1. Song of Solomon Gods Guidebook To Happy Dating and Marriage

2. Background Several authors are suggested by scholars, but the author set forth in this series is Solomon – The song of songs… (1 Kings 4:32) – … which is Solomons (1:1) – Solomon is mentioned seven times (1:1,5; 3:7,9,11; 8:11-12) along with his royal luxury and costly imports (1:12-13; 3:6-11; 4:4; 5:14-15)

3. Background Several authors are suggested by scholars, but the author set forth in this series is Solomon – Geographical references are made to places in northern and southern Palestine (6:4) – References are made to a variety of plants and animals (1 Kings 4:33) – Reference is made to concubines (1 Kings 11:3) – Reference is made to chariots (1 Kings 10:28-29)

4. Background Song of Solomon is a love song written by Solomon using Hebrew poetry. It records literal and historical stages of true love (from 1:2 to 8:7) found between Solomon and a Shulamite shepherd girl (6:13). Song of Solomon describes the development of pure and dignified love within a healthy marriage relationship. The ideal love and sexual intimacy that God ordains for a married couple is found here (Gen. 2:24). This is a much needed love song in our contemporary world of sexual immorality.

5. Background Song of Solomon is divided into three different scenes: 1) courtship (1:2-3:5), 2) wedding / honeymoon (3:6 – 5:1), and 3) married life (5:2-8:14) Song of Solomon contains three main characters: Solomon (my beloved), the Shulamite woman (my love), and the daughters of Jerusalem (friends of the couple)

6. Outline Falling in Love (1:1 – 3:5) – Courtship Days (Cultivating Love) United in love (3:6 – 5:1) – Wedding Day (Consummating Love) Struggling in Love (5:2 – 7:9) – Marriage Frustration (Caring Love) Maturing in Love (7:10 – 8:14) – Marriage Faithfulness (Conquering Love)

7. Courtship Days ( Song of Solomon 1:1 – 3:5 ) Longing of love in courtship (1:1-8) Expressions of love in courtship (1:9 – 2:9) Activities of love in courtship (2:10-17) Determination of love in courtship (3:1-5)

8. Courtship Days ( Song of Solomon 1:1 – 3:5 ) The Shulamite (1:2-4) The Daughters of Jerusalem (1:4) The Shulamite (1:5-7) The Beloved (1:8-10) The Daughters of Jerusalem (1:11) The Shulamite (1:12-14) The Beloved (1:15) The Shulamite (1:16 – 2:1) The Beloved (2:2) The Shulamite (2:3-9) The Beloved (2:10-14) The Shulamite (2:15 – 3:5)

9. Courtship Days ( Song of Solomon 1:1 – 3:5 ) Dating is a good opportunity to express love for each other Dating is a good opportunity to share respect and admiration for each other Dating is a good opportunity to gain knowledge of each other Dating is a good opportunity to develop a strong bond for each other

10. Keys to Cultivating Love ( Song of Solomon 1:2 – 3:5) Desire closeness (1:2-3) Verbalize confirmation (1:4) Admit contrition (1:5-6) Seek company (1:7-8) Express compliments (1:9-16) Accept contentment (1:17) Practice carefulness (2:1-7) Develop companionship (2:8-17) Determine commitment (3:1-5)

11. Four Stages of Frustration ( Song of Solomon 3:1-5) Separation (v.1) Determination (v. 2-3) Celebration (v. 4) Limitation (v. 5)

12. Lessons Learned Look for someone that you can truly love; be highly selective; desire only one to be with (S.S. 1:2,4; 2:4; Gen. 2:18-24; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 3:19; Tit. 2:4) Look for someone with inward, godly character, not just outward physical beauty (S.S. 1:3; Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1; Prov. 31:30; 1 Pet. 3:4)

13. Lessons Learned Look for someone with a good work ethic (S.S. 1:5-7; Prov. 31:10ff; 1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:8) Look for someone who is kind, considerate, and appreciative of you; words that are plentiful, personal, positive, and pure (S.S. 1:9-17; 2:1-6; 3:8-17; 1 Pet. 3:7)

14. Lessons Learned Keep love within its proper bounds and not engage in physical intimacy until the proper time; exercise restraint; dating but waiting (S.S. 2:7; 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:15-20; 1 Thess. 4:3-7) Spend time together in preparation for a life- long companionship together (S.S. 2:8-17; Gen. 2:18; Mal. 2:14; Mt. 19:6)

15. Lessons Learned Determine not to let anything stand in the way of true love (3:1-4; Prov. 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31)