Song of Songs 7—8: Love for a Lifetime
"LET'S PRETEND WE'RE married—oh, all night." This is love according to Prince. Popular songs tell us what love is. Jewelry advertisers tell us what love is. Movies show us what love is. Yet the definitions that popular culture gives us leave us empty— unfulfilled. The NIV Student Bible refers to the Song of Songs as "a poem about love the way it's meant to be." In this sense it shows us love as God envisions it, not as we usually see it.
Warming Up to God
When are you likely to be led astray by the media's depictions of love?
Read Song of Songs 7—8. »
Discovering the Word
- The lover offers his beloved praise in exquisite detail in 7:1-9. What does this reveal about their love?
- In 7:10 we see another variation of the refrain of 2:16 and 6:3. What truth about love and desire do you find here?
- How does sexual love within a marriage involve discoveries "both new and old" (7:13) that a one-night stand does not?
- The language of 8:6-7 is rich and beautiful. What qualities of love are named?
- How are these qualities unique to the long-term commitment of marriage?
- In what ways does marriage require a willingness to give one's self to your partner (8:12)?
Applying the Word
- When is it difficult for you to surrender yourself to those who love you?
- When is it difficult for you to surrender to God's love for you?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you responsive to his unending love for you.
For Further Study
Old Testament Theology by Paul R. House