Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm
Rev. Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
arod4God@neo.rr.com FACEBOOK: Roderick Grabski
CLASS TWELVE: Poem I: The Bride & The Bridegroom
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Refer to the outline and pages from lesson One for REVIEW.
III. Read / Listen to Song of Solomon 1:1 – 2:7
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
IV. Anticipation is Making Me Wait (vv. 1-4)
a. (vs. 1) Solomon’s finest Song. Ascribes authorship. (1 Kings 4:32; Psalms 72 & 127)
b. (vv. 2-4a) The WOMAN (Bride) singing.
i. We learn in 6:13 that she is the Shulammite. She is anticipating intimacy with her beloved Groom.
ii. The Hebrew words for name (Mv shame) and perfume (Nmv sheh'-men) are similar. Names were thought to capture the essence of a person. Thus, in one of many wordplays verse 3 carries the theme of desire arising out of delight.
iii. Solomon’s attractive qualities are apparent to others and the bride anticipates the wedding night.
c. (vs. 4b) The CHORUS of Women of Jerusalem singing their support.
V. The WOMAN (Bride) Describing Her Situation (vv. 5-7)
a. (vs. 5) Her outward appearance.
b. (vs. 6) The reason for her outward appearance. In 8:10-12 we learn that her family leased this vineyard from Solomon. What does it mean that she has not kept her own vineyard?
c. (vs. 7) She knows Solomon can give her protection from the gaze of the women and her mother and brother’s anger. See 6:10 for Solomon’s description of her.
d. (vs. 7b) In another wordplay, “why” appears in this form only here in the OT. In the Hebrew language, “why should I” has the same consonants as “Solomon.” The original readers might first have thought that is said, “Solomon, I will be like a veiled woman by the flocks.” This is something that playful lovers might say.
i. One who veils herself is most likely an allusion to Tamar’s situation in Genesis 38:14-15. Both woman are not who they appear to be. However, Shulamith doesn’t have to manipulate Solomon into doing the right thing. In 7:7-8 Shulamith is likened to a palm tree, which is tamar in Hebrew.
VI. The MAN (Groom) Responds to the Woman (vv. 8-11)
a. How does Solomon describe his bride?
i. Young goats is literally, female kids, and is used only here in the OT. It likely anticipates the description of her hair in 4:1.
ii. What would a mare do among Pharaoh’s chariots?
iii. Archeological drawings show jewels decorating the bridles of horses.
VII. The Bride and Groom Describe their Sensual Praise (1:12 – 2:7)
a. (1:12-14) The WOMAN (Bride) singing.
i. This section is in chiastic balance with 8:5-7
ii. The phrase “on his couch” or “at his table” could also be translated as “in his realm.” This Hebrew phrase only occurs here and in 1 Kings 6:29 and 2 Kings 23:5. The bride may be having thoughts about her lover while he is away.
iii. En-Gedi was an oasis in the desert.
b. (1:15) The MAN (Groom) sings praise for his bride.
c. (1:16 – 2:1) The WOMAN’S praise for her Groom escalates.
d. (2:2) The MAN (Groom) sings praise for his bride.
e. (2:3-7) The WOMAN prepares to be Received by her Groom
i. Fruit is often a metaphor for speech. (Proverbs 12:14; 13:2; 16:24; 18:20)
ii. (vs. 4) Solomon’s love for Shulamith is clear and public.
iii. (vs. 5) This affirms the intensity of their romantic love.
iv. (vs. 6) This is in the form of a wish.
v. (vs. 7) This verse concludes the first poem. What do you think is the appropriate time?
VIII. Application
a. We should love, cherish, protect, and respect the spouse God has given us. (Genesis 2:24; Ecclesiastes 9:9)
b. Our love to our spouse is expressed verbally and tangibly. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
c. Sexual intimacy within the context of marriage is holy and good. Proverbs 5:15-19
IX. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Poem II: Praise of Her Beloved
Read Song of Solomon 2:8 – 3:5 to prepare.
