The Strand Study Bible

SONG OF SOLOMON SONG OF SOLOMON experienced how forthright he was), and committed to biblical character (she experienced his fragrance ), i.e., because he first loved her ( I Jn 4:19 ), the Shulamite girl “led others” ( we ) to run with her in her pursuit of the King. No one runs after Jesus and leads others to do the same who isn’t first impressed with the KING’S commitment to the relationship (Jn 13:21-25 & 21:20 and I Jn 4:10-11,19), the KING’S commitment to virtue (the power of His presence – Jn 6:66-69), and the KING’S commitment to biblical character (Lk 9:51-53). Only those impressed with Jesus inspire others to do the same. Are you impressed with your love for Him or His love for you ( II Cor 5:14 )? 1:4b Of the three characteristics necessary for a good relationship to occur (a commitment to the relationship itself , a commitment to virtue , and a commitment to biblical character ) the one we are encouraged to remember themost is our SAVIOR’S commitment to virtue , i.e., His want for what’s right. Whether we are following our LORD into a storm (Mt 8:23-27) or being sent into one (Mt 14:22-33), we need to always remember that it is His virtue (His “want” for what’s right) that should guide us in every decision we make. 1:4c People who want what’s right ( the upright ) are easily attracted to the ONE who is right. Good relationships are always built on “godly” characteristics ( the upright ) rather than “goodly” complexions (vs 5-7). 1:6 Because of her unfortunate circumstances ( my mother’s children were angry with me ), this Shulamite girl was unable to keep up her own personal appearance ( mine own vineyard ) as well as other girls could. This, however, did not deter her from pursuing her great love (vs 7 – Solomon, a picture of CHRIST ). NOTE – Our LORD is looking for people to serve Him who: 1. aren’t self conscious about how they look ( Look not upon me , i.e., don’t feel sorry for me – Isa 53:2) 2. refuse to feel sorry for themselves because of their circumstances ( my mother’s children were angry with me – Judges 11) 3. are more concerned with being chaste than chased ( for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions – vs 7) 1:7a The Shulamite girl loved Solomon ( whom my soul loveth ) because he first loved her ( SOS 1:2b and I Jn 4:10,19). 1:7b THE ADAGE IS TRUE: Women should long to be chaste, not chased ( one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions ) 1:8 Solomon said, “Find my shepherds and you’ll find me; just follow those who feed the flock ( go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock – Jn 21:15-17 and Ezk 34:2,16 ).” Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes: 1:9 This comparison ( I have compared thee, Omy love, to a company of horses ) is not as crude as it sounds. Comparing the Shulamite girl to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots, although quite unflattering to the modern reader, was in fact a compliment. In the ancient world horses were known for three things worthy of costly ornamentation (vs 10-11): 1) their beauty 2) their strength and courage 3) their worth NOTE – CHRIST sees the Church the same way. He sees three things worthy of costly ornamentation: 1. their beauty to proclaim God’s business (SOS 7:1/Isa 52:7/Rom 10:15) The Crown of Rejoicing (The Soulwinner’s Award) is given to those who witness; proclaim God’s business (I Thes 2:19, II Cor 1:14 and Phil 4:1) 2. their strength and courage to fight God’s battles (SOS 1:9/Josh 1:1-7/Eph 6:11-18) The Crown of Life (The Survivor’s Award) is given to those who endure persecution; fight God’s battles (Jms 1:12 and Rev 2:10) 3. their worth and thus value to God (SOS 1:10/Mal 3:16-17 and Mt 13:44-45 ) The Wedding Gown (The Saint’s Award) is given to those who are worthy (due to CHRIST - Rev 19:7-9) 1:12 In verses 12-14 the Shulamite girl (who depicts the Church) breaks into the conversation with one thought in mind – “Howwell do I smell to my beloved? Because He smells good to me, I want to smell good to Him (vs 13-14).” Question: How well do you smell to God? In order to smell good to God you have to be willing to: 1. Sacrificially offer your time to be a witness for Him (Gen 8:20-21) Noah voluntarily took time to offer God burnt offerings, which depicted CHRIST , and the Bible says that the Lord smelled a “smell of satisfaction” (Lev 1:1-3). If you and I desire to smell good to God, then we too must be willing to voluntarily (sacrificially) offer our time to be a witness for CHRIST (II Cor 2:14-17). 2. Sacrificially support the ones who feeds you spiritually (Phil 4:15-18) The Philippians church voluntarily took up monies just to meet Paul’s needs, and the Bible says that the Lord smelled a “smell of satisfaction.” If you and I desire to smell good to God, then we too must be willing to voluntarily (sacrificially) support the one who feeds us spiritually (I Cor 9:1-14 and Heb 13:16). 1:13 The Hebrew reads this way: “ he shall lay a bundle of myrrh all night betwixt my breasts .” 1030 Those that would have acquaintance and communion with Christ must closely and conscientiously adhere to holy ordinances, must join themselves to his people and attend his ministers. Those that have the charge of families must bring them with them to religious assemblies; let their kids, their children, their servants, have the benefit of the shepherds’ tents . 1

1 Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary , Old Tappan, NJ, Fleming H. Revell Co. Print.