Do we dream faithfully of our one spouse on earth? Does monogamous marital loyalty mirror our devotion to Christ? Let’s look at Song of Songs 3.
Did the Bride dream of looking for her Bridegroom? Do we dream of meeting Christ face to face some day?
Upon my bed, night after night, I looked for the one whom I love with all my heart. I looked for him but couldn’t find him. “I will rise now and go all around the city, through the streets and the squares. I will look for the one whom I love with all my heart.” I looked for him but couldn’t find him. (Song 3:1-2 CEB)
Did she finally find him after asking the night security guards? Is Jesus the cornerstone of our faith?
I even asked the guards patrolling the town, “Have you seen the one I love so much?” Right after that, I found him. I held him and would not let go until I had taken him to the home of my mother. (Song 3:3-4 CEV)
Does the Bride warn other women not to allow love to awaken in their hearts too early, but to wait for that one right person?
I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases. (Song 3:5 ESV)
Did that warning include Solomon, carried on a royal sedan chair, guarded by 60 warriors, an extremely wise but equally selfish man, not satisfied with one faithful wife?
What is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from every fragrant powder of the merchant? It is Solomon’s royal litter surrounded by 60 warriors from the mighty of Israel. All of them are skilled with swords and trained in warfare. Each has his sword at his side to guard against the terror of the night. (Song 3:6-8 HCSB)
Would a thousand fancy wedding days to Solomon distract our Bride from her one true love? Would the impressive riches of this world distract us from the love of Christ?
King Solomon made the sedan chair for himself from the trees of Lebanon. He made its posts of silver, its back of gold. Its seat was purple, and its interior was lovingly inlaid by the young women of Jerusalem. Come out, young women of Zion, and see King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him on his wedding day—his day of great delight. (Song 3:9-11 ISV)
Will we allow temptation to make us unfaithful to just one earthly spouse? Does God’s creation reveal a glory greater than any short-lived grandeur tempting us away from our loyalty to Christ?
Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Luke 12:27 KJV)
Do we dream faithfully of our one spouse on earth? Does monogamous marital loyalty mirror our devotion to Christ? You decide!
A Bride's Praise (Song of Songs 2)
How much do we love our spouse? How much do we love Jesus? Let’s look at Song of Songs 2.
How does the Bride describe the love of her husband for her?
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. (Song 2:1 KJV)
How does the husband respond to His Bride’s description of His love for her?
Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the daughters. (Song 2:2 LSB)
How does the Bride describe her love for her lover, her husband? Is our marriage like this?
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love. Refresh me with raisin cakes, Sustain me with apples, Because I am lovesick. His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me. (Song 2:3-6 NASB)
How considerate are we in our marriage? Is the Bride quiet while her young husband sleeps, not wanting to disturb Him?
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. (Song 2:7 NIV)
How does the Bride picture her husband coming to her?
Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. (Song 2:8-9 NLT)
What did her beloved Husband suggest to His dear wife?
My beloved spoke, and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” (Song 2:10-13 WEB)
Does the Bride request of her Husband to see Him, to have Him perform a small task?
My dove—in the rock crevices, hidden in the cliff face—let me catch sight of you; let me hear your voice! The sound of your voice is sweet, and the sight of you is lovely.” Catch foxes for us—those little foxes that spoil vineyards, now that our vineyards are in bloom! (Song 2:14-15 CEB)
Does the young Bride desire to watch like seeing a deer as her Husband returns to her?
My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains. (Song 2:16-17 NLT)
How much ought we, as members of the Church that Jesus will marry, love Jesus?
If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. (Mat 10:37)
How much do we love our spouse? How much do we love Jesus? You decide!
How does the Bride describe the love of her husband for her?
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. (Song 2:1 KJV)
How does the husband respond to His Bride’s description of His love for her?
Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the daughters. (Song 2:2 LSB)
How does the Bride describe her love for her lover, her husband? Is our marriage like this?
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I took great delight and sat down, And his fruit was sweet to my taste. He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love. Refresh me with raisin cakes, Sustain me with apples, Because I am lovesick. His left hand is under my head, And his right hand embraces me. (Song 2:3-6 NASB)
How considerate are we in our marriage? Is the Bride quiet while her young husband sleeps, not wanting to disturb Him?
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. (Song 2:7 NIV)
How does the Bride picture her husband coming to her?
Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. (Song 2:8-9 NLT)
What did her beloved Husband suggest to His dear wife?
My beloved spoke, and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give out their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” (Song 2:10-13 WEB)
Does the Bride request of her Husband to see Him, to have Him perform a small task?
My dove—in the rock crevices, hidden in the cliff face—let me catch sight of you; let me hear your voice! The sound of your voice is sweet, and the sight of you is lovely.” Catch foxes for us—those little foxes that spoil vineyards, now that our vineyards are in bloom! (Song 2:14-15 CEB)
Does the young Bride desire to watch like seeing a deer as her Husband returns to her?
My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains. (Song 2:16-17 NLT)
How much ought we, as members of the Church that Jesus will marry, love Jesus?
If you love your father or mother or even your sons and daughters more than me, you are not fit to be my disciples. (Mat 10:37)
How much do we love our spouse? How much do we love Jesus? You decide!
A Bride's Love (Song 1)
Is the greatest song ever written, one that pictures the marriage of the Lamb to His Bride the Church? Let’s begin in Song of Songs 1.
Does this most excellent of songs picture Jesus and His love for us, His Bride?
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you. Draw me away! We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. (Song 1:1-4 NKJV)
Though the Church is darkened by persecution and the abuse of forced labor, is she still beautiful to Her Savior?
I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem—dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents. Don’t stare at me because I am dark—the sun has darkened my skin. My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards, so I couldn’t care for myself—my own vineyard. (Song 1:5-6 NLT)
Does the Church seek the companionship of Jesus during the heat of the day?
Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions? (Song 1:7 WEB)
Does Jesus welcome the companionship of His Bride and tell the Church how to find Him?
If you don’t know your way, most beautiful of women, then follow the tracks of the herds and graze your little goats by the tents of the shepherds. I picture you, my dearest, as a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots! Lovely are your cheeks, adorned with ear hoops; your neck, with beads. Let’s make hoops of gold beaded with silver for you! (Song 1:8-11 CEB)
Do we see the companionship of Jesus in our daily lives as perfume on our chest?
My king, while you were on your couch, my aroma was a magic charm. My darling, you are perfume between my breasts; you are flower blossoms from the gardens of En-Gedi. (Song 1:12-14 CEV)
Do we see through the eyes of Jesus as He looks upon His Bride, the Church, as beautiful?
Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves. (Song 1:15 ESV)
Do we enjoy meeting with Jesus even in the humblest of Church buildings, the house of the Lord, as a beautiful place?
How handsome you are, my love. How delightful! Our bed is lush with foliage; the beams of our house are cedars, and our rafters are cypresses. (Song 1:16-17 HCSB)
Do we understand the love that Jesus has for His Church, or do we insult Him by constantly criticizing her?
Let us rejoice, be glad, and give him glory, because the marriage of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. (Rev 19:7 ISV)
Is the greatest song ever written one that pictures the marriage of the Lamb to His Bride the Church? You decide!
Does this most excellent of songs picture Jesus and His love for us, His Bride?
The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine. Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you. Draw me away! We will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. (Song 1:1-4 NKJV)
Though the Church is darkened by persecution and the abuse of forced labor, is she still beautiful to Her Savior?
I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem—dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents. Don’t stare at me because I am dark—the sun has darkened my skin. My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards, so I couldn’t care for myself—my own vineyard. (Song 1:5-6 NLT)
Does the Church seek the companionship of Jesus during the heat of the day?
Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions? (Song 1:7 WEB)
Does Jesus welcome the companionship of His Bride and tell the Church how to find Him?
If you don’t know your way, most beautiful of women, then follow the tracks of the herds and graze your little goats by the tents of the shepherds. I picture you, my dearest, as a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots! Lovely are your cheeks, adorned with ear hoops; your neck, with beads. Let’s make hoops of gold beaded with silver for you! (Song 1:8-11 CEB)
Do we see the companionship of Jesus in our daily lives as perfume on our chest?
My king, while you were on your couch, my aroma was a magic charm. My darling, you are perfume between my breasts; you are flower blossoms from the gardens of En-Gedi. (Song 1:12-14 CEV)
Do we see through the eyes of Jesus as He looks upon His Bride, the Church, as beautiful?
Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves. (Song 1:15 ESV)
Do we enjoy meeting with Jesus even in the humblest of Church buildings, the house of the Lord, as a beautiful place?
How handsome you are, my love. How delightful! Our bed is lush with foliage; the beams of our house are cedars, and our rafters are cypresses. (Song 1:16-17 HCSB)
Do we understand the love that Jesus has for His Church, or do we insult Him by constantly criticizing her?
Let us rejoice, be glad, and give him glory, because the marriage of the lamb has come and his bride has made herself ready. (Rev 19:7 ISV)
Is the greatest song ever written one that pictures the marriage of the Lamb to His Bride the Church? You decide!
Our Duty (Ecclesiastes 12)
Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 12.
Should we remember God before our eyes grow dim, before the silver cord possibly holding body and soul together or perhaps our spinal cord is broken, and our bodies return to dust?
Remember your creator in your prime, before the days of trouble arrive, and those years, about which you’ll say, “I take no pleasure in these”—before the sun and the light grow dark, the moon and the stars too, before the clouds return after the rain; on the day when the housekeepers tremble and the strong men stoop; when the women who grind stop working because they’re so few, and those who look through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are shut, when the sound of the mill fades, the sound of the bird rises, and all the singers come down low; when people are afraid of things above and of terrors along the way; when the almond tree blanches, the locust droops, and the caper-berry comes to nothing; when the human goes to the eternal abode, with mourners all around in the street; before the silver cord snaps and the gold bowl shatters; the jar is broken at the spring and the wheel is crushed at the pit; before dust returns to the earth as it was before and the life-breath returns to God who gave it. (Ecc 12:1-7 CEB)
What are words of wisdom like and how important are they compared to any other teachings?
I was a wise teacher with much understanding, and I collected a number of proverbs that I had carefully studied. Then I tried to explain these things in the best and most accurate way. Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. (Ecc 12:9-12 CEV)
What is the whole duty of mankind? Who will judge everyone?
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:13-14 ESV)
In one sense has judgement already begun and who is facing that judgment?
For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 HCSB)
Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? You decide!
Should we remember God before our eyes grow dim, before the silver cord possibly holding body and soul together or perhaps our spinal cord is broken, and our bodies return to dust?
Remember your creator in your prime, before the days of trouble arrive, and those years, about which you’ll say, “I take no pleasure in these”—before the sun and the light grow dark, the moon and the stars too, before the clouds return after the rain; on the day when the housekeepers tremble and the strong men stoop; when the women who grind stop working because they’re so few, and those who look through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are shut, when the sound of the mill fades, the sound of the bird rises, and all the singers come down low; when people are afraid of things above and of terrors along the way; when the almond tree blanches, the locust droops, and the caper-berry comes to nothing; when the human goes to the eternal abode, with mourners all around in the street; before the silver cord snaps and the gold bowl shatters; the jar is broken at the spring and the wheel is crushed at the pit; before dust returns to the earth as it was before and the life-breath returns to God who gave it. (Ecc 12:1-7 CEB)
What are words of wisdom like and how important are they compared to any other teachings?
I was a wise teacher with much understanding, and I collected a number of proverbs that I had carefully studied. Then I tried to explain these things in the best and most accurate way. Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. (Ecc 12:9-12 CEV)
What is the whole duty of mankind? Who will judge everyone?
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:13-14 ESV)
In one sense has judgement already begun and who is facing that judgment?
For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 HCSB)
Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? You decide!
Consequences (Ecclesiastes 11)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 11.
How important is generosity and does God reward generosity in mysterious ways?
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. (Ecc 11:1-5 NASB)
Should we be diligent and diversify our efforts or just gamble on only one effort?
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6 NIV)
Should we learn from both our good and our bad days?
Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity. (Ecc 11:7-8 NKJV)
Should we just enjoy our youth without preparing diligently for the rest of our lives?
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10 NLT)
Who can we rely upon as an unchanging power in our lives?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 WEB)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? You decide!
How important is generosity and does God reward generosity in mysterious ways?
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. (Ecc 11:1-5 NASB)
Should we be diligent and diversify our efforts or just gamble on only one effort?
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6 NIV)
Should we learn from both our good and our bad days?
Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity. (Ecc 11:7-8 NKJV)
Should we just enjoy our youth without preparing diligently for the rest of our lives?
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10 NLT)
Who can we rely upon as an unchanging power in our lives?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 WEB)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? You decide!
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