Song of Solomon 1:15-17

TEXT 1:152:6

c.

Description of a conversation between the Shepherd and the Shepherdess, Song of Solomon 1:15 to Song of Solomon 2:6.

Dialogue: Shepherd, Song of Solomon 1:15

15. Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold thou art fair; thine eyes are as doves.

Shulammite, Song of Solomon 1:16 to Song of Solomon 2:1

16. Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea pleasant: also, our couch is green. 17. The beams of our house are cedars, and our rafters are firs. Song of Solomon 2:1. I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:152:6

43.

Are we to conclude that the shepherd has made an actual appearance? Discuss.

44.

The words of the shepherd are so important to the shepherdess that she has remembered them verbatimis this the thought?

45.

In what particular manner were the eyes of the Shulammite like doves?

46.

How is the term pleasant used in Song of Solomon 1:16?

47.

Where was the green couch?

48.

The description of beams and rafters is poeticwhat is actually involved?

49.

In the context the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley is in reference to the maiden. Why is it so often applied to our Lord? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 1:152:1

Dialogue: Shepherd, Song of Solomon 1:15

15.

Lo, thou art fair, O my companion!

Lo, thou art fair, thine eyes are dove-like!

Shulammite, Song of Solomon 1:16Song of Solomon 2:1

16.

No, thou art the fair and pleasing one, my beloved, See, our couch is green;

17.

The beams of our apartments are of cedar, and our rafters of cypress.

Song of Solomon 2:1

I am but a wild flower of the Sharon plain, a common anemone of the valleys.

COMMENT 1:152:1

Exegesis Song of Solomon 1:15 to Song of Solomon 2:1

The shepherd speaks again of his rapture in the presence of his bride. Actually all of this dialogue is but a soliloquy on the part of the bride. She in imagination hears him say these words to her. Perhaps she had heard them often before so it was easy to repeat them. Constant companionship is a large part of courting. As he once again looked into the eyes of his beloved he sees in their open, transparent, soft expression something similar to what he often observed in the eyes of a dove. The total impression of the dove is included in the comparison. The altertness, the quick perception, the softness are all involved in what he sees. Doves are thought of as emblematic of gentleness and guilelessness (Matthew 10:16). They are noted also for constancy, having but one mate for life, and are said to mourn when the mate is absent. (Clarke)

The bride reciprocates, she says in effect, you are the fair one. The term fair refers to physical appearance, she adds a wordnot only are you acceptable to the eyesyour personality is most pleasing. Both the outward and the inward view are a source of happiness. In her heart, the green couch of the woodland is much to be desired over the luxuriant divans in Solomon's palace. In but recent days they had sat together and shared the communion of lovers.

To the Shulammite's poetic fancy the interlacing boughs of cedar and cypress trees formed overhead the ceiling of -their-' house. It is no uncommon thing for lovers to dream of their future house. She may be intentionally suggesting a contrast with the splendors of Solomon's grand house (1 Kings 7:1 ff). House (-houses-' the Hebrew plural of excellence). The thrice repeated -ours-' shows a sweet consciousness of a shared possession. (Clarke)

We should ignore the chapter divisions. The bride is still speakingshe considers herself as but a wild flower. She identifies herself with one of the two most common flower varieties. The rose of the plain of Sharon was most probably a narcissus or meadow saffron.

The term lily is used six times in this bookSong of Solomon 2:1-2; Song of Solomon 2:16; Song of Solomon 4:5; Song of Solomon 5:13; Song of Solomon 6:2-3; Song of Solomon 7:2. It most likely refers to the scarlet anemone which grows in such profusion in several places in Samaria and Galilee. Matthew 6:28 seems to be a reference to sucha lily.

A not too covert comparison is being made in such a reference. She is sayingHow could you find me among the many maidens of the village?I am so small and ordinary.

Marriage Song of Solomon 1:15 to Song of Solomon 2:1

Our wife will never know how she appears in our eyes unless we tell her! Our compliments must not only be sincere but distinctively individual. If your wife's eyes do not look like those of a dove do not use this as a compliment. There is indeed a metaphor or simile especially applicable to her. You can be sure your wife will respond very much like the Shulammiteshe hardly knows how to handle it, except that she is pleased and returns the compliment. Once again, we must be reminded that environment is so important to our wife. She does not remember your kisses only, but also the green couch and the beautiful ceiling where they were given. As much as at all possible we should prepare the place for her. Comfort, and natural beauty are a much more meaningful gift than a multitude of things which many times have no personal meaning.
So many wives have a very low self-imagethey want to believe they are indeed the fair one in the eyes of their husbands, but many times they feel much more like a very ordinary rose among ten thousand more on the wide plain of Sharon; or like a humble lily hidden away in a valley. How fondly do they hope someone will notice them and lift them out of obscurity and anonymity. Each person has an important identity of themselves but your wife to a large extent has her identity with you and of you. The person who cannot appreciate another will themselves fail to be appreciated.

Communion Song of Solomon 1:15 to Song of Solomon 2:1

We believe the words of these verses can have a wonderful meaning for the believer and his Lord. Can we imagine our Lord speaking of us in the words of Song of Solomon 1:15?Lo, thou art fair, O my companion! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, when our Lord considers us as justified, sanctified, redeemed, adopted, saved, are indeed fair. It is an imputed beautybut a beauty none-the-less.

That He would condescend to be our companion is a wonder of all wonders. As we abide in Him and with Him does He see in our eyes the dove-like quality of trust and purity and fidelity? The eyes are the windows of the soulwhat would it be to have Him look fully into our eyes? He does, He is! Companionship with Him can allow the dove within us i.e., the Other Comforter to develop His life within ussome-day it will be no longer self who looks out of this house but heaven's dove.
It is easy for us to lavish praise upon Himwe are quick to return the compliment and at the same time we are humbled by His attention to us. Our beloved is indeed fair and pleasant. We read of His beauty in the gospel accounts and find it true in our experience. He is not only fair to observe but pleasant to live with. We offer no sensual association in our communion with our Lord, for He is Spirit and not flesh and bones. We feel none-the-less a strong attachment to Him and count the times and places of deep communion and meditation as a trysting place of love. As the maiden remembers her house which became our house, we can remember many occasions and places we could call Bethel i.e., the house of God and the gate of heaven.
All of this for one who is but a poor rose and unnoticed lily!

FACT QUESTIONS 1:152:1

69.

Did the shepherd ever actually say what is attributed to him in Song of Solomon 1:15?

70.

In what way were the eyes of the maid dove-like?

71.

Doves are emblematic of what?

72.

What is meant by the term fair as used here?

73.

Why add the term pleasant to the description of the shepherd?

74.

Where and what was the green couch?

75.

To what does she refer in reference to the cedar and cypress?

76.

How is the terms rose of Sharon and lily of the valley used?

77.

Should we make up compliments for our wives? Discuss.

78.

In our attendance to our wife what is she the most likely to remember?

79.

Do some wives have the wrong self-image? What should we do to help? Discuss.

80.

Can we really imagine our Lord describing us as in Song of Solomon 1:15? Discuss.

81.

What happens when we are willing to have our Lord as our constant companion?

82.

How is our beloved both fair and pleasant? Discuss.

83.

Have we exaggerated the comparison in our discussion of Song of Solomon 1:16-17 as related to the communion of the Holy Spirit? Discuss.

TEXT 2:22:7

Dialogue: Shepherd Song of Solomon 2:2

Song of Solomon 2:2. Like a lily among the thorns, so is my darling among the maidens.

Shulammite, Song of Solomon 2:3 a

Song of Solomon 2:3 a. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men.

Aside to Court Ladies, Song of Solomon 2:3 b - Song of Solomon 2:4

Song of Solomon 2:3 b. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4. He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.

Appeal to Court Ladies, Song of Solomon 2:5-6

5. Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, because I am lovesick. 6. Let his left hand be under my head and his right hand embrace me.

Adjuration to Court Ladies, Song of Solomon 2:7 (first)

7. I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, that you will not arouse or awaken my love, until she pleases.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 2:2-7

50.

The shepherd accepts his bride's estimate of herself but turns it to her advantage. Why? Was it true?

51.

The shepherd is compared to an apple treedo apples grow in the Holy Land? What is meant by the comparison to the other trees?

52.

Two thoughts seem prominent in 3b. What are they?

53.

What type of banquet house could a humble shepherd afford? What kind of meal would be served?

54.

How is the term banner used? (What was the purpose of the banner? This is the crucial question).

55.

The maiden is in distress as stated in verse five. What is her problem and what assistance does she suggest?

56.

How does verse six relate to verse five?i.e., does verse six offer a solution to the maid's problem as stated in verse five?

57.

Verse seven is repeated twice more in the text (cf. Song of Solomon 3:5 and Song of Solomon 8:4). Please attempt an interpretation of your own. Is there any application in this for us? Discuss.

PARAPHRASE 2:2-7

Dialogue: Shepherd Song of Solomon 2:2

2.

As an anemone growing among brambles

so is my companions among the maidens.

Shulammite Song of Solomon 2:3 a

3(a)

As a citron tree among the trees of the forest,

So is my beloved among the young men.

Shulammite to Court Ladies Song of Solomon 2:3 b - Song of Solomon 2:4

3(b)

In his shade I delight to sit down,

And his fruit is sweet to my taste.

4.

He has brought me into his banqueting house,

And his banner waving over me is inscribed, love.

5.

Sustain me with raisin-cakes,

Refresh me with citrons,
For I am lovesick.

6.

Oh, that his left hand were under my head,

And his right hand supporting me!

Adjuration to Court Ladies Song of Solomon 2:7 (first)

7.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

By the gazelles and the hinds of the field
That ye arouse not nor stir up love
Until itself is pleased to awaken.

COMMENT 2:2-7

Exegesis Song of Solomon 2:2-7

The shepherd picks up the figure used by the Shulammite and once again turns it to her advantage. He says in essence: You are indeed a lily or flower but compared to those among whom you live you are like a lovely bloom among brambles. He could be emphasizing the jealousy engendered by her beauty in his reference to thorns or brambles.
The word translated apple in the American Standard version is much better thought of as a citron tree. Apples do not grow well in the Holy Land. An orange tree seems to fit the description perfectly. Such a tree with its evergreen heavy foliage and golden fruit would indeed stand out amid the cypress, fir or cedar trees. Among the other young men so did her beloved stand out. It might be of import to notice the contrast: she is a flower, he is a tree. This is a subtle compliment on her part.
It is so refreshing to contemplate the transparent sincerity of this country lass in the affluence of Solomon's palace. She turns to the women of the harem, and with the direct simplicity of youth she describes her relationship to the shepherd. In contrast to the trees with no fruit is my beloved who offers fruit and shade. The orange tree blossoms and bears fruit at the same time. Refreshment and rest amid lovely fragrance are both offered by my beloved. She takes great delight in his presence and is satisfied with what he offers her of himself.

The maiden is in the banquet room of Solomonbut she much prefers the banquet hall of her beloved. And just what would that be? A humble, but beautiful vine arbor in the midst of the vineyards. Read 1 Kings 4:7; 1 Kings 4:22-23; 1 Kings 10:21, for a description of the gold vessels Solomon used in his feasts. A canopy was often spread above the host and principle guests at a feast and richly decorated according to the means of the former. (Clarke) Perhaps this is the banner referred to by the maid. It could be that banner is to be thought of as a standard of protection such as those used in battle. Cf. Numbers 1:52; Numbers 5:10; Numbers 6:4; Numbers 6:10; Numbers 10:14; Numbers 10:18; Numbers 10:23; Numbers 10:25. It was a rallying-point and guide to give encouragement and confidence to those on a weary march or those amid extreme conflict. So the bride, transplanted from her lowly station to new scenes of unwanted splendor, finds support and safety in the known attachment she has with her beloved. (Cook)

Are we to imagine that this bride-to-be is actually physically ill from her loss of her loved one? It is possibleshe has lost her appetite and has not eatenshe is weak and in need of refreshment. Sustain me with raisin-cakes, refresh me with citrons, for I am lovesick. There was someone else who was sustained by raisin-cakesread 1 Samuel 30:12 to find out who it was. Orange blossoms were once used in the East to revive the bridemuch like we would use smelling salts. It is from this custom that orange blossoms have been associated with marriage. It would seem that Solomon and his court and courting made her weak and sick but not of love.

As we attempt an understanding of verse six it would seem difficult to imagine a posture for the maiden and her lover in which his left hand could be under her head and his right hand supporting her unless they were lying down. This is an obvious reference to the intimate embrace of the marriage bed, it is repeated in Song of Solomon 8:3. With this kind of total involvement in the mind of the maid, Solomon has but a superficial interest for her.

The seventh verse is most interesting inasmuch as it is repeated in Song of Solomon 3:5 and Song of Solomon 8:4. It seems to be a faithful axiom to which we should give heed. What does it say? It is an adjuration that no attempt to kindle love by unworthy means should be made, for true love awakens spontaneously. It should owe nothing to improper stimulation by others, but be as free and unfettered as the life of the gentle creatures here mentioned. (Clarke) It would seem the ladies of the court were attempting to get her to accept the affections of the King much as they had. No doubt those members of the harem were quite proficient in the art of sex stimulation. Where such desires are aroused apart from the person for whom they are reserved disappointment and frustration is the inevitable result. Genuine love is a shy and gentle affection which dreads intrusion and scrutiny (here the reference to the gazelles and hinds, shy and timid creatures) but dangerous in its strength and vehemence, if heedlessly awakenedas strong as death and as cruel as the grave (Song of Solomon 8:4-5). Be shy of love, lest, like the silly fawn that runs to look the lion in the face, one heedless gaze betray thee to thy death. (Cook)

Marriage Song of Solomon 2:2-7

How could we possibly find a more practical passage for present day marriage relationship? Believe it or not you could never, never tell your wife often enough that she is the fairest of women to you. (Of course, she must have been or you would not have made her your choice.) If we look closely she will become more fair each passing day. But she will never know it until we express itand with evident feeling! Once we convince our wife that she is indeed in our eyes all we say she is we shall not wait long for a reciprocal response from her. We can easily be a stand out winner with our wifewho else has access to her heart like her husband? Do we offer protection and refreshment? We are thinking of much more than physical protection and refreshment. A constant consistent solicitous attitude about every relationship along with planned times of mental and physical refreshment will create a genuine appetite for a repeated visit to the shade of your tree and refreshment from your hand. How easy it would be to expand on this section until we had a sizeable marriage manual. We cannot do this but we do want to say every husband (beginning with the writer) must have a banquet room for his wifehe must often lead her to itover it all is the lovely canopy inscribed Love. We are thinking of all that nourishesyour wordswhich is food for the mind and heartfood also for the body, a sense of abundance in more than sharinga total giving of self for the needs and enjoyment of your beloved.
Of all persons our wives know the meaning of verse seven. When artificial or crude means are used in a vain attempt to awaken love the results might be disastrous! If we are not willing to accept the nature of love as possessed by our wives we had best leave the lovely creature in the seclusion of her own forest. She is willing to come out, nay she wants to be foundbut not with a bull horn! If courtship is not continued beyond marriage we are due to find out just how strong and cruel love can beand we deserve it! I shall not leave here instructions on how to attract your gazelle or lure your deer. After all she belongs to you.

Communion Song of Solomon 2:2-7

As much as we see in this text for help in a happy marriage we see even more in a happy relationship with our Lord. Project yourself into this dialogue: My Love to You:

As a lovely flower amid the brambles of the earth so art thou my companion to me. In the midst of the many, yea multitudes who are lost I see each and every one who is saved. I would love to transform every thorn into a flowerbut I want you to know that I am looking intently, with great fond interest on youI can also identify every bramble and its relation to you. How beautiful you appear to me. How deeply I want your constant companionship. We can hardly believe this. It is only true because in love He looks at us through grace. We Respond to His Love:

As an evergreen tree who constantly bears delicious fruit and delightful blossoms in the midst of a forest of trees with no foliage or fruit art thou to me. I have found much more than a refuge in your presence. In the contemplation of your beauty is the fullness of joy. We Advertise to Others:

Relish these wordsrethink each one lest they become commonplace. In the calmness that is mine through my awareness of your love and omnipotence I delight to sit down. When I eat the words you leave me in your book they are so nourishing and sweet to my taste. The more I am willing to sit in your heavenly places the more overwhelmed I am with your abundant provisions. I find in my contemplation of just the four accounts of your love through your Life a whole expansive banquet room. The table is laiden with all my favorite food. Upon entering the room I saw emblazoned over the whole wall a banner and on it were these wordsI love you.

A Warning to Those Who Might Think to Presume Upon His Love:

I adjure you by all the meekness and tenderness of the lovely One: do not push into His presence and demand He express His love for you. Foolish One! How could He more fully show you His heart?it was pierced for you! Stay with Him until in your meditation and exchange of conversation, emotions are awakened. Praise Him and sing of HimHe is love and you shall know it.

FACT QUESTIONS 2:2-7

82.

What was intended as deprecation was turned to a compliment? How?

83.

Show how the orange tree with its golden fruit perfectly fulfills the figure of speech here used.

84.

There is a sharp contrast between the shepherd and other menmuch like the contrast of treeswhat is it?

85.

What was the banquet room of her beloved?

86.

What was the banner of the banquet room?

87.

Are we to imagine the bride is actually physically ill with love? How was she to be helped?

88.

To what act does verse six refer?

89.

Give your own interpretation of verse seven.

90.

Is it really necessary to tell our wives how attractive they are to us? Discuss.

91.

We can easily be a stand out winner with our wife.

Explain. How? Why?

92.

Every husband must have a banquet room for his wife. Explain and discuss.

93.

Discuss the positive and negative qualities involved in discussing husband's among women.

94.

Of all persons wives know the meaning of verse seven. Explain and discuss.

95.

Love can be strong and cruel as well as soft and gentle. Explain.

96.

Do you really believe our Lord looks upon us as we have described Him under My Love To You?

97.

How can we compare our Lord to other persons?

98.

Discuss the meaning and application of the thoughts expressed under We Advertise to Others.

99.

Isn-'t the thought exaggerated beyond meaning under the heading A Warning to Those Who Might Think to Presume Upon His Love? Discuss.

100.

What is the warning of verse seveni.e., as it relates to our Lord?