1. The Song of Solomon5 Studies Study 3, Songs 4 - 6 25th August 2010

2. Last time’s study on a single slide Study 2, Songs 1 - 3 Song 1: The Bride In The King’s Chamber “into his chambers” – entering into the king’s palace (cp. Psalm 45) “black” says the Bride, no “comely” respond the virgins “fairest” – there is no other like her, she is unique (cp. Eve’s formation) Song 2: The Bride In His [i.e. Bridegroom’s] Garden Retreat “spikenard”, “myrrh”, “camphire” – association with Christ’s sacrifice “thou art fair” says the Bridegroom, “thou art fair” echoes the Bride their love is all-consuming – (NET) “I am faint with love” Song 3: The Bridegroom’s Call a gradual emergence until almost present, seen “through the lattice” clean animals “roe”, “hart”, “dove” speak of surefootedness / purity etc. the hope of the new morning – (NET) “Until the dawn arrives”

4. Songs 1–3

5. Songs 4–6

6. Songs 7–9

7. Songs 10–12 & ConclusionStudy 1 Study 3 Study 5

8. The 12 Songs – our suggested split Song 1ch. 1v1-8 [8 verses] Song 2 ch. 1v9-2v7 [16 verses] Song 3ch. 2v8-17 [10 verses] Song 4ch. 3v1-5 [5 verses] Song 4ch. 3v1-5 [5 verses] Song 5ch. 3v6-4v7 [13 verses] Song 6ch. 4v8-5v1 [10 verses] Song 7ch. 5v2-6v10 [25 verses] Song 8 ch. 6v11-13 [3 verses] Song 5ch. 3v6-4v7 [13 verses] Song 6ch. 4v8-5v1 [10 verses] Song 9ch. 7v1-9 [9 verses] Song 10ch. 7v10-8v4 [8 verses] Song 11ch. 8v5-7 [3 verses] Song 12ch. 8v8-14 [7 verses] = total 117 verses

9. Our script But first, two brief diversions...

10. Complete engagement of the senses 1. Sight “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, LET ME SEE THY COUNTENANCE, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely.” (Song 2 v 14) 3. Taste “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and HIS FRUIT WAS SWEET TO MY TASTE.” (Song 2 v 3) 2. Smell “While the king sitteth at his table, MY SPIKENARD SENDETH FORTH THE SMELL thereof.” (Song 1 v 12) 4. Hearing “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, LET ME HEAR THY VOICE; FOR SWEET IS THY VOICE, and thy countenance is comely.” (Song 2 v 14) 5. Touch “HIS LEFT HAND is under my head, and HIS RIGHT HAND doth embrace me.” (Song 2 v 6)

11. The split of the dialogue

12. SONG 4 – chapter 3 v 1 - 5

14. 5 verses dialogue

15. Bride (5 verses)3 v. 1-3 She seeks him by night 3 v. 4 She finds him and will not let him go 3 v. 5 She appeals to the virgins

16. Clear that the Bride is speaking Song 4 (chapter 3 v 1-5) – The Bride’s Search For Her Beloved 3v1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

17. Song 4 (chapter 3 v 1-5) – The Bride’s Search For Her Beloved 3v1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. Song 4 (chapter 3 v 1-5) – The Bride’s Search For Her Beloved 3v1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. SEEKING “I sought him” / “I will seek him” – four times repeated. The Bride is unresting in her search for her beloved. We must likewise “Seek... the Lord while he may be found, call... upon him while he is near:” (Isaiah 55 v 6) LOVING “whom my soul loveth” – also four mentions. Their deep reciprocal love penetrates to very soul, the whole living creature;“first commandment” (Mk 12v28-30) FINDING “I found him not... I found him” – four acts of finding / not finding. Not found in the house, in the streets of the city – only when “passed from them”. Cp. With our lot

18. Song 4 (chapter 3 v 1-5) – The Bride’s Search For Her Beloved 3v1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. “in the streets... the broad ways” – the mass of humanity, who walk the broad way to inevitable destruction (cp. Matthew 7 v 13) “the watchmen” – who persecute / oppress the Bride (see chapter 5 v 7: “watchmen... smote me... wounded me”). Judah / Israel who should have contained faithful watchmen, but turned away (“watchmen are blind... ignorant... loving to slumber” Isaiah 56 v 8-12) “my mother’s house” – note: importance of Solomon’s mother in his accession to the throne (1 Kings 1 v 16 -31). Our mother, spiritually speaking, is “Jerusalem” (Galatians 4 v 26) or “Zion” (Psalm 87 v 5)

19. SONG 5 – chapter 3 v 6 – 4 v 7

21. 13 verses dialogue

22. Bridegroom (7 verses)

23. Virgins (5 verses)

24. Bride (1 verse)3 v. 6-10 The glory of his coming 3 v. 11 His coming to Israel 4 v. 1-7 He describes the beauty of his bride

25. Song 5 (chapter 3 v 6 to chapter 4 v 7) – The Marriage Procession, Their Beauty Revealed 6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? 7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. 9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. 4v1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. 2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. 3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. 4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. 5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. 7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

26. Song 5 (chapter 3 v 6 to chapter 4 v 7) – The Marriage Procession, Their Beauty Revealed 6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? 7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. 9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. “out of the wilderness” – the returning Lord Jesus Christ, coming out of Sinai, following the resurrection / judgement (as in Deuteronomy 33v2). “Who is this...?” is the question both from the world at large and also, at first, the nation of Israel (cp. Psalm 24 v 8, 10) “like pillars of smoke” – God manifestation, as with “pillar of a cloud” (Exodus 13 v 21) “threescore valiant men are about it” – cp. 60 pillars around the tabernacle (Exodus 27) “sword” of the Spirit Word (Ephesians 6 v 17) is able to overcome “fear in the night” of judgment, before the new morning dawns (Psalm 30 v 5)

27. Song 5 (chapter 3 v 6 to chapter 4 v 7) – The Marriage Procession, Their Beauty Revealed 4v1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. 2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. 3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. 4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. 5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. 7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. RV: “behind the veil” “doves eyes” – clean bird, sacrificed (Lev. 5 v 7). Purity, innocence (Psa. 55 v 6-8). Life mate “hair... flock of goats” – long hair > glory, covering (1 Cor. 11v15). Goats hair & tabernacle (Exo. 26 v 7) “teeth... flock of sheep” – white, smooth, matching, having eaten right things (Heb. 5 v 12-14) “lips... thread of scarlet” – healthy, vibrant. Symbol of salvation, election (Jos. 2v18, Gen. 38v28) “temples... pomegranate” – packed with seeds, fruitfulness. Used in the law (Exo. 28 v 34) “neck... tower of David” – upright, not bent or turned back. Ornamented (Pro. 1 v 8-9) “two breasts... two young roes” – spiritual maturity (cp. Song 8 v 8, 10). Jew & Gentile

28. SONG 6 – chapter 4 v 8 – 5 v 1

30. 10 verses dialogue

31. Bridegroom (9 verses)

32. Bride (1 verse)4 v. 8 Invitation to view his kingdom 4 v. 9-11 His love for his bride 4 v. 12-15 He describes her inward beauty 4 v. 16 She responds in love 5 v. 1 He rejoices at her love

33. Song 6 (chapter 4 v 8 to chapter 5v1) – The Bride Compared To A Lovely Garden 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! 11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. 12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. 16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. 5v1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

34. Song 6 (chapter 4 v 8 to chapter 5v1) – The Bride Compared To A Lovely Garden 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! 11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. 12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. 16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. 5v1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. “Lebanon... from the top... from the mountains” – an elevated vantage point to be able to see the whole land of promise. For a long time inhabited by the enemies of Israel (the “lions’ dens... leopards”) “ravished” – root uncertain. BDB ‘to make the heart beat faster’, the physiological effects of love. Or, NET: “You have stolen my heart”, ESV: “You have captivated my heart” “honeycomb”, “honey”, “milk” – Israelitish, promise of a land flowing with milk & honey (Exodus 3 v 8). God’s Word in symbol (see Psa. 119 v 103, Pro. 24 v 13-14, Isa. 55 v 1), which comes forth from the mouth of the Bride. Enjoyed by Bridegroom (see Song 5 v 1)

35. Song 6 (chapter 4 v 8 to chapter 5v1) – The Bride Compared To A Lovely Garden 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. 9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. 10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! 11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. 12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. 13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, 14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: 15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. 16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. 5v1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. “inclosed”, “shut up”, “sealed” – set apart from the world and its influences (2 Cor. 6 v 17) “my sister, my spouse” – a multifaceted relationship. “sister”– keeping commandments (Matthew 12 v 50), “spouse”– chaste bride awaiting her Lord’s return (e.g. 2 Cor. 11 v 2) nine different varieties of flora – as with the nine elements (or, one plus eight!) of the fruit of spirit (Galatians 5 v 22-23) “north wind... south” – conflict between Kings north & south ushers return (Dan. 11v40)

36. Some brief conclusions The Song of Songs comprises an engaging sensory journey It is significant who speaks in each of the Songs (and informative to note the flow from Song 1 through to 12) It is important to identify and understand the other characters spoken about in the Songs (e.g. watchmen) There are number patterns in the book (7 elements to the Bride’s virtue, 9 fruits in the garden, 60 valiant men etc.) There are many oblique pointers to our future in the Song of Songs (resurrection, individual / national judgment) The Bride is described in the most elevated of ways and is altogether lovely (without spot, the fairest)

38. Songs 1–3

39. Songs 4–6

40. Songs 7–9Study 1 Study 3