Song of Solomon 5:2-6:3

Memory Verse: 6:1

Questions

Outline

I. Exchange Between Beloved and Friends (5:2-16)

* See the wood engraving titled "Historiated Page and Ornamental Border" by F. Fortunat's book "Hochschatzbarer Seelen Ehren Thron". Song of Songs 5 and Psalm 120 are the origin. The left page features an amalgam of Christian imagery, figures, and symbols. In the foreground, Jesus reclines on a throne decorated with the Sacred Heart flanked by four angels bearing shields and swords. In the background to the left, the archangel Michael battles Satan, portrayed as a reptile-like being with human legs. In the upper right corner hangs a painting of the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus. At the top left of the scene, Jesus, the Holy Spirit as a dove, and God the father are stationed in the heavenly clouds looking down on the earth. Two verses from the Old Testament, Song of Solomon 5:2 and Psalm 120:3, caption the image at the bottom of the page. The right page features a German prayer written across an ornamental curtain. It is now in public domain. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>1. What did the king bridegroom say when he came to the door of his lover's room? (2)

* Song of Songs 5:2 "I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My lover is knocking: "Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my flawless one. My head is drenched with dew, my hair with the dampness of the night."

* "I slept but my heart was awake" -Her sleep was light do to an anxious lovesick soul. Love held her captive to semi-consciousness.

* "Listen!" -The exclamation point is placed because ancient Hebrew scribes pressed hard when writing when to show heighten emotional expressions.

* "My lover is knocking" -The gentleman as he was, the king sought her permission to enter. There is no doubt that he wanted to enjoy intimacy and intercourse.

* "Open to me" -He wanted to enter her bedroom in the middle of the night knowing she was alone and they would have an night together.

* "My head is drenched with dew" -The lover had been thinking about them together in intimate pleasures. He was physically aroused.

* "my hair with the dampness of the night" -Passion thoughts heated his body into a sweat until he could not resist being with her.

>How did she react to his almost arrival? (3-4)

* Song of Songs 5:3-4 "I have taken off my robe-- must I put it on again? I have washed my feet-- must I soil them again? My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for him."

* "I have taken off my robe" -She slept naked.

* "must I put it on again" -An objection that is rather ridiculous. Her reply instinctive and impulsive, not reflecting her hearts desire. Her mind had been occupied with thoughts of them being intimate all evening and early night. She wanted nothing more than him to enter her bedroom.

* "I have washed my feet" -Ancient feet wore sandals. Dust and dirt would collect during the day. Washing the feet before entering a bed kept the sheets clean.

* "must I soil them again" -Ancient floors were either dirt, wood, or paved stone if the person was rich enough. Whatever the cover, floors were dirty.

* "thrust his hand through the latch-opening" -The door had a locking mechanism.

* "my heart began to pound for him" -Excitement elevated to a natural God given reaction to anticipated passion.

* "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

* The thought of the king personally coming should excite.

* The Beloved is laying in her bed alone. The Lover is laying in his bed alone. The passionate king and ardent maiden are alone in the middle of the night. She lays in bed unable to enter deep sleep for her heart is awake (2). Her heart listens between pulses. In the silence between throbbing the princess listens for her master.

Thump. Thump. Thump. "Listen! My lover is knocking." (2) The lone beating of her heart is aroused and heated by her lord's thumping. The king wants to come into her room. Her Lover is coming to her chamber.

The king commands his darling, "Open to me." She hears him call her his darling, his dove, and his flawless one. "The Crowned Head is drenched with dew," he explains. Her sovereign's hair is damp with the moisture of the night. The king has been up all night with his soul fixated on his soul mate.

The Beloved is all aflutter and instinctive reactions persuade an unwanted impulse. A foolish complaint overrules her passionate lust and wantonness. "I am naked. Should I put on my robe?" (3)

The Lover thrust his hand into the latch-opening. (4) He has entered her chamber, but not as ambition craves. The king fingers the lock. The countess's heart pounds hard for him. She yearns for her gentleman to succeed in opening her door.

"An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips." (Proverbs 24:26). The young maiden spoke to her lover. She was not silent as before (chapter 2). However, her protest was not sincere. She did not speak her mind. She was not respectful. For a man and woman united as one it is wise to "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." (Psalm 34:13)

>What does Jesus say to us as we wait for him? (Matthew 24:42-44, 25:7-13; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 12:35-40)

* Matthew 24:42-44 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

* Matthew 25:7-13 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

* Mark 13:32-37 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

* Luke 12:35-40 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

>2. When she opened the door was her bridegroom there?

* Song of Songs 5:5-6 "I arose to open for my lover, and my hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with flowing myrrh, on the handles of the lock. I opened for my lover, but my lover had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure. I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer."

* "I arose to open for my lover" -After hesitating she acted when she saw her lover's persistence.

* "my hands dripped with myrrh" -She had dipped her hand in a basin of myrrh.

* "my fingers with flowing myrrh" -She did not spare nor put the myrrh on lightly.

* The passage hints that she lotion her body with fragrant perfume and not her robe. She remained naked.

* "on the handles of the lock" -The myrrh was transferred to the door's latch and lock.

* "I opened for my lover" -Her true hearts desire was revealed. She wanted to spend the night with him in sexual intimacy.

* "my lover had left; he was gone" -The king's initial impulse was to knock. He truly believed and hoped she should open the door for him. She did not. Then he tried to force his way in, and impulse that he stopped. His gentleman character would not allow himself to force himself when she protested. He left her alone because that is what she seemed to indicate.

* See the wood engraving titled "When my Beloved Spoke" by Hugo, Herman (1588-1629) from the book "Him Lische Nachtigall". The quote at the bottom is "My soul failed me when he spoke" (Song of Songs 5:6; RSV). The engraver's name, Melchior Kusell, is located in the bottom right corner and the monogram of the artist (SL) is at the lower left. It is now in public domain. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>How did she feel?

* "My heart sank at his departure" -She was sad not only because he left, but because she hesitated.

* "I looked for him but did not find him" -Love drove her to look for him. She hoped the night's passion could be recaptured.

* "I called him but he did not answer" -A beautiful young lady being vocal at night was unusual and not wise, even in a walled city like Jerusalem.

* The maiden arose to open it so her lord could enter (5). Love's eager imagination lavishly lotion her body. Passion's hand dripped with myrrh. Excitement's fingers flowed with myrrh. Myrrh on the handles of the bolt on the lock.

The Beloved expecting excitement opened for her Lover. She had asked if she should put on her rob (3). He had not answered. She had not put on her rob. "I opened for my lover, but my lover had left." He was gone.

The pounding heart of the princess sank at his departure (6). Darkness closed the room to loathsomeness. Her heart had gone out to him. She presented to her king too late. He had gone.

The duchess anxiously sought her king. She called for him and called for him. He did not answer. She looked for him and looked for him. She could not find him.

She summoned the watchman as before. The guards who go about the city found her. They did not assist. They turned on her. They beat her. They bruised her. They took her cloak. The sentinels on the walls (7).

The Beloved questioned the daughters of Jerusalem, "I charge you if you find my lover, what will you tell him?" The maiden is ashamed. Her soul discretion is that she is faint with love. "Tell him I am lovesick."

"All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away." (Ps 38:9-11)

"My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness." (Isaiah 26:9)

>How does Jesus assure us even though he had departed this world? (John 16:19-24)

* John 16:19-24 "Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

* When Jesus left he told his beloved disciples that he would give them the Holy Spirit, the Counselor until he returns. He promised them he would return.

>3. When the bridegroom was away what did the watchmen do to the bride? (7)

* Song of Songs 5:7 "The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. They beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls!"

* "The watchmen" -The same watchmen in 3:3.

* "They beat me,they bruised me" -The same watchmen who were suppose to protect the citizen's were guilty crimes against them.

* "they took away my cloak" -They were selfish thieves.

* "those watchmen of the walls!" -Her discuss is presented.

* Human sinful selfish nature is prone to harming others for selfish gain.

>How is this the same with us now that Jesus is gone? (John 17:11-15; Matthew 10:21-23, 24:9)

* Matthew 10:21-23 "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes."

* Matthew 24:9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me."

* John 17:11-15 "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."

* God had left Israel with leaders who were suppose to serve his people. Almost none did. Instead they harmed them. Jesus' repeated denouncement of the religious leaders was selfish motives in everything they did at the cost of those they were suppose to serve.

* Jesus left his congregation, his church with leaders who are suppose to serve his people. Many do not.

* See the wood engraving titled "The Love of God" by Hugo, Herman (1588-1629) from the book "Him Lische Nachtigall". The quote at the bottom is "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him I am sick with love" (Song of Songs 5:8; RSV). It is now in public domain. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>What does it mean to be faint with love?

* Song of Songs 5:8 "O daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you-- if you find my lover, what will you tell him? Tell him I am faint with love."

* "O daughters of Jerusalem" -A phrase meaning the unmarried young women who are thus still daughters and connected to their father's care. They are pure longing for the day they marry and handsome young lad.

* "I charge you" -A command.

* "if you find my lover" -They were not necessarily looking for him. This is to say if they came across his path.

* "what will you tell him" -The young maidens found her beaten, bruised, and naked.

* "Tell him I am faint with love" -The human soul consist of our heart, mind, and emotions. They are intertwined. The human spirit, that which the Apostle John describes as the "light of men" is not part of the human soul though it is connected to it. Our emotions affect our physical body. This cannot be completely avoided nor controlled even if one tried to suppress their emotions. Love is a powerful emotion. When combined with sadness and regret it makes the physical body feel as if we are sick. The emotion has overpowered the physical. Saying that someone is faint-hearted means that it is an extreme or very unusual example of its kind.

* This phrase is similar to the repeated phrose in the Song, "Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" which marks a transition associated with intimacy between the Lover and Beloved. As a unique transition the Beloved's charge testifies to restraint and self-control.

>4. What did the friends of the bride want to know? (9)

* Song of Songs 5:9 "(Friends) How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women? How is your beloved better than others, that you charge us so?"

* "How is your beloved better than others... How is your beloved better than others" -Repeated twice as reinforcing the truth. This is the third time a phrase is repeated in the same sentence.

* "that you charge us so" -They were offended that she gave her a mission, a command.

* The daughters of Jerusalem where her friends. However, they needed a reason to do as she said.

>How does this help us understand preaching the gospel? (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

* 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

* Passages and books of the Bible often have at least 3 layers of meaning and application. The first is the surface meaning; that is the theme apparent. The second is personal and/or social practical and constructive corporeal application. The third is a spiritual meaning. The spiritual is the revelation of truths about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, God's interactions with mankind, and spiritual truths about mankind.

The Song of Songs is a magnificent, ingenious, and artful construction of the three layers.

The first layer, the surface and theme apparent layer is a poetic masterpiece that presents a romantic and sexual matinee between a man and woman in love.

The second layer, the corporeal application is life lessons about the best ways a man and woman should interact together when they first meet, get to know one another, court, and become engaged.

The third layer, the spiritual is the relationship between Jesus and those who have fallen in love with him (his congregation, his church). Jesus often referred to himself as the bridegroom in parables and his second coming as a wedding ceremony.

Verse 9 first layer are two questions from the daughters of Jerusalem directed at the Beloved, the maiden. They ask how is her beloved better than others? Then they ask it a second time. The first time they clearly state that she is the most beautiful of women. The second time they ask for a reason why she is giving them commands, especially since she is a foreigner. The friends' question provides an opportunity for the beloved to describe the beauty of her lover - which she does only here in the following verses.

The second layer, the corporeal application is how a woman should talk publicly about the one they love (whether a boyfriend, a fiancee, or a husband) and why they are in a romantic relationship with him. They should be ready to give positive and supportive reasons why they are in a relationship with a man and how to describe their man for such questions will come.

The third layer, the spiritual is a person should have a good reason and answer to questions about why they love Jesus, believe in him, and have faith and hope in him. When we speak to others about Jesus such as the maiden did about her lover, we need to be ready to respond to their whys. "Why is Jesus and his teachings better than others?" "Why do you want me to have a relationship with Jesus; to have faith and hope in him?"

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16)

* Many Christians are afraid to share with others about their faith in Jesus. The fear is multifold. Yet, the most common fear is that they wouldn't know how to answer to their questions when they speak to them about Jesus. If you are one of them, then I suggest you begin meditating on these very questions. Think about who Jesus is to you, what he has done and is doing for you, and what he promises. Consider the magnificence of Jesus.

* If you do now know why Jesus is important to you, research your mind and heart. Ask the Spirit to reveal Jesus to you. This is a life long pursuit.

* See the wood engraving titled "Song of Songs" from "Bible, English Selections" (1796). The hieroglyphical Bible was for the amusement and instruction of children. Each page has illustrations to replace major topical items in the passage. In this case, a raven, a pair of doves, and water illustrates the beauty of the male beloved. It is now in public domain. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>5. How did the bride describe her lover's head? (10-11)

* Song of Songs 5:10-11 "(Beloved) My lover is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven."

* "My lover is radiant and ruddy" -This is a general description of his entire body. "Radiant" in the original Hebrew is "sah" translated into English as radiant, white, clear, and dazzling. "Ruddy" in the original Hebrew is "adom" translated into English as ruddy and red. It refers to a fresh vibrant complexion.

* "outstanding among ten thousand" -A common Hebrew phrase meaning more than can be counted.

* "His head is purest gold" -Pure gold holds many unique properties among minerals. It cannot be tarnished, stained, nor dulled. Pure gold does not lose its lackluster for eternity. Pure polished gold reflects all light.

* "his hair is wavy and black as a raven" -His hair was definitely long. The raven's feathers reflect no light. They absorb all light and thus are black.

* The contrast in the description of the king does not include colors. He is brilliant light and deep dark.

>His face? (12-13)

* Song of Songs 5:12-13 "His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. 13 His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh."

* "His eyes are like doves by the water streams" -The sclera does not show red vines. They are as white as a dove's feather. Pure white scleras are a sign of excellent health. Doves by streams of water portray peace and contentment. Such is how she felt when looking into his eyes. They sparkle.

* "washed in milk" -The sclear is pure white.

* "mounted like jewels" -His eyes stand out on his face. The Iris is an attractive color and the pupil are pitch black.

* "His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume" -The appearance of his cheeks portrays sensuous effects to the physical and emotional senses.

* "His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh" -His lips arrouse passion and excitment. They are a lure to and indulging in physical touch.

* God created woman so that she was very appealing to Adam. God created Adam so that he was very appealing to Eve. Physical appeal is natural.

>His torso and legs? (14-15)

* Song of Songs 5:14-15 "His arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite. His body is like polished ivory decorated with sapphires. His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars."

* "His arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite" -Chrysolite is a rare semi-transparent gem that is present it meteors. The gem may have color depending on impurities present. The translucent nature is brilliant.

* "His body is like polished ivory decorated with sapphires" -"Body" in the original Hebrew is "meeh" translated body, belly, torsol, chest, and belly. Ivory in can be pure white, though some are tan-white.

* "His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold" -Marble is a natural metamorphic rock compose of recrystalized barbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. These veins in marble are formed by crystallized minerals deposited by water that ran through the stone and evaporated. Because different types of minerals are left in the stone during this process, veining can come in all different colors.

* "His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars." -Majestic.

* The Beloved's describes her Lover to the daughters of Jerusalem for they had asked, "How is your beloved better than others..." (9)

The King is radiant (dazzling; sunny-bright) and ruddy (rosy; flush) (10). When he is in a very large crowd, ten thousand or more he stands out as the best; distinguished, dominant, and excellent. His face is aglow with brilliance, warmth, and love.

The Monarch's head is the purest gold (11). His head is holy and refined. The Sovereign's hair is wavy and black as a raven. The contrast between his radiant face and dark hair is like an x-ray film lit up from behind. Her heart's eyes are drawing and fixated on his facial magnificent brilliance.

The Emperor's eyes are a wonder. They are as peaceful and gentle as doves by water streams flowing from springs (12). They are pure white. His eyes are like jewels mounted. His pupils are like jewels mounted. His eyes are washed in milk.

The Potentate's cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume (12). The fragrance tickles the nose and awakens the sinuses. His checks are a garden that produces scented herbs. The King's lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. His lips sweetly heal and soothe.

The Sovereign's arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite (13). His arms are strong and incorruptible. They will never stain, fade, or tarnish. They are like a gem that radiates and reflects brilliant light. The King's torso is like polished ivory. His chest and belly are pure smooth tan-white, a carved masterpiece of manhood decorated with sapphires.

The Lover's legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold (15). His lower limbs are eternal brilliance carved from calcite crystals eternally locked together in dazzling puzzle pieces. They are alabaster monuments on incorruptible feet.

All together the King's appearance is the highest majesty. He splendidly towers overall like Lebanon, choice as its cedars (15) capturing the gaze of all.

"On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:10-18)

>How is the risen Jesus described? (Matthew 17:1-2; Mark 9:2-3; Luke 9:28-29; Revelation 1:12-16, 4:2-3)

* Matthew 17:1-2 "After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light."

* Mark 9:2-3 "After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them."

* Luke 9:28-29 "About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning."

* Revelation 1:12-16 "I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."

* Revelation 4:2-3 "At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne."

* Daniel 7:9 "As I looked, "thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."

* Daniel 7:13-14 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

* Oh to be in the presence of the KING again.

>6. How is the bridegrooms mouth described?

* Song of Songs 5:16 "His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."

* "His mouth is sweetness itself" -The appearance of his lips, teeth, and tongue as well as the physical taste when kissing is implied. Also, the words he speaks are also implied.

* "he is altogether lovely" -From head to toe he is handsome.

* "This is my lover, this my friend" -The queen experiences him not only as a lover, but also as a friend. They share all aspects of life in all ways possible. They share all. Their commitment to one another is based on love, truth, trust, faith, intimacy, action, exclusivity, hope, God, and his truth. Their friendship is an exchange of love expressed in words of affection, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

* "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

>How is Jesus' mouth powerful and sweet?

* The Beloved maiden finishes her praise of her Lover king with one final thought. His mouth is sweetness itself (16). Not only are his lips and teeth of perfect proportion and color; but his smile projects warmth, compassion, and deep maturity. From the king's mouth flows wise loving truth. They are sweeter than choice fruit and more sustaining than meat and potatoes.

The countess willfully sits at his feet and listens to him. She grows faint when he speaks to her. Her heart warms. She surrenders to his articulate tongue.

The master is altogether lovely. From head to toes he is a delight. The enchanted lady's confession is that her lord is her lover and her friend. No one knows her as he does. She gives her whole being; her heart and body to him.

"'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,' Simon Peter answered Jesus." (John 6:68)

"In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance." (Rev. 1:16)" "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Heb. 4:12). "These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword." (Rev. 2:12)

"When Jesus said, 'I am he,' they drew back and fell to the ground." (John 18:6)

II. Exchange Between Beloved and Friends (6:1-3)

* See the wood engraving titled "About the Watchfulness of the Mind (Part II)" by Luiken, Jan (1649-1712) from the book "Jezus en de ziel". The Soul lies on the ground asleep while holding up a heart with a watchful eye. Jesus, wearing an aureole, walks past her and looks at her. The Dutch artist and poet, Jan Luiken was responsible for drawing and etching this emblem and composing the poem that accompanies it. The poem,

"The Soul resting from all external abundance,
keeps watch with the heart's internal eye.
Though I appear dead before the world,
And cut off from life,
Oh no! Oh no! that is no agony,
I sleep in my external limbs.
I rest from all the earthly action,
From all worldly riches
And pleasure, for the animal body,
From abundance and images;
Thus I sleep, but my heart keeps watch,
For God and Godlike things,
So that if the Lord approaches me,
He will not find me slumbering.
I sleep, but the eye of my heart
Is always open and elevated,
And sees in God the eternal good,
The eternal light, and eternal life.
Oh! yes my flesh continues sleeping so,
And sinks still deeper into forgetfulness,
Of all that does not belong in the heart,
And that the Spirit should not know.
Alas! would with me the world be dead,
In an oblivion of sins!
The entire human race would be deified,
And the true life would be found.
God's Answer:
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:41).
It is now in public domain. Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.

>7. What had the bride enticed her friends to do? (1)

* Song of Songs 6:1 "(Friends) Where has your lover gone, most beautiful of women? Which way did your lover turn, that we may look for him with you?"

* "Where has your lover gone" -He was not with her.

* "Which way did your lover turn" -They acknowledge that she loved him and he loved her.

* "that we may look for him with you" -After such a great description they wanted to find him too. They completely understood why she was looking even though the watchmen had attacked her.

* The question is a transition from the beloved's description of the lover to her delighted acknowledgment of his intimacy with her and the exclusiveness of their relationship. (NIV Study Bible)

>Where was her lover? (2-3)

* Song of Songs 6:2-3 "(Beloved) My lover has gone down to his garden, to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies. I am my lover's and my lover is mine; he browses among the lilies."

* "My lover has gone down to his garden" -The beloved was his garden. He has gone to her for enjoyment and pleasure.

* "browse" -The king was slowly and meticulously enjoying interaction with her verbally and physically.

* "gathering lilies" -She is his garden and each lily is enjoyed intimacies with the beloved. He is compared to a gazelle or a deer nibbling from lily to lily, enjoying exotic delicacies.

* "to browse in the gardens and to gather lilies... he browses among the lilies" -The repetition is to stress the truth" This is the fourth time repeting a phrase is used.

* "I am my lover's and my lover is mine" -They are completely commited to each other. They were exclusive. 2:16 is the same except the roles are reversed. Here her submission to him is emphasized.

* The Lover king and his Beloved maiden are together in intimacy delight. She is his garden of lilies (2). He has gone down to his garden. She is his garden of spices. He is experiencing the princess's sensuous attractions.

The master is browsing in the gardens and gathering lilies. He is a graceful gazelle nibling from lily to lily in undisturbed enjoyment of exotic delicacies. She is drawn into another world of love, bliss, peace, and contentment.

The duchess Beloved is his (3). She willingly and happily submits to him. She opens her soul and body as he gathers her lilies.

The king Lover is hers (3). He willingly and happily commands and dominates her. He opens his soul and body as he gathers her lilies.

The Spirit binds them. They are dancing cord of three. They are not easily broken. Stretch and twist bind them tighter together. They are one. She is her lover's and her lover is hers (3). They are one flesh.

"But for man no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." (Genesis 2:20-24)

The garden of spices. The field of lilies.

* This is one of the most exotic example of sexual interaction in the Song.

* The Bible clearly honors and celebrates sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who have made a commitment to each other and to God as a couple.

>What wisdom can be gained from this study concerning our gospel work?

* Jesus is the king. Those who love him will naturally be dedicated to invite others to seek him. In doing so we need to clearly express how and why we love Jesus. We need to share are personal experiences with him and all that he has done in and for us. We should continually seek Jesus. Jesus is our lover. Is there passion in your heart for Jesus?