ChristCare Daytimers 4/14/2010

__ Thur - 3/25 SONG OF SOLOMON -

NELSON'S BIBLE DICTIONARY

An Old Testament book written in the form of a lyrical love song. Some interpreters believe this song speaks symbolically of the love of God for the nation of Israel. But others insist it should be interpreted literally-as a healthy expression of romantic love between a man and a woman. No matte Mr how the book is interpreted, it is certainly one of the most unusual in the Bible. Its subtitle, "the song of songs" (1:1), implies it was the loveliest and best-known of all the songs of Solomon.

Structure of the Book. The Song of Solomon is a brief book of only eight chapters. But in spite of its brevity, it has a complicated structure that sometimes confuses the reader. Several different characters or personalities have speaking parts within this long lyrical poem. In most translations of the Bible, these speakers change abruptly with no identification to help the reader follow the narrative. But the NKJV clears up this confusion by publishing identification lines within the text. This helps the reader gain a clearer understanding of this beautiful song.

The three main parties with speaking parts in this long poem are: (1) the groom, King Solomon; (2) the bride, a woman referred to as "the Shulamite" (6:13); and (3) the "daughters of Jerusalem" (2:7). These women of Jerusalem may have been royal servants who served as attendants to Solomon's Shulamite bride. In this love song, they serve as a chorus to echo the sentiments of the Shulamite, emphasizing her love and affection for Solomon.

In addition to these main personalities, the brothers of the Shulamite bride are also mentioned in the poem (8:8-9). These may have been her step-brothers. The poem indicates she worked under their command as "the keeper of the vineyards" (1:6).

This beautiful love song falls naturally into two major sections of about equal length-the beginning of love chaps. (1-4) and the broadening of love chaps. (5-8).

In the first section, the Shulamite tells about Solomon's visit to her home in the country in the springtime (2:8-17). She also recalls the many happy experiences of their courtship when she visited Solomon in his palace in Jerusalem (2:4-7). She thinks about the painful separations from his love during this time (3:1-5), as well as the joyous wedding procession to Jerusalem to become the king's bride (3:6-11). Solomon also praises his bride-to-be in a beautiful poem on the magic and wonder of love (chap. 4).

In the second section of the book, the love of the Shulamite and Solomon for each other continues to deepen after their marriage. She has a troubled dream when he seems distant and unconcerned (5:2-8). But Solomon assures her of his love and praises her beauty (6:4-7:9). Longing to visit her country home (7:10-8:4), she finally makes the trip with Solomon; and their love grows even stronger (8:5-7). The song closes with an assurance of each to the other that they will always remain close in their love.

__ Fri - 3/26 Authorship and Date. Traditionally, authorship of the Song of Solomon has been assigned to Solomon, since the book itself makes this claim (1:1). But some scholars reject this theory. They insist it was a later collection of songs attributed to Solomon because of his reputation as a writer of psalms and proverbs (1 Kings 4:32). A careful analysis of the internal evidence, however, gives strong support to the view that Solomon wrote the book.

Solomon is mentioned by name several times in the song (1:1,5; 3:7,9,11; 8:11-12), and he is specifically identified as the groom. The book also gives evidence of wealth, luxury, and exotic imported goods (3:6-11) a characteristic of his administration. The groom of the song also assures the Calamite bride that she is "the only one" (6:9) among his "sixty queens and eighty concubines" (6:8) - probably a reference by Solomon to his royal harem. At the height of his power and influence, Solomon was known to have 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3).

This strong internal evidence clearly supports the traditional view that Solomon himself wrote this song that bears his name. It must have been written early in his reign, probably about 965 BC

__ Sat 3/27 Historical Setting. With his large harem, how could King Solomon write such a beautiful love song to one specific wife? Perhaps his union with the Calamite woman was the only authentic marriage relationship which Solomon ever knew. Most of his marriages were political arrangements, designed to seal treaties and trade agreements with other nations. In contrast, the Shulamite woman was not a cultured princess but a lowly vineyard keeper whose skin had been darkened by her long exposure to the sun (1:6). Yet, she was the bride to whom Solomon declared, "How much better than wine is your love, and the scent of your perfumes than all spices!" (4:10).

This has a real message about the nature of true love. Authentic love is much more than a surface relationship; it extends to the very core of one's being. Love like this cannot be bought and sold like some commodity on the open market. Solomon had many wives, but the Shulamite may have been the only one with whom he enjoyed a warm, enriching relationship.

__ Sun - 3/28 Luke 22:14-23:56 PALM SUNDAY

__ Mon - 3/29 Theological Contribution. The great message of the Song of Solomon is the beauty of love between a man and a woman as experienced in the relationship of marriage. In its frank but beautiful language, the song praises the mutual love which husband and wife feel toward each other in this highest of all human relationships.

The sexual and physical side of marriage is a natural and proper part of God's plan, reflecting His purpose and desire for the human race. This is the same truth so evident at the beginning of time in the Creation itself. God created man and woman and brought them together to serve as companions and to share their lives with one another: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24). Like the Book of Genesis, the Song of Solomon says a bold yes to the beauty and sanctity of married love.

But this book also points beyond human love to the great Author of love. Authentic love is possible in the world because God brought love into being and planted that emotion in the hearts of His people. Even husbands and wives should remember that the love which they share for one another is not a product of their human goodness or kindness. We are able to love because the love of God is working in our lives: "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loves us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another" (1 John 4:10-11).

__ Tues - 3/30

Special Considerations. The symbols and images that the groom uses to describe the beauty of his Shulamite bride may seem strange to modern readers. He portrays her hair as "a flock of goats, going down from Mount Gilead" (4:1). Her neck, he says, is like "the tower of David, built for an armory, on which hang a thousand bucklers" (4:4). Such compliments today would certainly not be flattering to most women!

In his use of these symbols, the groom is reflecting the cultural patterns of the ancient world. To those who lived in Solomon's time, the rippling effect of a flock of goats moving down a hillside was, indeed, a thing of beauty. And a stately tower atop a city wall reflected an aura of stability and nobility. The Shulamite woman would have been very pleased at such creative compliments from her poetic groom.

Scholars are not certain of the exact meaning of the phrase, "the Shulamite" (6:13), which has come to be used as a title for the bride in this song. No city or region known as Shulam has been identified in Palestine or any of the surrounding territories. Because the poem makes several references to Lebanon (3:9; 4:8,11,15; 5:15; 7:4), some scholars believe she came from this mountainous territory along the Mediterranean coast in northwestern Palestine.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary,

As you read these chapters, try to identify the speakers, which. some passages, is not easy. It will make more sense.

Wed - 3/31 SONG OF SOLOMON 1

The Bride's Love for the King. Mostly words of here own devotion, with brief Replies by King and Chorus.

__ Thur - 4/1 MAUNDAY THURSDAY

Read Devbotion in "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"

__ Fri - 4/2 GOOD FRIDAY

Read Devbotion in "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"

__ Sat - 4/3 HOLY SATURDAY

Read Devbotion in "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"

__ Sun - 4/4 EASTER

Read Devbotion in "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"

__ Mon - 4/5 SONG OF SOLOMON 2

The Brides Delight in the Kings Love . Mostly her own words, in soliloquy, about the King's Embraces.

__ Tues - 4/6 . SONG OF SOLOMON 3:1-5

. The Bride's Dream of her Lover's Disappearance and her Joy at finding him again.

__ Wed - 4/7 SONG OF SOLOMON 3:6-11

The Bridal Procession. Greetings, in the palace garden, of the Nuptial Chariot, by the palace ladies

__ Thur - 4/8 SONG OF SOLOMON 4

The King Adores his Bride. She replies, inviting him to her garden of marital delights.

__ Fri - 4/9 __ SONG OF SOLOMON 5

Another Dream of her Lover's Disappearance, following their nuptial union; and her devotion to him.

__ Sat - 4/10 SONG OF SOLOMON 6

The Shulammite the Loveliest among the 140 beauties of the palace, and so recognized by them and the King.

__ Sun - 4/11

Read Devbotion in "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"

__ Mon - 4/12 SONG OF SOLOMON 7

Their Mutual Devotion, on, told each to the other, in a profusion of Spring-song metaphors

__ Tues - 4/13 SONG OF SOLOMON 8

Their Love Unquenchable, and their Union Indissoluble; words partly of Bride, and partly of Chorus.

__ Wed - 4/14 Review

DAYTIMERS - CHRISTCARE

ON APRIL 14, 2010 AT BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH