◄ Song of Solomon 7 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Admiration by the Bridegroom Song of Solomon 7 reaffirms the notion that love, in its most profound sense, is not merely an emotion but an intimate, shared experience of mutual respect and admiration. The chapter is a reminder that love, in its full depth and breadth, involves an open celebration of the beloved's beauty, a heartfelt expression of longing, and an earnest desire for togetherness. The Lover's Adoration (verses 1-9) The chapter opens with the man extolling his lover's physical beauty. Using rich imagery of palm trees, vineyards, and precious gems, he paints a detailed and passionate picture of his beloved. His expression of love, affection, and admiration is not merely carnal but also deeply emotional. Mutual Desire and Invitation (verses 10-13) The woman responds to the man's praises with equal passion. She expresses her desire for him and invites him to share intimate moments with her. The sense of longing and desire conveyed through the woman's words further intensifies the theme of mutual affection in the context of their relationship. The seventh chapter of the Song of Solomon, often termed as the 'Song of Songs,' continues the enchanting narrative of a profound love between a man and a woman. This chapter captures a series of intimate exchanges, filled with vivid imagery and deeply poetic language. The chapter emphasizes the beauty and sanctity of love within marriage, showcasing the mutual admiration and attraction that exists between the lovers. Teaching Points Celebration of Beauty and Love Song of Solomon 7:1-9 describes the physical beauty of the beloved in exquisite detail, highlighting the importance of appreciating and celebrating the beauty in our spouses. Intimacy in Marriage The chapter emphasizes the deep intimacy and connection that should exist within marriage, reflecting God's design for a loving and committed relationship. Mutual Admiration The mutual admiration between the lovers in this chapter underscores the importance of respect and appreciation in a healthy relationship. Symbolism and Imagery The use of rich imagery and symbolism in this chapter invites readers to see beyond the literal and appreciate the deeper emotional and spiritual connections in love. Practical Applications Express Appreciation Take time to express admiration and appreciation for your spouse's qualities, both physical and non-physical. Cultivate Intimacy Invest in building a deeper emotional and spiritual connection with your spouse, recognizing it as a reflection of God's love. Embrace Beauty Recognize and celebrate the beauty in your spouse and in your relationship, understanding it as a gift from God. Communicate Openly Foster open and honest communication in your marriage, allowing for a deeper understanding and connection. People 1. The Shulammite Woman She is the central female figure in the Song of Solomon, often seen as a representation of beauty and love. In this chapter, her physical attributes are described in detail, highlighting her grace and allure. The Hebrew root for "Shulammite" (שׁוּלַמִּית) suggests a connection to peace or completeness, akin to the name Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה). 2. The Beloved (Solomon) He is the male figure who expresses admiration and love for the Shulammite woman. His descriptions of her are poetic and filled with adoration. Solomon, traditionally considered the author of the Song, is often seen as a symbol of wisdom and royal splendor. Places 1. Jerusalem While not explicitly mentioned in Song of Solomon 7, Jerusalem is often considered the backdrop for the events in the Song of Solomon. It is the central city of Israel and holds significant cultural and religious importance. The imagery and language throughout the Song often reflect the beauty and grandeur associated with Jerusalem. 2. Carmel In Song of Solomon 7:5, the hair of the beloved is compared to "purple; a king is held captive in its tresses." The reference to Carmel, a mountain range in Israel known for its lush vegetation and beauty, symbolizes the majesty and allure of the beloved's appearance. The Hebrew root for Carmel (כַּרְמֶל) suggests a fruitful or fertile place, enhancing the imagery of abundance and beauty. 3. Lebanon Although not directly mentioned in chapter 7, Lebanon is frequently referenced throughout the Song of Solomon as a place of beauty and fragrance. The cedars of Lebanon are renowned for their strength and aroma, often symbolizing the strength and allure of the beloved. Events 1. Admiration of the Beloved's Beauty The chapter begins with the lover admiring the physical beauty of the beloved. He describes her feet, thighs, navel, waist, and breasts, using rich and poetic imagery. This admiration highlights the deep affection and attraction between the lovers. The Hebrew roots emphasize the physical and sensual aspects of love, which are celebrated within the context of marriage. 2. Description of the Beloved's Stature and Grace The lover continues to praise the beloved's stature, comparing her to a palm tree and her breasts to clusters of fruit. This metaphorical language underscores the beloved's elegance and the lover's desire. The Hebrew word for "palm tree" (תָּמָר, tamar) symbolizes uprightness and beauty. 3. Expression of Desire The lover expresses his desire to "climb the palm tree" and "take hold of its fruit." This is a metaphor for his longing to be intimate with the beloved. The language used here is both passionate and respectful, reflecting the sanctity of marital love. 4. The Beloved's Response The beloved responds to the lover's admiration and desire, inviting him to enjoy the pleasures of love. She speaks of the fragrance of her breath and the sweetness of her mouth, indicating mutual affection and willingness. 5. Invitation to the Countryside The beloved invites the lover to go to the countryside, to spend time together in the vineyards. This setting symbolizes a place of intimacy and privacy, away from the distractions of the city. The Hebrew word for "vineyards" (כֶּרֶם, kerem) often represents fertility and abundance. 6. Anticipation of Love's Fulfillment The beloved expresses anticipation for the fulfillment of their love, mentioning the blossoming vines and the fragrance of mandrakes. These images evoke a sense of renewal and the joy of love in its fullness. 7. Commitment and Devotion The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of commitment and devotion between the lovers. The beloved declares that she has stored up treasures for her lover, symbolizing the depth and richness of their relationship. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 2:24 This verse speaks to the union of husband and wife, emphasizing the oneness that is celebrated in Song of Solomon 7. Ephesians 5:25-33 These verses provide a New Testament perspective on marital love, encouraging husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Proverbs 5:18-19 These verses celebrate the joy and satisfaction found in a loving marital relationship, echoing the themes of Song of Solomon. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Love Thank God for the gift of love and the beauty of marital relationships. Strengthening Marriages Pray for strength and unity in marriages, asking God to deepen the love and commitment between spouses. Wisdom in Relationships Ask for wisdom to navigate the complexities of relationships, seeking to honor God in all interactions. Healing and Restoration Pray for healing and restoration in marriages that are struggling, asking God to renew love and commitment. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the detailed descriptions of physical beauty contribute to the overall understanding of love in this chapter? 2. What aspects of the relationship between the man and woman in this chapter could be applied to contemporary relationships? 3. How does the imagery used in this chapter contribute to the themes of love and desire? 4. How do the lover's praises reflect his view of his beloved? 5. How does the woman's invitation to her lover exemplify mutual respect and desire in their relationship? 6. How does the mutual expression of affection and desire reflect the sanctity of love within marriage? 7. How might the expressions of love and passion in this chapter challenge or affirm your personal views on love and relationships? 8. How can the lovers' expressions of desire and admiration inspire a deeper understanding of love in modern relationships? 9. How can the depth of love expressed in this chapter inform the way we handle conflicts in relationships today? 10. What lessons can be drawn from this chapter about the importance of expressing admiration and praise in relationships? 11. How can the mutual respect and admiration between the lovers inform modern-day discussions on gender roles in relationships? 12. How can you apply the idea of celebrating your partner's beauty, as seen in the chapter, in your own relationship? 13. In what ways can the sense of longing and desire expressed in this chapter influence our understanding of commitment in relationships? 14. How does this chapter challenge the societal norms of love and attraction? 15. How do the dynamics of the relationship between the lovers compare to societal expectations of relationships today? 16. How can the mutual expression of affection in this chapter guide us in developing deeper emotional connections in our relationships? 17. How might the expressions of love and passion in this chapter be received in contemporary society, and what does that suggest about societal perceptions of love? 18. How does the celebration of physical and emotional aspects of love in this chapter speak to the importance of balance in relationships? 19. How can this chapter's exploration of sensual love within the sanctity of marriage shape our understanding of intimacy in relationships? 20. What insights can we draw from the lovers' mutual respect and desire, and how can these insights be applied in nurturing modern-day relationships? Topics 1. Admiration of Physical Beauty The chapter opens with a detailed and poetic admiration of the beloved's physical beauty. The lover describes various parts of the beloved's body, using rich and vivid imagery. This reflects the Hebrew tradition of celebrating marital love and beauty within the context of a committed relationship. The language used is both intimate and respectful, highlighting the sanctity of marital affection. 2. Celebration of Marital Love The passage continues to celebrate the joy and fulfillment found in marital love. The lover's words express deep affection and desire, emphasizing the mutual delight and satisfaction that comes from a God-ordained union. This aligns with the conservative Christian view that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God for companionship and procreation. 3. Invitation to Intimacy The beloved invites the lover to come away with her, symbolizing a mutual desire for closeness and intimacy. This invitation underscores the importance of mutual consent and shared desire in a healthy marital relationship. The Hebrew root words convey a sense of longing and eagerness, reflecting the deep emotional and spiritual connection between the couple. 4. Symbolism of Nature and Fertility The imagery of nature, such as vineyards and pomegranates, is used to symbolize fertility and abundance. This reflects the biblical theme of fruitfulness and the blessings of God upon a marriage. The natural world serves as a metaphor for the flourishing and life-giving aspects of a loving relationship. 5. Expression of Desire and Commitment The chapter concludes with expressions of desire and commitment, reinforcing the idea that love is both passionate and enduring. The lover's words convey a sense of devotion and exclusivity, which is central to the Christian understanding of marriage as a lifelong commitment. The Hebrew language used here emphasizes the depth and intensity of the couple's bond. Themes 1. Beauty and Admiration Song of Solomon 7 begins with a detailed description of the beloved's physical beauty, highlighting the admiration and appreciation of her form. This theme underscores the celebration of physical beauty within the context of marital love. The Hebrew word "yapheh" (יָפֶה), meaning "beautiful," is often used to convey this admiration. 2. Intimacy and Desire The chapter expresses deep longing and desire between the lovers, emphasizing the importance of intimacy in a marital relationship. The Hebrew root "dod" (דּוֹד), meaning "beloved" or "lover," reflects the passionate and affectionate bond shared by the couple. 3. Joy and Delight in Love The expressions of joy and delight in each other's presence are evident throughout the chapter. This theme highlights the joy that comes from a loving and committed relationship. The Hebrew word "simchah" (שִׂמְחָה), meaning "joy" or "gladness," captures this sentiment. 4. Unity and Oneness The imagery used in the chapter often symbolizes the unity and oneness of the couple, reflecting the biblical ideal of two becoming one flesh in marriage. The Hebrew concept of "echad" (אֶחָד), meaning "one," is foundational to understanding this theme of unity. 5. Fruitfulness and Abundance The references to vineyards and fruits symbolize fruitfulness and abundance in the relationship. This theme can be seen as a metaphor for the blessings and prosperity that come from a godly marriage. The Hebrew word "peri" (פְּרִי), meaning "fruit," is indicative of this abundance. 6. Commitment and Devotion The chapter conveys a strong sense of commitment and devotion between the lovers, emphasizing the enduring nature of their relationship. The Hebrew word "ahavah" (אַהֲבָה), meaning "love," often denotes a deep, covenantal love that is steadfast and faithful. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions