Song of Solomon 1:12

TEXT 1:122:7
SHULAMMITE: NARRATION TO COURT LADIES 1:122:7

a. Explanation of her Situation Song of Solomon 1:12

12

While the King sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:12

37.

Why is the King at his table?

38.

Why is it the maiden is perfumed with spikenard?

PARAPHRASE 1:12

12

While the King reclines in the circle of his friends, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance.

COMMENT 1:12

Exegesis Song of Solomon 1:12

The King has made all the provisions necessary for the contemplated weddingor entrance into his harem. The prospective bride (or mistress) is bathed and perfumed with the rare and expensive fragrance of spikenard such as those used in Oriental courts. Such perfume was made from a plant grown in India and was imported for this purpose. Even as she speaks she can catch the impact of her wedding preparations through her olfactory sense.

If Solomon set his table for this maid as he did at other occasions this must have been an impressive feast. Read 1 Kings 4:22-27; 1 Kings 10:21 to visualize Solomon's menu. Read also Mark 14:3 for a reference to the same perfume lavished upon our Lord by a woman in Bethany whose name was Mary. Cf. John 12:3. The fragrance filled the roomat Bethany as it did at the table of Solomon.

Marriage Song of Solomon 1:12

At least Solomon was aware of the need to pay attention to the person of his prospective bride. It was much more important to her than to him. He could love one more wife without perfumebut she would not be as responsive to him. We must first of all make it very clear that we love the person of our wife before we make any identity with her body. But it is important that she know we want her total self. The atmosphere is almost as important as the action to our wife.

Communion Song of Solomon 1:12

I have thought a number of times that the perfume of the scripture could accompany our reading and meditation on His word and could of themselves contribute an atmosphere of peace and relaxation necessary to total concentration. We are not suggesting such is essential but we are saying the environment of meditation and memorization is important. While the prince of this earth reclines with his friends shall we enjoy the fragrance of His presence?

FACT QUESTIONS 1:12

60.

What is meant by the phraseWhile the King reclineth at his table?

61.

Why was the Shulammite wearing perfume? Tell what you know of the spikenard here mentioned.

62.

Solomon did know something of the needs of women. Discuss.

63.

How can we apply this verse to marriage today? What is so important about atmosphere? Discuss.

64.

Do you accept the suggestion that place and circumstances are important to our study of His word? Discuss.