1. [By Ron Halbrook] [Part Four]

2. 2 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

3. Introduction: 2. We see their relationship develop as a series of scenes & stages. 3

4. 4

5. 5 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

6. 6

7. 7 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. 16 Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

8. 8 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

9. 9 22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. 22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

10. Introduction: 3. This poem celebrates loyal steadfast love experienced in marriage. Married love: spontaneous, beautiful, powerful, & exclusive— includes “moments of separation & intimacy, anguish & ecstasy, tension & contentment” (Zondervan NIV Study Bible: 1020) 10

11. Introduction: 3. This poem celebrates loyal steadfast love experienced in marriage. King Solomon found this love as a young man but later stumbled over political marriages— this gift can be damaged or lost. 11

12. Introduction: 4. Why people avoid this book, or spiritualize it as a poem of Christ’s love for the church. Satan associates passion with sexual sins. Study with appreciation not fear: God not Satan created passionate love in marriage. 12

13. Introduction: 5. God’s gift of married love is a priceless blessing: Changes our character by teaching us to value & serve our mate! Perpetuates the human race in a godly way! Merits praise, celebration, & thanksgiving! 13

14. 14 TITLE 1:1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s 1. Solomon asked God for wisdom (1 Kgs. 3:9). 2. He wrote 3,000 proverbs, 1,004 songs (4:32). 3. This is his most beautiful & unique song!

15. 15 I.FIRST SCENE 1:2-2:7 Love’s Passion SUMMARY SUMMARY : Solomon & his beloved Shulamite share admiration & affection. “His banner over me was love” (2:4).

16. II. SECOND SCENE 2:8-3:5 Love’s Promise SUMMARY SUMMARY : Their love grows like the beauties of springtime. The Shulamite dreams about searching for Solomon. 16

17. III. THIRD SCENE 3:6-5:1 Love’s Wedding SUMMARY SUMMARY : After the joys of the royal wedding, Solomon praises the beauty of his wife. She invites him into the garden of love. 17

18. IV. FOURTH SCENE 5:2-6:3 Love’s Reconciliation SUMMARY SUMMARY : Love includes seeking & finding, alienation & reconciliation. The young wife’s dream reflects this experience. 18

19. V. FIFTH SCENE 6:4-8:4 Love’s Captivity SUMMARY SUMMARY : The two lovers are enthralled & captivated by each other’s charms. 19

20. 20 4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. 5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. 6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. 7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks. 4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. 5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. 6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. 7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks. He says: One look from her eyes paralyzes him! In his eyes, she is a stunning beauty!

21. 21 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. 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 says: He praises her as his one & only!

22. 22 10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Friends say: A teaser: tell me more!

23. 23 11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded. 12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib. 13 Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies. 11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates budded. 12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib. 13 Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies. He says: He is overcome with joy by the beauties of springtime! A teaser: tell me more!

24. 24 1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. 2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. 3 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins. 1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. 2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. 3 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins. He says: Beautiful from feet to head!

25. 25 4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. 5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. 4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. 5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. He says: Held captive by her tresses—by her total person!

26. 26 6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! 7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. 8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine… 6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! 7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. 8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine… He says:

27. 27 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. May the wine go straight to my lover, Flowing gently over lips and teeth (NIV). 9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. May the wine go straight to my lover, Flowing gently over lips and teeth (NIV). He says: She interrupts to say: Her interruption: transition to her response

28. 28 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. 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. She says: Complimented, she feels valued, secure, wanted! Yes, spring is here, come & taste all my delicious fruits!

29. 29 1 O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. 2 I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate. 3 His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. 1 O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. 2 I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate. 3 His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. She says: Secure with him, she wants to give herself without reservation.

30. 30 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. She says:

31. VI. SIXTH SCENE 8:5-14 Love’s Security SUMMARY SUMMARY : Solomon & his bride exchange expressions of love & commitment. 31

32. 32 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. 5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. Friends say: She says:

33. 33 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. 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. She says:

34. 34 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. 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. Brothers say: She says: If she is strong in character, we will honor & adorn her! If she is weak, we will protect her! Strong character: vital part of her total beauty! Time enhances it! Strong character: vital part of her total beauty! Time enhances it!

35. 35 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. She says: She freely gives her vineyard to Solomon: the owner’s portion is his to enjoy! She gives herself totally, exclusively to him— she finds total security in him. Keepers, overseers, brothers (1:6; 8:8-9): rewarded by her character & conduct.

36. 36 13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it. 14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. 13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it. 14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. He says: She says: He loves the sound of her voice: he makes her feel wanted. When she feels wanted by him: she wants him.

37. 37 10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.

38. Conclusion: 2. We see their relationship develop as a series of scenes & stages. The Song’s symmetry enhances its beauty—the story of our love is enhanced when completed. 38

39. 39 THE SONG’S OVERALL SYMMETRY Love’s Story Begins 1:2-2:7 Springtime 2:6-17 Night of Separation 3:1-4 Wedding Day & Night 3:6-5:1 Night of Separation 5:2-7:9 Springtime 7:10-8:4 Love’s Story Complete 8:3-14

40. 40 SYMMETRY OF FIRST & LAST SECTIONS Shulamite, Solomon, Daugthers of Jer. 1:2-4 Brothers, Vineyard, Looks 1:5-6 Her Character & Beauty 1:7-11 Express Longing & Patience 2:6-7; 8:3-4 Love’s Expression 8:5-7 Brothers, Vineyard, Looks 8:11-12 Shulamite, Solomon, Shulamite Friends 8:13-14 Love’s Expression 1:12-2:5 Her Character & Beauty 8:8-10

41. 41

42. 42

43. Conclusion: 3. This poem celebrates loyal steadfast love experienced in marriage. Married love: spontaneous, beautiful, powerful, & exclusive— includes “moments of separation & intimacy, anguish & ecstasy, tension & contentment” (Zondervan NIV Study Bible: 1020) 43

44. Conclusion: 4. God’s gift of married love is a priceless blessing: Changes our character by teaching us to value & serve our mate! Perpetuates the human race in a godly way! Merits praise, celebration, & thanksgiving! 44

45. 45 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.

46. 46 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. 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.

47. 47 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.