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 FOURTEEN: Poem III: In Praise of the Bride
I. ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRAYER CONCERNS
II. Read / Listen to Song of Solomon 3:6 – 5:1
a. What are your initial impressions or questions? Notable translation differences?
III. Solomon Arrives for the Wedding Day (3:6-11)
a. This section sung by a either a narrator or the chorus of young women of Jerusalem.
b. (vs. 6) The word “this” is feminine in Hebrew. The groom coming for his bride offers several allusions: Israel coming out of the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt; Adam and Eve emerging from the wilderness after their disobedience; and Christ coming for His bride, the church.
c. (vv. 7-10) Solomon’s presence is impressive and promising.
i. The promise of security.
ii. The promise of commitment.
d. (vs. 11) The wedding is a public celebration.
IV. The Wedding Night (4:1 – 5:1)
a. In the Hebrew these verses are very sensual and visual.
b. (vv. 1-7) The Groom praises 7 aspects of his Brides body.
c. (vs. 8) The invitation to consummate the marriage.
i. In the Hebrew this is a wordplay. The end of verse 6 (frankincense) and the beginning of verse 7 (You are altogether) sound like “from Lebanon, my bride.” It makes the connection that the bride is the completed one.
d. (vv. 9-11) The husband praises his wife while in the act of lovemaking.
i. “Sister” and “Brother” were terms of endearment in Egyptian love songs and Sumerian love poetry. Here, Solomon implies a bond as close as Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:23).
ii. This section confirms the fact that a certain type of kiss did not originate in France.
e. (vv. 12-15) The husband continues his poetic consummation.
i. Verse 12 praises her virginity.
ii. Verses 13-14 and poetic descriptions of her lower body. Branches are her thighs. Pomegranates are symbols of lovemaking and fertility.
iii. Nard was famous for its aroma. The spices were in the stigmata of the Saffron and when gathered together it resembled a handful of yard. Solomon is giving a visual description.
iv. Verse 15 is an allusion to his wife’s sexual response. (Proverbs 5:15-18)
f. (vs. 16) The bride responds to her husband. Awaken reminds the reader that the restraint of 2:7 and 3:5 is no longer necessary.
g. (5:1a) The husband celebrates the consummation of the marriage.
h. (5:1b) This is the voice of a narrator (possibly God) offering a blessing to the union. Thus concludes Poem III.
V. Application
a. Solomon receiving his bride is a powerful allusion of Christ ultimately receiving His church. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
b. Within the context of Christian marriage, God desires for the husband and wife to know and enjoy each other completely – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. (Ephesians 5:22-33)
VI. Final Comments, Questions. Close in Prayer
Next Week: Poem IV: Frustration & Delight
- Read Song of Solomon 5:2 – 6:3 to prepare.
