Song of Songs 1—2: Created for Love
DO YOU REMEMBER the first time you read the Song of Songs? Perhaps you were in junior high, flipping through your Bible during a boring sermon. You were probably surprised by the explicit language and sensual images. The Song of Songs is a celebration of married love that includes open dialogue about physical love. It's an important part of the picture of married love as God created it to be.
Warming Up to God
Have you ever talked to God about how you feel about your sexual nature? Let him know of any apprehensions or positive feelings you have as you begin this book.
Read Song of Songs 1—2. »
Discovering the Word
- What sense do you get from this passage about how the "Beloved" and the "Lover" regard one another?
- What images do they use to describe one another (1:3, 7, 9, 10, 12-14, 15; 2:2, 3, 8-9)?
- What do these word pictures reflect about the nature of their relationship?
- What fears and insecurities does the beloved reveal (1:3-4, 5-7)?
- In 1:8 how do the friends pick up on the beloved's imagery and reassure her?
- How does the lover reassure her (1:9-11)?
Applying the Word
- Why is it important to have supportive friends involved in a marriage relationship?
- How does knowing that the Song of Songs is included in Scripture affect your view of married relationships?
Responding in Prayer
Reflect on your own sexuality and how you respond to this picture of passionate physical love. Talk to God about how you are feeling.
For Further Study
The Song of Solomon by G. Lloyd Carr