The Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon is a difficult to understand book in the Bible. Most Jesus followers may have seen it while flipping through the pages in their Old Testament. Yet this short, erotic love poem, credited to Solomon, is often avoided. And probably not taught from the pulpit.
The subject matter makes us uncomfortable and due to lack of exposure or instruction we opt for a simpler book to read during our Bible reading. But to overlook this beautiful love story is to deny ourselves a deeper look into the depth, height, width, and length that our Savior has for us.
Scripture
“That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints, God’s devoted people, the experience of that love what is the breadth and length aScrnd height and depth of it; That you may really come to know practically, through experience for yourselves the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled through all your being unto all the fullness of God may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself” (Ephesians 3:18-19 AMPC).
The Savior’s Passionate Love
A love so passionate that He gave His life that we might be saved from a life of slavery to sin, and to know Him intimately as the Lover of our soul.
But first, as we simplify this love poem, a gentle recommendation for an open mind and spiritual rose-colored glasses are required. Christ’s love for us is spiritual, not physical. But Jesus often used the physical realm to help us understand spiritual principals. The parables are great examples of this concept.
Then, an understanding of the different approaches to this book is beneficial. The literal interpretation looks at the poem strictly as it is written. This approach is often used to teach about marriage and the relationship between a man and wife. Then, there is the typical approach in which Solomon is the type and shadow of Christ. While Solomon loves his bride, but Christ loves His church more.
The third and easiest to understand approach is the allegorical. Solomon is Christ, and the Shulamite maiden from Shuman is the church or the individual believer.
Finally, to simplify this love story, it can be divided into three main parts. The beginning chapters are about Christ stirring the heart of the Shulamite maiden, and her response. This is the believer’s initial love.
Then comes faltering love. The believer must learn to trust the Savior and face doubts and fears. Storms arise, but the Savior remains faithful.
Finally, as the Shulamite maiden surrenders her will and life to the Lover of her soul, her faith grows exponentially.
She then follows the Lord to the Mountain of Spices where she leans on her Beloved as they minister to those in need. His will now her will.
Scripture
“Joyfully the radiant bride turned to him, the one altogether lovely, the chief among ten thousand to her soul, and with unconcealed eagerness to begin her life of sweet companionship with him, she answered “Make haste, my beloved, and come quickly, like a gazelle or a young hart and take me to our waiting home upon the mountains of spices”” (Song of Solomon 8:14 AMPC).
Song of Songs Simplified
Recently I was privileged to share this beautiful love story at a women’s retreat. If you would like to know more about having the Song of Songs taught in your church for a women’s retreat, please notify me:nanette1holloway@gmail.com Talk to you soon.
These beautiful cookies and wedding cake created a special effect for retreat participants, Provided by a gifted group of ladies.
Take a journey with the Shulamite to the Mountain of Spices. My new devotional is an easy-to-read allegorical approach. The Shulamite maiden is the Country Girl in The Search for Authentic Love: A Devotional of the Song of Songs.
Recently I was privileged to share this beautiful love story at a women’s retreat. If you would like to know more about having the Song of Songs taught in your church for a women’s retreat, please notify me:
nanette1holloway@gmail.com Talk to you soon.
© 2024 Nanette M. Holloway—All Rights Reserved
What beautiful images of the event! And what a beautiful way to illustrate the Song of Songs – through devotions.
Thank you RJ. The event was special!