Song of Songs

Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 Song of Songs 1:1-2

Song of Songs 1:1-2: The Song of Songs, which is Solomons. May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. 1 Kings 4:32: [Solomon] also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. 2 Peter 1:20-21: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. Revelation 19:7-9: Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are true words of God. John 16:13-15: But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. Galatians 4:21-31: Pauls allegorical interpretation of Mt. Sinai being symbolic of the Old Covenant. Luke 24:27: Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Matthew 5:17: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Ecclesiastes 12:8: Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, all is vanity! Ephesians 5:31-32: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Deuteronomy 8:3: He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 Song of Songs 1:1-2

There are three main characters in the Song of Songs: o Jesus is paralleled by King Solomon. o The Bride of Christ, the church, is paralleled by the Shulamite maiden. o The Daughters of Jerusalem parallel less mature believers. All Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit, so the Song of Songs is not simply a letter from Solomon to one of His wives, it is intended to provide a deeper revelation. The deeper revelation is the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the church. Solomon, more than likely, had no idea that he was writing Scripture when he penned the Song of Songs. The Rabbis, over the centuries, have understood the Song of Songs to be about Gods love for His people. Relating the wisdom books of the Bible to the tabernacle/temple, they taught that Proverbs was the Outer Court, Ecclesiastes was the Inner Court, and the Song of Songs was the Holy of Holies. God is giving revelation on the Song of Songs as we approach the end of the age, so we can remain steadfast through trials. The Song of Songs reveals the emotions of God how God feels about us. It uncovers the bridal relationship between Jesus and the church. The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to glorify and reveal Jesus. Jesus is the center of the entire Bible, so the Song of Songs must be about Him.

Song of Songs 1:1-2 The kisses of the Kings mouth speak of two things. First, they express the idea of love and intimacy. Second, kisses of the mouth are typical of receiving the word of God into your heart and life. The Bride is asking for the heart of the King to be manifest to her. She states that knowing and experiencing Gods love is better than anything this world has to offer (wine represents the best of this world).

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 Song of Songs 1:1-2

1. Discuss how 1 Peter 1:20-22 relates to the way we should interpret the Song of Songs.

2. What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit?

3. Who are the three primary characters in the Song of Songs and what or who do they parallel?

4. In terms of the heart or nature of God, what, primarily, does the Song of Songs reveal?

5. Discuss the first two verses of the book. What is a kiss from the Kings mouth? What does wine represent?

6. Have you ever been kissed by Jesus? How? Discuss your experience(s) with the group.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 2 Song of Songs 1:2

Song of Songs 1:2- May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. Song of Song 8:6- Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. 2 Peter 1:20-21- But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. John 16:14- He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. Luke 24:13-27- He said to them, O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory? Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. Leviticus 23 Revelation 19:7,9- Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready Then he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are true words of God. John 11:35,38- Jesus wept So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 2 Corinthians 11:2-For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. Ephesians 5:31-32- For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Ephesians 3:17-19- so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Deuteronomy 8:3- He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. John 1:14- And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 17:26- and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. Philippians 3:8- More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 2 Song of Songs 1:2

Review o Song of Songs is a picture of Jesus bridal/marital relationship with the church. o God has emotions and we have emotions because God does. o God gets enjoyment out of us. We have the capacity to move God in an emotional way. The bride is asking for a kiss from her bridegroom. She is calling out for his fiery love to be revealed to her, requesting that he manifest his reality to her again in a fresh way. The bride came to the revelation that Jesus love was far superior to the best things in life. This study is not primarily for information, but should be turned into a prayer dialogue that leads to deepening encounters with Jesus divine love. God wants us to cry out for the revelation of the fullness of His love.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 2 Song of Songs 1:2

1. Review Scripture verses 2 Peter 1:20, John 16:14 and Luke 24:13-27. Discuss what these verses reveal about the revelatory essence or deeper purpose of the Song of Songs. Beyond the historical account, how can we receive the message of the Song of Songs today?

2. Read Revelation 19:7, 9. What is the correlation between the Song of Songs and Revelation 19?

3. Give an example of a time when Jesus was touched by human emotions in the Scriptures. What other times are Gods emotions bared in Scripture?

4. In your own words, explain what Song of Songs1:2 means in the context of the bridal paradigm.

5. Describe a time where you experienced a kiss from Jesus mouth? That is, when did He enable you to see, feel or apprehend His reality and His love for you?

6. What does Song of Song 1:2b mean? What does wine represent in the Bible? What circumstantial things in your life would you consider wine?

7. Use Song of Songs 1:2 to begin a prayer dialogue with Jesus, your Bridegroom.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 3 Song of Songs 1:2- 3

Ephesians 5:31-32- For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 2 Corinthians 11:2- For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. John 11:35- Jesus wept. Luke 10:21- At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and said, I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. Isaiah 62:4-5- It will no longer be said to you, Forsaken, Nor to your land will it any longer be said, Desolate; But you will be called, My delight is in her, And your land, Married; For the Lord delights in you, And to Him your land will be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, So your sons will marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So your God will rejoice over you. Song of Songs 1:2- May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. Song of Songs 1:4- Draw me after you and let us run together! The king has brought me into his chambers. We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you. Ephesians 3:18-19- may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Song of Songs 1:3- Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, Your name is like purified oil; Therefore the maidens love you. Matthew 11:27- All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 1 John 4:10- In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. John 17:3- This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 20:21- So Jesus said to them again, Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 3 Song of Songs 1:2- 3

Review o We have been called into a bridal relationship with the LORD Jesus. o The purpose of the divinely inspired Song of Songs is to help uncover how Jesus feels about us and journey into a holy romance with Him. It is critical to understand that God (Jesus) has feelings! He is not just aware of us, but is involved with us day-to-day at a heart level. o The three primary characters in the Song of Songs are: King Solomon prophetic shadow of the Bridegroom King, Jesus. Shulamite Bride prophetic shadow of the church, Jesus bride. Daughters of Jerusalem less mature believers. If Christianity is boring or, said differently, is a religious activity, you have not encountered Jesus at some level. An encounter (chamber experience) produces a longing for Jesus, because it becomes clear that His love is superior to all other potential life pursuits. o Jesus reveals Himself in varied ways (example: Paul on the road to Damascus) Once we have experienced Jesus, we will naturally express His beauty, value, and desirability. Just as a plants fragrance/essence is an expression of what is inside the plant, so the reference to Jesus oils speaks of the pleasing desirability of the heart/love of Jesus. Jesus name represents His attributes. We need Him to reveal His extraordinary beauty to us according to Matthew 11:27 and 1 John 4:10. The Shulamite expresses her life purpose in verse 4 after realizing that Jesus love is better than the best things in life. First, she asks to be drawn after the King. This speaks of the brides desire to be taken away from every inferior thing she holds on to besides the King and for every hindrance to their relationship to be removed. Second, she asks to run together with the King. Her desire is to share in the Kings work while on the earth.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 3 Song of Songs 1:2- 3

1. Who are the three main characters in the Song of Songs, and what/who do they represent?

2. The Song of Songs was given to us by the Holy Spirit to help uncover how Jesus feels about us and journey into a divine romance with Him. Pray according to Ephesians 3:18-19 for chamber experiences in your own life so that you would experience Gods attributes (SS 1:3) and feelings (SS 1:2) in a greater way.

3. Discuss the first time you experienced Jesus and His love for you. If you never have, take time to ask Him to bring you into His chambers and manifest Himself and His love to you.

4. Rabbi Schneider makes the statement, God is not just aware of us, but is involved in a personal relationship with us. Share a time that you understood this reality and how God communicated His intimate involvement in your life (e.g., through the Bible, dream, vision, someone else).

5. How does the Shulamite bride express her life purpose in the Song of Songs?

6. What are the two facets of her purpose?

7. As Jesus bride, discuss what this purpose statement means to you and for you? After discussing, continue the prayer dialogue by expressing to Jesus, in your own words, your life purpose and for His empowering grace to fulfill it.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 4 Song of Songs 1:1- 3

Ephesians 5:31-32 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Song of Songs 1:1-3 - The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine. Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, Your name is like purified oil; Therefore the maidens love you. Song of Songs 1:4 - Draw me after you and let us run together! The king has brought me into his chambers. We will rejoice in you and be glad; we will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you. John 6:44 - No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. 1 Corinthians 3:9 - For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. Matthew 5:14 - You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. John 14:12 - Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 20:21 - So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 14:21, 23 He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - but just as it is written, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." Revelation 19:7-9 - Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." John 3:29 - He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 4 Song of Songs 1:1- 3

Review o God receives pleasure from us. He tells us in Ephesians 5 that the relationship between and husband and wife speak of Jesus relationship with the church. o There is a dynamic, two-way interaction between Jesus and His bride, the church. The church responds to Him and He responds to us. This is what the Song of Songs reveals to us; an intimate back-and-forth between the King and the bride. o Song of Songs 1:1-3 takes the reader through the brides initial o Draw me after you is the first part of her life purpose. In this statement we hear the bride asking for the Kings help to overcome everything that would keep her from oneness with Him in relationship. Jesus tells us in John 6:44 that we need the Fathers help to come to Him and uses the same word draw. o The bride expresses the second part of her life purpose when she says, and let us run together. This speaks of her desire to partner with the Kings plan and purposes in life, specifically the ministry he has for us. Paul expresses the same idea in 1 Corinthians when he states that we are co-laborers with Christ during our life on earth. o There a balance in our relationship with Jesus. On the one hand we are pursuing intimacy and fellowship with Him through prayer, worship, Christian fellowship, and on the other hand we are a participant in advancing Jesus kingdom on earth. o Sharing in the assignment of Jesus involves being a witness. The chamber mentioned at the end of verse 4 is a bridal chamber and speaks of an inimate encounter. For the believer, this describes experiencing the reality of Jesus love. The Holy Spirit has been given to us reveal Jesus; He will reveal Gods love, beauty, mysteries, and many other things. The Shulamite bride uses the same language as heavenly multitude in Revelation 19, let us rejoice and be glad, for the marriage supper of lamb has come. This demonstrates the bridal paradigm of the Song of Songs and how it connects to us as Jesus bride. Everything culminates for us in a marriage to Jesus! John the Baptist referred to himself as the friend of the bridegroom. The Shulamite has a two-fold revelation when she meets the King, I am black, but lovely. Prophetically, this means as we draw close to Jesus, light comes into our lives and we see our sinfulness, but we are lovely to God. The second part of this verse should be emphasized. God loves us as were still maturing in faith and obedience.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 4 Song of Songs 1:1- 3

1. Describe what happens to the Shulamite in verses 1-3? What does she experience? How does she respond?

2. Why does the Shulamite ask the King to draw her after Him? How does this relate to Jesus statement in John 6:44?

3. How has Jesus drawn you? What has he helped you to overcome, resist or give up? How has this process impacted your relationship/closeness with Him?

4. What does the brides request let us run together mean? How does this part of her life purpose differ from being drawn after the King in the first part of verse 4?

5. Rabbi Schneider made the point that sharing in the assignment of Jesus involves being a witness (remember the story about the waitress). When was the last time you told someone about Jesus or something He has done for you? Who could you share with? Note, an easy and pointed way to begin the conversation is to use the question, What do you think of Jesus?

6. Take time to discuss balancing the two parts of the brides life purpose in your own life and take a few minutes to continue the prayer dialogue.

7. What chamber does the bride reference in verse 4?

8. Have you had a chamber experience? Continue the prayer dialogue on this point, asking Jesus for reveal Himself to you in encounters and experiences that will deepen your intimacy with Him and help you run after Him.

9. How does the bridal paradigm help us view life, our relationship with God and future events?

10. Discuss what verse 5 means. Finish the discussion with a prayer dialogue based on verse 5.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 5 Song of Songs 1: 4

Luke 24:27 Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:20-21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. John 16:24 [The Holy Spirit] will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Ephesians 5:31-32 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 2 Corinthians 11:2 - For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. Song of Songs 1:4 Draw me after you and let us run together! The king has brought me into his chambers. We will rejoice in you and be glad; we will extol (remember NKJV) your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you." Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. John 14:21, 23 He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. Hebrews 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." Matthew 4; Luke 4 Jesus temptation in the wilderness

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 5 Song of Songs 1: 4

Review o The Song of Songs helps us understand how Jesus feels about us. o There are multiple interpretive layers to the Scriptures. We need to look for the deeper meanings of Scripture. On the surface the Song of Songs looks to be about Solomon and the Shulamite bride, but going deeper, it is a revelation of Jesus relationship with His bride. o The Holy Spirit inspired men to write Scripture and His purpose is to reveal and glorify Jesus. As humans, we all have needs (e.g., love, intimacy), and those needs are a result of being created in Gods image. He put those needs and desires in us because He wants to fulfill them with Himself. The brides initial experience(s) with the King causes her to cry out for Him to draw her to Himself. He responds by bringing her into His (bridal) chamber. Jesus is alive; He is with you and will reveal Himself and His love to you as you seek Him (SS 1:4, Mt 7:7). The brides response to her chamber experiences with the King was a declaration: We will rejoice and be glad... This is a commitment to be happy in Jesus love. Part of being glad is a decision. We can live empowered over circumstances, our peace and happiness is not dependant on circumstances. We live in the midst of darkness, but we have Jesus, eternal life, living in and with us, and He has promised to give us victory. Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. The bride makes a second declaration after her encounter with the King. She declares that she will remember the Kings love. Related to this declaration was the practice of the children of Israel, in which they would build a memorial for God when He did something special. After Jesus does something special for us, there is often a period of testing, wherein the enemy comes to challenge or steal what God did. If we resist and remember in times of testing, we will be strengthened in our faith and relationship with Jesus.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 5 Song of Songs 1: 4

1. What is the overarching purpose of the Song of Songs?

2. What do you think are your most fundamental needs?

3. In what way would you like Jesus to meet one of your desires?

4. What does the brides first declaration to rejoice and be glad mean?

5. Why and how is it possible to rejoice and be glad when circumstances are difficult?

6. What does the brides second declaration to remember the Kings love mean?

7. Why is it important to record prophetic words, victories in God, and other special encounters with Jesus?

8. What difficult circumstance are you currently facing? Begin to choose to rejoice in Jesus through the circumstance.

9. Share with the group at least one time when you experienced God in some way.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 6 Song of Songs 1: 5

2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Isaiah 62:4-5 It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; but you will be called, "My delight is in her," and your land, "Married"; for the Lord delights in you, and to Him your land will be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so your God will rejoice over you. Song of Songs 1:5 "I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? Romans 7:21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. John 17:23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Colossians 1:22 He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Psalm 139:14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. 2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Romans 5:5 hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 7:21-23 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Ephesians 5:31-32 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 6 Song of Songs 1: 5

Jesus loves us with the love of a husband today, right where we are at. There is a tension in all of us. We are still struggling with sin in our lives and the reality of our righteousness, but at the same time, we are lovely to God. This is captured in the declaration in SS 1:5, I am black, but lovely. God loves us with the same love that He loved Jesus with. The sin factor has been removed from the lives of all who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). The closer we get to God, the more His light fills our lives and the blackness is exposed and overcome. Initially, God may deal with blatant moral issues that are obvious externally. Then as we progress in maturity, He goes on to deal with more subtle sin in our hearts and minds like selfishness, hidden pride, anger, issues with authority, etc. In effect, God continues to increase the power of the sin-identifying microscope to sanctify us and lead us into great intimacy and fellowship with Himself. Any time we become aware of and confess sin, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Regardless of sin, you are truly beautiful to Jesus even as you are being sanctified. It is very important to know that you are beautiful to God! Why are you beautiful to God? o You are created in the image of God. o In Jesus, we have become the righteousness of God. o You have a yes in your heart toward God from the Holy Spirit. In your struggle against sin, you have a sincere love for God, and your desire is for Him and His purposes. o God looks at you through His eyes of mercy and compassion. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder (e.g., a baby in the eyes of his/her new parents). According to Ephesians 5, we have been brought into oneness with Jesus, just as two people leave their father and mother to become one flesh in marriage. Being united with the beautiful One, makes us beautiful. Tents of Kedar were made of a black material, but the curtains of Solomon were white, stunning and beautiful.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 6 Song of Songs 1: 5

1. What does the statement, I am dark/black, but lovely mean?

2. Since beginning your journey as a follower of Jesus, what things has God dealt with in your life? What is He currently putting His magnifying glass on and allowing you to see?

3. Discuss how you see yourself in the context of verse 1:5. Do you emphasize the first part of the verse (i.e., I am black) when reflecting on your life and walk with God? Do you struggle with feelings of shame or guilt?

4. Review and discuss the reasons you are beautiful to God.

5. Read John 17:23, Romans 8:1 and 1 John 1:9. Use these verses, in conjunction with Song of Songs 1:5 to continue the prayer dialogue with Jesus. Express gratitude for how Jesus has given you beauty from ashes and how you are accepted, righteous and loved in Him. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus love in those places where shame or guilt exists. Remember, there is a difference between maturing or immature love and no love at all. If you are a child of God, there is a yes inside you that is deeply pleasing to God.

6. Take time this week to meditate on this statement: Father God, You are beautiful, and You have made me beautiful to You.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 7 Song of Songs 1: 6-8

Song of Songs 1:6-8 Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, for the sun has burned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I have not taken care of my own vineyard. 7 Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where do you pasture your flock, where do you make it lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?" 8 If you yourself do not know, most beautiful among women, go forth on the trail of the flock and pasture your young goats by the tents of the shepherds. 1 John 5:4 - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Matthew 16:18 - I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 26:34 - Jesus said to him,"Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Matthew 26:75 - And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. John 21:3 - Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 7 Song of Songs 1: 6-8

Review o The Shulamite bride is a prophetic shadow of the church. o She has an encounter with the King and determines to remember it, even in the face of the challenges of life. o She also experiences the tension of being cleansed from sin, while at the same time being lovely to her Bridegroom. As we struggle against sin, God sees us as we will be, not as we are. Remember, she (and you) is (are) lovely to God! o The daughters of Jerusalem represent those who are less mature. It is these people that may not understand you and your pursuit of Jesus, even though they are Christians. The Shulamite asks that she not be stared at because she is swarthy or dark. This represents insecurity. She is struggling a bit because she was made a caretaker of the vineyards. This represents oppression in life those situations that are difficult, in which you are not appreciated by those around you and which result in spiritual neglect of some kind. We begin to see in verse 6 the realities of life set it. She was first touched by the King in a special way, like we can have amazing encounters with Jesus, but eventually we face challenges in the valleys of life at work, at home, financially, etc. It is in these times that the spiritual high begins to wane. It is critical to remember the love of Jesus and how He previously brought you into His chamber in these times. The Shulamites response to the waning passion due to the realities of life (e.g., responsibility, difficulties, other peoples business) is in verse 7. She calls out to the King in love for a renewed intimacy. She knew in this place that her love was real, but not yet mature and she wanted to get closer to the King. Peter is a New Testament example of maturing love. Why should I be like one who veils herself? A veil was put on in the presence of strangers. The Shulamite did not want to be a stranger; she did not want distance between her and the King. Also, she did not want to just be around those who knew the King or that talked about the King, but she wanted to be near the King Himself. These realities apply directly to us in our relationship with Jesus. Jesus, in verse 8, speaks to her with tenderness and affirmation to deal with her shame and selfconsciousness.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 7 Song of Songs 1: 6-8

1. Review verses 1-4 of the Song of Songs. Explain their application to your life today?

2. Do you feel busy and stressed and unable to tend to your own spiritual life? What can be done about this based on what God reveals in the Shulamites life?

3. What does a veil represent?

4. Do you feel distance between yourself and the LORD? Has the inner desire for Jesus lessened in your life? What was the Shulamites response to these feelings?

5. Discuss how Jesus responds to and deal with our failures, mistakes and shame?

6. Continue the prayer dialogue with Jesus, your Bridegroom King according to what you heard and discussed today.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 8 Song of Songs 1: 7 - 8

Song of Songs 1:7-8- Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where do you pasture your flock, where do you make it lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?" If you yourself do not know, most beautiful among women, go forth on the trail of the flock and pasture your young goats by the tents of the shepherds. Luke 12:32- Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Hebrews 10:24-25- Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 1 Corinthians 12:15-21- If the foot says, Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body, it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. John 17:20-21- I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 1 John 4:20- If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. John 13:3-5- Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Matthew 20:28- The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Luke 22:27- For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. Psalm 133:1- Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Genesis 9:21-25- He drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their fathers nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine, he knew what his youngest son had done to him. So he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants He shall be to his brothers. Numbers 16 and 17- Aarons rod buds to demonstrate the authority God delegated to him.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 8 Song of Songs 1: 7 - 8

Review o The Song of Songs was given to us by the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus love for us as His bride. o As the pressures and realities of life pressed in, the Bride began to feel a distance between herself and her Bridegroom. In verse 7 she calls out, asking how to reunite with the Bridegroom King in closeness and intimacy. The Bridegroom responds to the Brides call in verse 7, not with a rebuke, but with tender, affirming love. He calls her the most beautiful among women. He counsels her to do the following: 1) get back into fellowship with Gods people, 2) get involved in serving, and 3) learn how to relate to the authority that God has on earth. o A hypocrite is someone whose heart is not in alignment with what they are saying, no someone who says something and fails to live up to it. o We work out our relationship with God through our relationship with other people. The idea that you can be a healthy Christian without a connection to the church is a fallacy. o Serving is a key to restoring fellowship with God. He is a humble servant, and we will experience fellowship with Him in the process of serving. o Gods government is a kingdom and He invests His authority in people on earth. As we submit to those people, we submit to God Himself and His presence and favor are released into our lives in a greater way.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 8 Song of Songs 1: 7 - 8

1. As a review, why is the Bride calling out in verse 7?

2. What is the attitude of the Kings heart, as He responds to the Brides call in verse 8?

3. What are the three items of counsel that the King give to the Bride with respect to the path back to fellowship and a renewed experience of His presence? Discuss each point of counsel in the context of your own life?

4. How have you experienced fellowship with Jesus while serving?

5. Based on verse 8, identify actions you could take to position yourself for greater fellowship with Jesus.

Song of Songs
Scriptures
Song of Songs 1:9-159

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 9 Song of Songs 1:9-1 5

To me, my darling, you are like My mare among the chariots of Pharaoh. Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of beads.

10

We will make for you ornaments of gold With beads of silver. While the king was at his table, My perfume gave forth its fragrance.
13 12

11

My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh Which lies all night between my breasts. My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms In the vineyards of Engedi. How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15-
14

14

15

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and

15

manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 9 Song of Songs 1:9-1 5

Review o Jesus responded to the request for restored fellowship with Him by giving the following directives: Get back into fellowship with the people of God. Begin to serve. Come under the authority of the shepherds God had put in place. Verses 9-11 o Jesus did not see the Bride as a failure, but as one that was on the journey to maturity. o Most beautiful among women means that you are Gods best! o A mare among Pharoahs chariots relates the idea of the strength and victory in a war horse overcoming hearts. o The lovely cheeks reveal emotions and the fact that the King was focused on them demonstrates that our emotions are so lovely to Jesus. We move Jesus with our emotions (e.g., He cried at Lazarus death). o God will complete in you what He started. He will make for you ornaments of gold, that is, He will make your character like His. He will redeem us completely. Verses 12-14 o When Jesus came to her in mercy and affirmation, the Brides heart opened to Him. o Fragrance represents the release of the inner attribute. We release the fragrance of Jesus to God. o The characteristics of myrrh are 1) a sweet smell and 2) a bitter taste. It was used to anoint for burial. The fact that the Bride says the King was like a sachet of myrrh that lies all night between her breasts mean that she would meditate on the great love expressed in Jesus death on the cross for her, especially during the dark and difficult times in life. o Engedi was an oasis with many flowers and fragrances. The Bride says that Jesus is a cluster or many henna blossoms because His glory and goodness are so multidimensional. This is particularly expressed in creation and we should connect with Gods beauty in creation. Verse 15 o In response, to the Brides expression of her love and praise for Him, Jesus responds back with His own praise. He re-emphasizes her beauty and declares her eyes are like doves. Doves have no peripheral vision and can only see straight ahead. They also only mate with one other dove for life. Jesus is expressing His praise for her focus and loyalty to Him.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 9 Song of Songs 1:9-1 5

1. Reviewing verses 7-8, what is the Brides heart issue and what is Jesus response to it (three directives)?

2. Do you see yourself as Gods best?

3. Can you see a path of victory and increasing maturity when you reflect on the years of your life? Do you see yourself as one who is moving forward and upward in God?

4. What is Jesus saying about you, His bride when He compares you to a mare among Pharoahs chariots?

5. What do the cheeks represent in verse 10? Why is Jesus saying by making reference to her cheeks?

6. Discuss the experience of the Bride in verse 12. What is she saying? Why is she having this experience?

7. Discuss the meaning of the sachet of myrrh. Take a moment to express thanks for Jesus love as He expressed it on the cross.

8. When have you connected with God through His creation? What has recently impressed you in the creation?

9. What is the basis for Jesus comparison of the Brides eyes in verse 15 to those of a dove?

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 10 Song of Songs 1:1 6 -2: 5
3 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. 4 He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love. 5 Sustain me with raisin cakes, Refresh me with apples, Because I am lovesick

Song of Songs 1:16-2:5 16 How handsome you are, my beloved, And so pleasant! Indeed, our couch is luxuriant! 17 The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters, cypresses. 2:1I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys. 2 Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the maidens.

John 15:9- Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Romans 7:17- So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Matthew 13:44- The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Ephesians 1:13-14- In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of Gods own possession, to the praise of His glory. Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Matthew 11:29-30- Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. John 10:10- The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Matthew 7:24-27- Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall. Romans 8:37-39- But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Other Scriptures Referenced in Part 10: Song of Songs 4:12 1 Corinthians 6:18 2 Corinthians 11:2 1 Corinthians 11:28-31 Luke 10: Mary sitting at Jesus feet.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 10 Song of Songs 1:1 6 -2: 5

Review o The Song of Songs is designed to help you and me discover how He loves us. o Jesus is making clear His love for us. He says twice, Behold, you are beautiful. He is thoroughly in love with us! o The Apostle Paul did not identify Himself with sin, but as one who was purchased by the blood of Jesus and was pleasing and lovely to God. o A dove is the ultimate picture of loyalty. After the bride expresses what Jesus means to her (statements about myrrh and henna blossoms), Jesus knows she is committed and praises her for it. o Jesus wants one thing from us: our affections! Only we can give them to Him. He is calling us to be like a dove in this way; completely focused on Him. Verses 1:16-17 o The couch is a bridal couch, showing that we are on a journey toward a marriage. We have been engaged (Ephesians 1) and will be united with Jesus in the end (Revelation 19). o There is rest and safety in your relationship with Jesus. o When we walk with Jesus, we walk in and receive life, represented by the green couch. o Cedar was the strongest building material known at the time. The foundations and structure of our relationship with Jesus are sturdy and strong. It will help us withstand the trials, tribulation and problems of life. Verse 2:1-4 o Here, the Bride declares her own beauty, showing that she has been strengthened in her identity through the dialogue and experiences with Jesus over time. o A rose is the symbol of love. A lily is the flower of purity. A lily in the valley speaks of living pure lives in the sin and defilement of this evil age. o Jesus reaffirms the lily of the valley statement by saying that the Bride is a lily among the thorns. Thorns are a result of sin and the fall, so He confirms that she is truly someone set apart. o Apple trees are a source of refreshment. Jesus was a refreshing to His Bride. o The Bride discovers that Jesus banner was love over her. She is saying that Jesus is leading her through the war of life in love; she knew she could trust Him and He was victorious.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 10 Song of Songs 1:1 6 -2: 5

1. Rabbi Schneider states that the thing Jesus is after, and only we can give Him is our affections. What does it mean to give Jesus your affections? Pray together for strength to understand Jesus affections for you and for the ability to give Him your affections in a greater way.

2. Discuss the couch mentioned in verse 16. What does it represent?

3. Discus the cedar beams and cypress rafters. What do they represent? How does having this structure apply to your life today?

4. Chapter two open with beautiful declarations of the Bride. What do these declarations show us about what is happening or changing in the heart and mind of the Bride? Discuss what produced this new level of maturity in her life.

5. How are you a lily in the valley or a lily among thorns?

6. Remember, as you study, to make the interactions between the Shulamite and King Solomon captured in the Song of Songs part of your own prayer life. Study, then pray what you study back to Jesus in your own words. Conclude the study by discussing Jesus refreshing role in your life. How has He refreshed you? Thank Him for His refreshment and tell Him, in your own words, that He is your apple tree.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part

11

Song of Songs 2: 1- 5

Song of Songs 2:1-5: 1 I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys. 2 Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the maidens. 3 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. 4 He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love. 5 Sustain me with raisin cakes, Refresh me with apples, Because I am lovesick.

2 Peter 1:20-21: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of ones own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. John 16:14: He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 2 Corinthians 11:2: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. Revelation 19:7: Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. John 17:3: This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Psalm 91:7: A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. Matthew 10:28-30: Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Joshua 3 & 4: The account of the children of Israel crossing over into the promised land. Genesis 32:26: Then he said, Let me go, for the dawn is breaking. But he said, I will not let you go unless you bless me. Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part

11

Song of Songs 2: 1- 5

Review o All Scripture was given by the Holy Spirit and the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. o The Song of Songs is deeper than a letter written from Solomon to the Shulamite; it is a love letter from Jesus to His bride, the Church. It shows the path to know Jesus. o The green couch speaks about rest and life in the Brides relationship with the King. As we discover Jesus, we will become more and more alive. o The Bride was completely in love and focused on living a pure life in the fallen world. The Bride has another encounter with the King in verse 2:4. Throughout the life on earth, Jesus reveals Himself to those who are His. No Christian that has met Jesus is bored with Christianity. Banners were used to identify various divisions of an army or group of people. The Bride began to become secure in the Kings love. She was not afraid of the future, failure or anything else because she was aware of the power of the Kings love and care. Jesus is faithful to sustain and refresh us on our journey through life. He will give us apples and raisin cakes that will encourage us, let us know that He is real and near and bring a fuller knowledge of His presence.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part

11

Song of Songs 2: 1- 5

1. As a review, discuss how we should approach the Song of Songs from an interpretation and application perspective? Given the nature and purpose of the Holy Spirit, why is this the case?

2. The luxuriant or green wedding couch was mentioned during the session. How are you experiencing rest and life in your relationship in Jesus? Discuss specific situations that burden you and pray to enter Jesus rest in them.

3. What were banners used for when Solomon was writing the Song of Songs? What is the relationship between the Brides banner confession in 2:4 and Romans 8:28?

4. Re-read verses 2:4-5 and continue the prayer dialogue thanking Jesus for revelations of His love and any way that He specifically refreshed you in recent months. End by asking for more raisin cakes and apples like the Bride does in verse 5.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 12 Song of Songs 2: 6- 7

Song of Songs 2:6-7: 6 Let his left hand be under my head And his right hand embrace me. 7 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, That you do not arouse or awaken my love Until she pleases. Matthew 9:15: And Jesus said to them, The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. Isaiah 45:5: I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me. Matthew 25:1-13: Parable of the Ten Virgins John 3:29: He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegrooms voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. Revelation 19:7-9: Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Ephesians 5:31-32: For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 12 Song of Songs 2: 6- 7

Jesus said in Matthew that when the He was gone, they would fast. This is connected to the lovesick state that the Bride found herself in (2:6). The left hand represents the unseen activity of God in the Brides life. Jesus does so many unseen things in our lives to encourage, protect and shepherd us on our journey. The right hand represents the visible or apparent activity of God in the Brides life. In verses 5-6 the Bride is going through a season in which the LORD is doing a special thing in her life and she is filled with emotion in response. The Daughters of Jerusalem are less mature believers that are not able to discern the deeper things of God; they do not understand the bridal paradigm. In Verse 7, the Holy Spirit is communicating to less mature believers the importance of not disturbing the Bride when she God is working in her life in a special way. Similarly, when we know God is doing a deep work in our lives, we need to give him time and place and resist distraction.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 12 Song of Songs 2: 6- 7

1. Discuss the prophetic meaning of the left and right hand in verse 6. Share specific ways you have seen the right hand operating in your life.

2. Have you ever become aware after the fact of Gods silent, unseen activity or left hand? Discuss with the rest of the group.

3. Why is it important to not disturb someone when Jesus is doing a deep work in their life?

4. How can you not awaken love until it pleases in your own life when you realize Jesus is taking you through a season of deeper internal workings?

5. Finish the by thanking Jesus for those things you discussed in numbers 1 and 2 above.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 3 Song of Songs 2:8-1 4
For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 12 The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. 13 The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!
11

Song of Songs 2:8-14: Listen! My beloved! Behold, he is coming, Climbing on the mountains, Leaping on the hills! 9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is peering through the lattice. 10 My beloved responded and said to me, Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along.

Revelation 4:8: And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD God, The Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come. Isaiah 6:3: And one called out to another and said, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory. John 17:26: and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them. Matthew 17:20: And He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. Romans 8:38-39: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 1:22-23: And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Revelation 3:20: Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. John 4:35-36: Do you not say, There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 3 Song of Songs 2:8-1 4

The Bride is experiencing a new dimension of the King in verses 8-9. She is seeing Him as the overcoming One who is victorious over the mountains (obstacles, fears, trials) of life. Gods life is always new, there is always more of Him, the revelation of His dimensions can and will go on forever its the glory of God! The King standing behind a wall represents a calling to action. Jesus is asking the Bride to step out in faith, trust His love and follow Him in victory over the trials of life. The Bride has been in a place of comfort (e.g., under the apple tree) and the King calls her to arise and begin to climb mountains with Him. He is challenging her to come higher with Him, but it is not easy (mountains are difficult to climb). God will slowly reveal things that He wants to challenge us on. If we obey and follow Him, though difficult, we go to higher levels of fellowship and conformity to Jesus. If we do not follow, it will break fellowship with God. In verses 11-14, the King emphasizes that NOW is the time to come with Him and conquer the things He is focused on. The King is responding to the Brides request in verse 1:4 to be drawn after Him. He is drawing Her into oneness and in ministry.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 3 Song of Songs 2:8-1 4

1. Incorporating the prophetic meaning of mountains, what new dimension is the Bride seeing of the King, her Bridegroom, in 2:8-9?

2. Why is this new dimension or revelation important to her at this point given the Kings request in verse 10? What is the King calling her to?

3. How does the Brides experience in 2:8-10 relate to your life?

4. Discuss times you were in the same position as the Bride in these verses. What things has Jesus led you to victory?

5. What is Jesus calling you to in the next season?

6. Why is it important to obey when Jesus stands behind your wall and looks through your lattice?

7. Ask Jesus to continue to draw you after Him. If He is showing you something to follow Him in obey and experience a higher level of intimacy with Him.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 4 Song of Songs 2:1 4

Song of Songs 2:14O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your form, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your form is lovely Luke 14:23- And the master said to the slave, Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. Mark 16:15- And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Hebrews 2:18: For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Matthew 26:34- Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. Philippians 2:13- for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Exodus 33:18-23- Reference to the cleft in the rock when the LORD showed Moses His glory. 1 Corinthians 10:4- and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Genesis 28:10-17- Jacobs secret place of the steep pathway experience John 14:6- Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. Ephesians 1:18-22- I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 4 Song of Songs 2:1 4

In Part 13, we saw the King call the Bride to step out in faith and overcome the mountains. He was calling her to face issues she had not faced before and do things in ministry she had not done before. It was a call to a greater level of discipleship and love. When the Bride struggles to respond to the Kings call to the mountains, He tells her to call out to Him. It is important to remember that God does not define us by our issues, problems or struggles, but by who we will become. We are His dove and His beautiful one. Jesus and His cross is the cleft of the rock in Exodus. His cross allows us to experience the resurrection glory of God! The secret place on the steep pathway speaks of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Jesus has become the path to God for us and we have power in His resurrection. The King is ready to come to the Brides rescue and turn her weakness into strength and empower her to greater heights. She is beautiful to the King and He longs to help her! She must call out to Him, just as we must call out to Jesus in prayer. He will meet us with His overcoming glory when we do.

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 4 Song of Songs 2:1 4

1. Review the meaning and application of the Brides experience in verses 2:10-13.

2. Review verse 2:14 and Exodus 33. Discuss what the cleft in the rock represents in these passages.

3. What is the function of the cleft in the rock for Moses? What is the function of its corollary in the New Testament?

4. What is Jesus asking of us, His bride, in verse 2:14?

5. Continue the prayer dialogue with Jesus by calling out to Him for power to overcome a fear, temptation or trial in your life.

Song of Songs
Scriptures

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 5 Song of Songs 2:1 4

Song of Songs 2:14: O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your form, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your form is lovely. Exodus 33:20-22: Reference to the cleft in the rock when the LORD showed Moses His glory.

Progression in the Song of Songs: Song of Songs 1:13-14 My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh which lies all night between my breasts. 14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of Engedi.
13

Song of Songs 2:16 16 My beloved is mine, and I am his; He pastures his flock among the lilies. Song of Songs 6:3 I am my beloveds and my beloved is mine, He who pastures his flock among the lilies.
3

Song of Songs 7:10 I am my beloveds, And his desire is for me.

10

Song of Songs
Main Points

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 5 Song of Songs 2:1 4

When a person first becomes a believer, often God makes Himself known in many different and exciting ways. Then, as time goes on, His activity becomes less apparent. It is important to understand that there are different seasons in our lives. Sometimes we are in a raisin cake season, others we walk by faith because we know Jesus banner of us is loves! If the Bride was going to mature and experience more of the King, she needed to leave the apple tree and follow Him. The Bride calls out in 2:15 for help to catch the foxes...while our vineyards are in blossom. Her relationship (vineyard) with the King was growing and developing, but little hindrances were damaging that relationship. Foxes are crafty, quick and operate at night. They represent the little fears, insecurities, pride, and elusive compromises that negatively impact our relationship with Jesus. The important thing to know is that we are not alone in our struggles with the things that hinder our relationship with Jesus. He will help us! In verse 2:16, she makes a declaration showing that her identity has solidified. She knew that even though was making mistakes in immaturity, she was loved by the King. She had confidence in the relationship and so should we! Due to fear and lack of maturity, the Bride refuses to follow the King when He calls her to trust and follow Him to the mountains. Progression into divine love: 1) What can God do for me?, 2) What do I mean to God?, and finally, 3) I am Gods and my life is for Him. In 2:17, the Bride tells the King that she cannot go with Him until the day breaks and the shadows flee away. What she is saying is that her fears are too strong and will not let her go with Him at this time. By not following the King, the Bride disobeyed, and it caused separation in their relationship (mountains of Bether represent separation).

Song of Songs
Discussion Questions

Journeying into Divine Love

Part 1 5 Song of Songs 2:1 4

1. What seasons have you experienced in your Christian life? Discuss with the group.

2. Why do you think the bride could not fully mature under the apple tree? Where was Jesus calling her to go?

3. Read verse 2:15. What is the Bride asking of the King here? What does a blossoming vineyard represent?

4. What does the opening statement in 2:16 show us about the Brides maturity and identity?

5. The Bride tells the King He will have to go without her. Why cant she go with Him? What is holding her back?

6. What resulted from the decision to let the King go alone? How does this relate to your life?

7. Review and discuss the maturity progression that the Bride goes through and ask Jesus to empower you on your own journey to maturity.