The Strand Study Bible

SONG OF SOLOMON SONG OF SOLOMON 5:9 The daughters of Jerusalem wanted to know what it was that made the Shulamite’s “beloved” so special. If ever folks wanted to know what makes CHRIST (our beloved) so special, just tell them what she told them (vs 10-16). 5:10a Solomon’s countenance was a perfect mixture of white (bright) and ruddy (red). Just as the sun “captures our attention” with its brightness and fiery color, so too does CHRIST (Rev 1:16). 5:10b Solomon’s character set him apart from others. This word ( chiefest ) means “ standard-bearer. ” Just as a standard-bearer stands out from the multitude of regular soldiers, so CHRIST “stands out” (is set apart) among us (Josh 5:13-15). 5:11 Solomon’s preeminence was matchless. “ Most fine gold ” is gold that has been doubly refined (gold of gold). Just as the head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream pictured Babylon’s preeminence (total supremacy – Dan 2:1-33,36-38), so CHRIST is “preeminent” among us ( Colo 1: 12- 18b and Dan 2:34-35). 5:12 Solomon’s vision (eyes), perfectly spaced, were set like gems in a ring ( fitly set ). Just as the eyes of God see everything with “perfect vision” (Job 26:6/Prov 15:11 and Psa 139:7-12), so too does the eyes of CHRIST (Rev 1:13-14 & 2:18). 5:13 Solomon’s disposition (face –cheeks and lips) was like a sweet smell; it was always a delight to see Him. Just as Moses delighted to see God (Exo 33:9-18), so too will we delight in seeing CHRIST (II Thess 1:7-10). 5:14a Solomon’s power ( hands ) was like golden rings that were used to control the load of the staves (Exo 30:4). Just as the hands of God are beautiful yet absolute, so too are the hands of CHRIST (Rev 1:16). 5:14b Solomon’s person ( belly , i.e., body) was as bright (precious) as ivory. Just as God’s Person is precious (Gen 3:6-10), so too is the Person of CHRIST (Rev 1:17). 5:15 Solomon’s legs are symbols of strength and stability. Just as God’s strength provides us stability ( Neh 8:10 ), so too does the strength of CHRIST (Rev 19:11-16). 5:16a Most pleasing of all was Solomon’s voice (his word). Just as God has magnified His word above His name ( Psa 138:2 ), so too has God magnified CHRIST above everything else ( Heb 1: 1- 2 ). 5:16b The Shulamite’s beloved is also her friend . The reason she is so smitten with him is because: (1) His countenance “captures our attention” (vs 10); (2) His character “sets him apart” (vs 10); (3) His preeminence is “unmatched” (vs 11); (4) His vision is “perfect” (vs 12); (5) His disposition is “delightful” (vs 13); (6) His power is “absolute” (vs 14); (7) His person is “precious” (vs 15); (8) His strength is “sure” (vs 15); and (9) His word is “final” (vs 14). 6:1 The Shulamite’s great interest in Solomon caught the attention of the daughters of Jerusalem ( that we may seek him with thee ). Meaning: Our interest in Jesus should cause others to be interested in Jesus. Those that truly love Jesus are zealous that others should love Him too ( Colo 4: 12- 13 ). Question: How many people that you know want to know the Jesus you know? That will always be a good indication of how zealous you are for Him. 6:2 Whereas flowers depict humans ( I Ki 7:19,26 ), lilies depict believers ( SOS 2:1 ). 6:3 Those looking for Jesus (vs 1) may expect to find Him amongst His own ( he feedeth among the lilies ); amongst believers (the Church –Rev 1:10-13). Don’t look for Jesus outside of the Church. Why? Because He’s not there! He will always be in the “midst” of His work ( Mt 16:18d ), and nowhere else. Martin Luther once noted: Anyone who is to find Christ must first find the c hurch. How could anyone know where Christ is and what faith is in him unless he knew where his believers are? 1 NOTE – According to the Bible, there are four vehicles that GOD will use to reach the world with the Gospel: (1) Prophets and/ or heads of families (from c. 4000 - 1500 BC – Lk 11:49-52/Jn 8:56); (2) The Nation of Israel (from c. 1500 BC - AD 33 – Josh 5:13-15, John 4:22 and Rom 11); (3) The Jewish/Gentile Church (from AD 33 - 2015 – Eph 3:1-6 and Mt 21: 17- 19 ); and (4) His own personal presence (from ? to the end of the Millennium – Isa 2:3). 6:5 The Shulamite was so delightful ( as Tizrah – vs 1), so pleasing ( as Jerusalem – vs 1), and so awe-inspiring to be around ( terrible as an army with banners – vs 1) that Solomon marveled ( Mt 8: 5- 10 ) and was overcome by her presence ( Turn away thine eyes from me ). Because of her demeanor (vs 1), Solomon was filled with awe (vs 6-10). NOTE – CHRIST longs to see in us the same three things: (1) delightful; a sweet spirit (a life controlled by the Spirit – Gal 5:22- 23); (2) comely; a lovely faith (a life lived by the Word – Heb 11:6); and (3) imposing/terrible; a fighting spirit (a life dedicated to battling for God –II Tim 2:1-4, Eph 6:10-18 and I Sam 18:17b ). 6:12 Before the Shulamite knew it ( Or ever I was aware ), she was chosen to be a part of Solomon’s harem ( my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib ). 6:13 Solomon is so taken with his new bride that he wants “everybody” to notice her ( that we may look upon thee ). CHRIST feels the same way about His Church. One day, in the ages to come, God plans to demonstrate the over-flowing wealth of Hismarvelous grace by placing certain saints on display so that “all” the creatures of the universe might see the wonder of it ( Eph 2: 4- 7 ). 7:1 The first thing Solomon points to when pointing out his bride’s features (her stature – vs 7) is her feet ; and for good reason ( Eph 6:11-15 )! He then works his way up from there: (1) feet (vs 1); (2) thighs (vs 1); (3) hands (vs 1); (4) navel (vs 2); (5) belly (vs 2); (6) chest (vs 3); (7) face (eyes, nose – vs 4); and (8) head (vs 5). NOTE – The first person God is going to place on display for the rest of His creation to view is the believer who by God’s grace witnesses for Him ( Mt 16: 13- 18e ). 1038

1 Martin Luther quote