The Strand Study Bible

SONG OF SOLOMON

1033

SONG OF SOLOMON

nutritional standouts found within this fruit: 1. fructose ( sweet to my taste – vs 3)

The fructose in apples gives them their sweetness. Fructose is a simple sugar, but it is broken down slowly. Combined with all the fiber in apples, this helps keep blood sugars levels stable. The pectin in apples supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body’s need for insulin, which helps in the management of diabetes. Like the apple, God can be sweet when experienced (Psa 104:33-34 & 119:103 and II Sam 23:1). 2. fiber Some apples provide up to 5 grams of fiber , more than many cereals. And you know what fiber does… It keeps you from being constipated (backed-up and lethargic); it keeps you “going.” Like the apple, God can keep you up and going for good and for Him (Prov 3:5-6). 3. flavonoids (a class of antioxidant that is abundant in apples) *Some flavonoids within the skin of the apple, called quercetin , can actually boost memory. A study on mice at Cornell University found that the quercetin in apples protect brain cells from the kind of free radical damage that leads to Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that rats who were fed an extract from apples skin had a 43% lower risk of colon cancer and a 57% lower risk of liver cancer. *Another flavonoid within the skin of the apple, called phenols , provide UV-B protection, making your skin more resistant to damage from the sun. *Another flavonoid, called pectin , lowers harmful LDL (“bad”) cholesterol as much as 16%, while raising beneficial HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Pectin is also found to maintain a healthy digestive tract, reducing the risk of colon cancer. *Another flavonoid, called phloridzin , which is only found in apples, increases bone density and protects against osteoporosis in women. A Cornell University study found that rats that ate one apple per day reduced their risk of breast cancer by 17%. Rats that were fed three apples per day reduced their risk by 39% and those that were fed six apples per day reduced their risk by 44%. *Another flavonoid, called boron , is said to strengthen bones and help prevent bone loss. *Another flavonoid, called naringin , has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing asthma. One recent study shows that children with asthma who drank apple juice on a daily basis suffered from less wheezing. According to a study of 10,000 people, those who ate the most apples had a 50% lower risk of developing lung cancer. *Another flavonoid that is in apple juice, called tannins , help prevent urinary tract infections and gum disease. Extensive research has also confirmed that flavonoids help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Like the apple, God can keep you healthy spiritually (Prov 3:1-2,7-8,13-16). THE ADAGE IS TRUE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away Because of Solomon’s love for the Shulamite girl, she felt “well protected” ( under his shadow ), as well as “well provided for” ( his fruit – Rom 8:32). 2:4 A banner was flown to show mark of ownership. Often, generals on the field would identify their troops by a banner. Solomon, publicly, let everyone know whom he loved the most. Because of his commitment to her, his love for her, and his excellent 2:8 If the Shulamite bride is a picture of the Church (and she is) and Solomon is a picture of CHRIST (and he is), then Song of Solomon 2:8-13 is a picture of Jesus returning for His bride ( behold, he cometh ) during Phase I ( Rev 4:1 and I Thess 4:17b ) of His Second Coming. NOTE – Notice the similarities between the words: (1) voice (vs 8); (2) behold, he cometh (vs 8); and (3) Rise up and Arise (vs 10,13) in the Song Of Solomon with that of: (1) voice and come up hither ( Rev 4:1); and (2) coming/the Lord himself shall descend, shout, and rise/caught up ( I Thess 4:15-17), and you will find that Solomon ( CHRIST ) was coming ( behold, he cometh ) with a shout ( My beloved spake ) to meet with his bride (the Shulamite girl; the Church) in order to take her away ( Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away ). 2:9 The Shulamite girl likens Solomon to a roe and a young hart, symbolic ( is like ) of strength and masculinity. 2:10,13 According to I Thessalonians 4:13-18, our LORD JESUS CHRIST is waiting to meet us (vs 9). Why? So HE can change us ( Rise up, Arise ). 2:14 If Solomon is a picture of CHRIST (and he is) and the Shulamite bride is a picture of the Church (and she is), then Song of Solomon 2:14 is a picture of prayer ( let me hear thy voice ); a picture of CHRIST longing to hear from His bride. Prayer, according to the Scriptures, is all about communicating with God on His level. character, this Shulamite girl felt proud and unashamed (Heb 2:11-12). 2:5 Baked into pies or cobblers, apples rank high among comfort foods.

Question: Do you want to communicate with God on His level? ( Luke 11:1 -13) Question: Do you want God to hear what you have to say? ( Job 35: 1- 13 ) Question: Do you want to know just how much God wants to hear from you? ( Luke 18:1 -7) Question: Do you know why you have such a difficult time praying? ( I Thess 5:17 )

2:15 Both foxes and young foxes ( little foxes ) are known to work havoc in Palestinian vineyards. They dig holes and gnaw on the vines, destroying the young shoots and the grapes. The point of the verse is this: Beware of the “little things” that can spoil a relationship. Note some of the “little things” that became a “big thing” between Israel and the Lord, thus ruining their relationship: 1. Ungratefulness ( Jere 2: 4- 9 ) It seems like such a “little thing” in a relationship to be grateful, and yet ungratefulness is one of the “little things” that becomes a “big thing” in ruining that relationship. Question: When’s the last time you told someone who invested in you for good and for God –Thanks? Every curse begins with