Song of Solomon 1:8

TEXT 1:8

COURT LADIES RESPONSE Song of Solomon 1:8 (ironical)

8

If you do not know, O fairest among women, follow in the tracks of the flock, and pasture your kids beside the shepherd's tents.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:8

26.

Evidently the musings of the maid of Shunem was expressed out loud. Why the sharp retort?

27.

Did anyone say the heroine of this story was the fairest among women? Why used here?

28.

The humble beginnings of the Shulammite are here emphasized. Why?

29.

Are we to identify the maid as a shepherdess?

PARAPHRASE 1:8

8

If thou know not, O fairest among women! Go, follow the tracks of the flock, and pasture thy kids by the shepherds-' booths.

COMMENT 1:8

Exegesis Song of Solomon 1:8

It would seem the ladies of the court would be glad to be rid of their rival. If you want your shepherd lovergo find him, they seem to say. It is impossible to shine as light and not reflect upon the darkness. The simple expression I am comely is here exaggerated to mean the fairest of women. Perhaps the women of the harem would reflect Solomon's attitude. They are expressing in jealousy his estimate of the newest arrival. What a humble task is suggested to the potential bride of King Solomon. Women were given the task of caring for the newborn of the flock. We see in the sarcastic words of these women a humble peasant girl leading a little flock of young sheep or goats across the far reaches of the hills of Galilee. With difficulty she directs them to the protection of the shepherds-' booths.

Marriage Song of Solomon 1:8

All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution II Timothy. Girls who accept our Lord as their life-style will without question stand out among women without Christ as the Shulammite in the court of Solomon. They can expect the same treatment. A Christian true to her Lord is looked upon by many as being both weak and ignorant. Many times your presence will be an embarrassment to others and they will wish you were gone. Please notice that there is no response from the maid. Light, truth and love need no defense, they will speak for themselves by their nature. At the same time, we need to remind husbands that all battles for our Lord are not fought nor won in the environment of their jobs and friends.

Communion Song of Solomon 1:8

A happy relationship with your wife or husband is the very best protection against illicit sex. It is only where we are vulnerable that words of criticism touch us. When our Lord is as real to us in our imagination as the shepherd was to this shepherdess we will be able to turn a deaf ear to reproachyea, more, we can rejoice in it for we are sharing the proper response to His likeness in us. Our job is humble compared to some. Our work is always humble as compared with anyone. Humility is our garment. Are we to resist likeness to our Lord? The Great Shepherd's task was the lead and feed sheepyoung and old. We hear Him say to us as He did to Peterfeed my sheepfeed my lambs. (John 21:15 ff)

FACT QUESTIONS 1:8

45.

What would indicate the women of the harem want the Shulammite to leave? Why?

46.

Who said she was the fairest of women?

47.

What task did women have in the care of sheep?

48.

We have many women today like the Shulammite. Who are they?

49.

Show how the response of the maid is a good example for us.

50.

Some are immune to and some are very vulnerable to temptation. What is the difference?