Christians, however, have often been among those who have misunderstood or misused sexuality. Some have taught or have been taught to be ashamed of sex. To lack joy and delight in the gift of sexuality within marriage is to miss God’s perfect design and provision. There is also brokenness in the global church because of failing marriages, adultery, and sexual abuse. Such sexual abuse has stained not only the church but also its leaders.

There is a need for discussion and teaching about sexuality within the church. This is utterly countercultural in some societies, where sex is not something openly discussed. Whatever its cultural situation, however, the church must take up its responsibility to teach about such topics rather than allowing its people to learn about sexuality from secular society.

Discussion and teaching about issues of sexuality should be forthright but also appropriately modest. It requires cultural sensitivity and biblical wisdom. The content of such teachings and discussions will likely challenge cultural norms. In addition to such discussion there is need for repentance, gospel renewal, mentoring, and encouragement.

Our Witness to the World regarding Sexuality

The area of sexuality and the beautiful picture presented in the Song of Solomon are opportunities to share with the world the blessed “otherness,” the holiness and beauty, of the Christian faith.

The original meaning of the word “martyr” is “witness.” This word was used in the early days of Christianity not merely for those who suffered death for the faith; it was more broadly applied to every Christian’s privilege to bear witness to Christ and the Christian faith, whether in life or death. As witnesses, Christians have the tremendous opportunity to share and to show to the world the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the glorious vision of a life renewed in the gospel. Such witness can be displayed to the world in each sphere of life—in finances, work, family, leisure, study, and even in sexuality.

Christians should have more accurate things to say about sex and a more rightful enjoyment of sex than anyone. This is a part of our living and visible witness to the world—that God and God’s ways are right and righteous and joy-filled. The enjoyment and the jealous protection of love are “flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD” (Song 8:6). Through Christ, God is jealously and graciously restoring humanity. A part of that restoration is in the blessed enjoyment of and witness to God’s wonderful gift of sexuality.

2 Samuel Fact #19: Song of Deliverance

Fact: Song of Deliverance

David’s Song of Deliverance is nearly identical to Psalm 18. Perhaps 2 Samuel 22 was meant to be read aloud for instruction and Psalm 18 was meant to be sung or prayed as part of worship.

Song of Solomon Fact #4: Vineyards, fields, and palm trees

Fact: Vineyards, fields, and palm trees

Vineyards, fields, and palm trees. The Song of Solomon takes place in a rural setting, and the lovers describe each other using images drawn from this context. The man is a shepherd, and the woman works in her family’s vineyard.

2 Samuel Fact #17: Kissing

Fact: Kissing

Kissing was a cultural means of showing respect, friendship, or reverence, as it is in many places today. A kiss was often given as a form of greeting or farewell (19:39). There are only three places in all of Scripture where kissing is connected with romance (Prov. 7:13, Song 1:2; 8:1.).

Song of Solomon Fact #1: Mare among Pharaoh’s chariots

Fact: Mare among Pharaoh’s chariots

The man in this love story compared his beloved to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots (1:9). Only the best and most handsome of mares would have been chosen for important processions, and they would have been well-adorned with jewels and ornaments. This was the man’s way of saying that his beloved’s beauty is incomparable.

Study Notes

Song. 1:1 Title: The Best of Songs. The Hebrew word for “song” identifies the book as expressing joy rather than sorrow. Song of Songs probably means the very best of songs.

Study Notes
2 Samuel Fact #17: Kissing

Fact: Kissing

Kissing was a cultural means of showing respect, friendship, or reverence, as it is in many places today. A kiss was often given as a form of greeting or farewell (19:39). There are only three places in all of Scripture where kissing is connected with romance (Prov. 7:13, Song 1:2; 8:1.).

Study Notes

Song. 1:3 name . . . oil. In Hebrew, the two words sound similar. “Name” refers to the man’s reputation, which is as enchanting as perfume.

Study Notes

Song. 1:4a The king is probably a term of endearment, indicating the woman’s high regard for her lover.

Song. 1:4b This is the first speech of the “others,” who function as a chorus. They join the shepherdess in her praise for the shepherd (you is masculine) by picking up her words from v. 2.

Study Notes

Song. 1:5 dark, but lovely. The shepherd girl has spent her life working in the sun (in the vineyard, v. 6; caring for the flock, v. 8). She is not dainty like some refined young women.

Study Notes

Song. 1:6 My own vineyard refers in a poetic image to the woman’s physical appearance. The sun has damaged her skin as she has tended her family’s vineyard.

Study Notes

Song. 1:8 This is the man’s first appearance. Here he offers a playful answer to the woman’s question of where to find him. She cares for a flock, as he does (v. 7).

Study Notes
Song of Solomon Fact #1: Mare among Pharaoh’s chariots

Fact: Mare among Pharaoh’s chariots

The man in this love story compared his beloved to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots (1:9). Only the best and most handsome of mares would have been chosen for important processions, and they would have been well-adorned with jewels and ornaments. This was the man’s way of saying that his beloved’s beauty is incomparable.

Study Notes

Song. 1:12 Nard was a fragrance extracted from a plant (see 4:13–14). For the romantic effect of a “fragrance,” see 7:13.

Study Notes

Song. 1:13 My beloved is the woman’s most common term of endearment for the man (31 times).

Study Notes

Song. 1:14 Engedi is an oasis on the dry and desolate western bank of the Dead Sea—a location with obvious appeal.

Study Notes

Song. 1:16–17 The couch, house, and rafters are all compared to a lush woodland location. This may indicate that the man and woman are outdoors.

S3:041 Song of Solomon 1

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Dive Deeper | Song of Solomon 1

Solomon begins with the illustration of love, passion, and intimacy in a marital covenant—his faithful love of the Shulammite woman. This illustration also has meaning for God faithfully loving unfaithful Israel, and Jesus faithfully loving His church.

The book affirms a husband's love for his wife, as other New Testament passages display Jesus' love for His church. Solomon reminds God's people of multiple emotions, feelings, and understandings between a man and woman. The marital covenant also demonstrates a love that reflects God's goodness and points us to Jesus.

The application is that marriage should represent the relationship of God with His people (Exodus 34:10-17). This relationship between God and Israel is viewed as a union established during Israel's exodus from Egypt. Because of Israel's unfaithfulness, the union was broken, but God remained faithful to His promises. Likewise, the relationship between Christ and His Church needs to be understood in the context of a marital union, indicating that the bride, His Church, is longing and yearning for Jesus, a bridegroom who "loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

The Bible uses the terms temptation and desire often. Temptation is not a sin, but it can lead to sin. Jesus was tempted and yet did not sin. Likewise, every desire is not sinful, but evil desire in the heart with lustful intent is sin (Colossians 3:5). Believers must examine their hearts because temptation and desire can birth sin.

Sex is an amazing and powerful element of marriage. Song of Solomon paints a picture of marriage that excludes sexual immorality and describes married love in a way that makes us wonder why would we settle for anything less than God-glorifying love in a faithful marriage relationship. It underscores that the ultimate purpose of sex is to glorify God in the context of marriage. Though we will disappoint and hurt one another, including spouses, we should respond to each other with the love and grace we've received from Christ (Song of Solomon 1:5-8). Spiritual and emotional intimacy in marriage is meant to display Christ's affection and love for His followers. Though the world's view of sex without married love has saturated our culture, Christ's followers are encouraged to glorify God by pursuit of purity before marriage and true love in marriage.

This month's memory verse

Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

– Exodus 34:6b

Discussion Questions

1. How does this passage point us to Jesus?

2. How does this text show us how to praise God and one another? How does this passage display God's character? See also Hebrews 13:8 and 1 John 4:8.

3. In this passage, how do you understand God's love for you, the world, and His church? See John 3:16.

4. Have you accepted God's love? See Romans 5:8 and John 15:13.

5. If you were to die today, where would you spend your eternity? See Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23, and Romans 10:9-10.

 

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Time for a song "Arise my love" by Michael Card inspired by The Song of Solomon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTp_C5i4fw0 Wisdom in romantic relationships. It might be surprising to some that the "magilla" (long epic poem or story associated with th Passover is "Song of Solomon") in many Jwish traditions
MS

Michael Scaman

Romantic love involves both thinking and feeling. Both thinking and feeling are affected by the fall and the wisdom literativure shapes both thinking and feelings. Romantic love as other types of loves and the need for someone to share are part of a universal need of man to 'not be alone'. Perhaps William Shapespear could be taken some inspiration from Song of Solomon 1 and added some lines to 'A Midsummer's Night's Dream" and it would not seem unusual at all. Would have to add more an emphasis on grace, forgiveness and soul unity than Shapekspeare baked in his dialog. Maybe like this: A Sonet is read: at the start of the play by a mysterious figure Fallen Thinking and Fallen Feelings In the land of fallen thinking, where shadows obscure the truth, Whispers of doubt and fear take root in the youth. Lost in the maze of misconceptions, they roam, Seeking solace in falsehoods, far from wisdom's home. Fallen Feeling, with emotions wild and free, Dances in the storm of passion, unable to see. Caught in the web of desire's sweet embrace, Blinded by love's fervor, losing sight of grace. But amidst this chaos, there stands Solomona wise, With words of clarity, she seeks to advise. "Pause and ponder," she gently implores, "Seek the path of understanding, where truth restores." Yet Fallen Thinking scoffs at her sage decree, Preferring the comfort of illusion, wild and free. While Fallen Feeling cries out in despair, Lost in the tumult of emotions, unable to bear. But Solomona persists, with patience untold, Guiding them back to wisdom's stronghold. "For in the embrace of truth," she gently reminds, "Lies the peace and clarity that true love finds." So let Fallen Thinking yield to wisdom's call, And Fallen Feeling surrender, lest she fall. For in the balance of thought and emotion's sway, Lies the path to love's enduring stay. Play opens to a woodland scene. HERMIA: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, For in his embrace, I find my truth. LYSANDER: Though shadows may veil the beauty of the south, In your darkness, my dear, lies eternal youth. HELENA: I am dark but lovely, as Solomon's lily, In love's gaze, my flaws become but nought. DEMETRIUS: In your arms, dear Helena, I am not silly, With every kiss, my heart is dearly and intentionally bought. TITANIA: The night may cloak us in its deep embrace, But love's light shall guide us through the dark. OBERON: With each caress, we find a sacred space, Where souls unite, like Noah's paired ark. PUCK: So let love's symphony forever race, As we weave tales, like Solomon's embark. ALL: In love's sweet fervor, we find our grace, Bound together, like Solomon's arc. HELENA: In the depths of our souls, we share a bond, Forgiveness flowing like a river unbarred. LYSANDER: Through unity, our spirits entwined and strong, Knowing each other as the night knows the stars. HERMIA: With each moment shared, our pasts forgiven, In the embrace of love, our souls are driven. DEMETRIUS: To understand and be understood, In love's embrace, all is good. TITANIA: Let the wounds of the past be left behind, As we journey forward, hearts intertwined. OBERON: Through love's redemption, we find our way, In each other's arms, we'll always stay. PUCK: So let us cherish this sacred dance, As we find redemption in love's true chance.
GJ

greg jones

Bonjou Precois. Jije pa non ou ak aksan ou son tankou si ou soti Ayiti. Yon zanmi ke mwen te ede sipòte pandan plizyè ane gen yon ministè an Ayiti ke ou ta ka enterese konnen sou. Autumn Marshall Five Star Global Ministry. Song of Solomon is the central Book of the Bible; it is the innermost shrine of divine revelation, [[the holy of holies of Scripture]]; and if you are living in communion with God, you will love that Book, you will catch its spirit, and you will be inclined to cry with the spouse, “Hurry, my beloved.” If you have no longings for Christ’s appearance, no desires for his speedy return, surely your heart is sick, and your love is faint. Charles Spurgeon 19th century pastor tying Song of Songs to the second coming. For the whole world is not as worthy as the day on which the Song of Songs was given to Israel; for all the writings are holy but the Song of Songs is the holy of holies. Rabbi Akiva 1st-2nd century rabbi defending the inclusion of Song of Songs in the Hebrew canon. With no mention of God Song of Songs is basically a secular poem about sex. The meanings of Songs, other than the literal reading, have always been meanings read into the text just under the surface of the book.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Préçois! I understand that for many MANY years, young Hebrew men were not allowed to read Song of Solomon until they were 30. This book is the ultimate in symbolism with underlying sexual references. Quite refreshing, actually, compared to the explicit nature of sexual references in OUR culture! I was struck by the wonderful examples of words of affirmation, demonstrated in God's word millennia before Gary Chapman wrote about the Five Love Languages.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. This passage points us to Jesus and presents His love for life. One, this passage presents it is important to, “follow in the tracks of the flock”. Two, this passage presents, “for your love is better than wine”. Three, this passage presents, “we will exult and rejoice in you”. 2. The text shows how to praise God and praise one another. The passage presents, “ we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you”. The passage also presents, “Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?”. This passage presents God’s love in several forms. 3. God’s love is strong and consistent. 4. Yes, I have accepted God’s love. 5. I would spend eternity in Heaven. Precois - Thank you for sharing your ideas. I like your point, “Temptation is not a sin, but it can lead to sin.” God’s advice and God’s guidance help us experience life as He prefers.