E431 Navigating the Bible: Song of Songs

You have captured my heart, my treasure, You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. my bride. my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of You hold it hostage with one glance of You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your your eyes, with a single jewel of your your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. necklace. necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my Your love delights me, my treasure, my Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. bride. bride. Song of Songs, chapter 4, verses 9-10. Song of Songs, chapter 4, verses 9-10. Song of Songs, chapter 4, verses 9-10. Song of Songs is the last of the Song of Songs is the last of the Song of Songs is the last of the biblical wisdom literature and puts a biblical wisdom literature and puts a biblical wisdom literature and puts a bow on our time with King Solomon. It's bow on our time with King Solomon. It's bow on our time with King Solomon. It's a book not commonly taught from because a book not commonly taught from because a book not commonly taught from because of its intimate nature, but I was of its intimate nature, but I was of its intimate nature, but I was grateful to find somebody who is grateful to find somebody who is grateful to find somebody who is actually currently teaching through this actually currently teaching through this actually currently teaching through this book at his church. Dr. Dr. James book at his church. Dr. Dr. James book at his church. Dr. Dr. James Hamilton is a professor of biblical Hamilton is a professor of biblical Hamilton is a professor of biblical theology at Southern Baptist Theological theology at Southern Baptist Theological theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the senior pastor at Seminary and is the senior pastor at Seminary and is the senior pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church. In this Kenwood Baptist Church. In this Kenwood Baptist Church. In this conversation, Jim and I talk about the conversation, Jim and I talk about the conversation, Jim and I talk about the rich theological truths of Song of rich theological truths of Song of rich theological truths of Song of Songs. what we can learn from all of Songs. what we can learn from all of Songs. what we can learn from all of King Solomon's writings, the connection King Solomon's writings, the connection King Solomon's writings, the connection between a Song of Songs and Genesis, and between a Song of Songs and Genesis, and between a Song of Songs and Genesis, and much more.

much more. much more. I should mention too that Jim has a I should mention too that Jim has a I should mention too that Jim has a commentary on a Song of Songs also that commentary on a Song of Songs also that commentary on a Song of Songs also that is available in the show notes for this is available in the show notes for this is available in the show notes for this episode. My name is Jason Wland and this episode. My name is Jason Wland and this episode. My name is Jason Wland and this is a doable disciplehip is a doable disciplehip is a doable disciplehip navigating the Bible, Song of Songs. All right, Jim Hamilton, thanks for All right, Jim Hamilton, thanks for joining me today. Really appreciate it. joining me today. Really appreciate it. joining me today. Really appreciate it. As we dive into uh what I'm sure will be As we dive into uh what I'm sure will be As we dive into uh what I'm sure will be a fun, interesting conversation of Song a fun, interesting conversation of Song a fun, interesting conversation of Song of Songs. Now, just a little bit behind of Songs. Now, just a little bit behind of Songs. Now, just a little bit behind the scenes for our listeners. We had the scenes for our listeners. We had the scenes for our listeners. We had talked a little bit before about doing talked a little bit before about doing talked a little bit before about doing some other books and we ended up some other books and we ended up some other books and we ended up settling on Song of Songs, which worked settling on Song of Songs, which worked settling on Song of Songs, which worked out pretty well because you are out pretty well because you are out pretty well because you are preaching on it right now at your preaching on it right now at your preaching on it right now at your church. So, uh, thank you God for the church. So, uh, thank you God for the church. So, uh, thank you God for the timing. Amen. Amen. timing. Amen. Amen. timing. Amen. Amen. So, um, as we do with every book, I So, um, as we do with every book, I So, um, as we do with every book, I think it's helpful for us to start at think it's helpful for us to start at think it's helpful for us to start at the basics. Now, Song of Songs is, you the basics. Now, Song of Songs is, you the basics. Now, Song of Songs is, you know, it fits kind of in this know, it fits kind of in this know, it fits kind of in this interesting spot. It's kind of right interesting spot. It's kind of right interesting spot. It's kind of right towards the end of the wisdom literature towards the end of the wisdom literature towards the end of the wisdom literature time. So, people have been reading the time. So, people have been reading the time. So, people have been reading the behemoth books, Psalms and Proverbs, and behemoth books, Psalms and Proverbs, and behemoth books, Psalms and Proverbs, and then they're about to get into these then they're about to get into these then they're about to get into these large books with the major prophets, large books with the major prophets, large books with the major prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah, and then in the Isaiah and Jeremiah, and then in the Isaiah and Jeremiah, and then in the middle right there is Song of Songs. So, middle right there is Song of Songs. So, middle right there is Song of Songs. So, I think it holds an interesting place.

I think it holds an interesting place. I think it holds an interesting place. So, let's start by talking about what we So, let's start by talking about what we So, let's start by talking about what we know about the basic details of this. Do know about the basic details of this. Do know about the basic details of this. Do we know who wrote Song of Songs? Do we we know who wrote Song of Songs? Do we we know who wrote Song of Songs? Do we know kind of when it was written? And I know kind of when it was written? And I know kind of when it was written? And I like to ask it this way, too. How does like to ask it this way, too. How does like to ask it this way, too. How does knowing these things or not knowing knowing these things or not knowing knowing these things or not knowing these things impact our reading of the these things impact our reading of the these things impact our reading of the book? Yes. Well, so some scholars today book? Yes. Well, so some scholars today book? Yes. Well, so some scholars today will deny that that Solomon wrote both will deny that that Solomon wrote both will deny that that Solomon wrote both Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs. I think that actually allowing the text I think that actually allowing the text I think that actually allowing the text to speak. So the the first verse of Song to speak. So the the first verse of Song to speak. So the the first verse of Song of Songs reads the Song of Songs which of Songs reads the Song of Songs which of Songs reads the Song of Songs which is Solomon's. Yeah. So I take it that is Solomon's. Yeah. So I take it that is Solomon's. Yeah. So I take it that Solomon wrote this. I also take it that Solomon wrote this. I also take it that Solomon wrote this. I also take it that Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. And I think that affirming this And I think that affirming this And I think that affirming this historical detail is really important historical detail is really important historical detail is really important because those who let go of solommonic because those who let go of solommonic because those who let go of solommonic authorship, they then allow other authorship, they then allow other authorship, they then allow other uhformational tidbits to to place the uhformational tidbits to to place the uhformational tidbits to to place the book much later than I think it was book much later than I think it was book much later than I think it was actually written. So it winds up for actually written. So it winds up for actually written. So it winds up for some scholars, they they be they begin some scholars, they they be they begin some scholars, they they be they begin to claim that Ecclesiastes and Song of to claim that Ecclesiastes and Song of to claim that Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs were not written until say the Songs were not written until say the Songs were not written until say the Makabian era around 160 BC. And then Makabian era around 160 BC. And then Makabian era around 160 BC. And then they'll suggest that there are these they'll suggest that there are these they'll suggest that there are these Greek and other um philosophical Greek and other um philosophical Greek and other um philosophical influences at work in the book. And I influences at work in the book. And I influences at work in the book. And I think that really distorts the message think that really distorts the message think that really distorts the message of the book. Whereas if we affirm of the book. Whereas if we affirm of the book. Whereas if we affirm solommonic authorship, it allows us solommonic authorship, it allows us solommonic authorship, it allows us allows us to place the text in uh the allows us to place the text in uh the allows us to place the text in uh the history of Israel when we know Solomon

history of Israel when we know Solomon history of Israel when we know Solomon lived from from other parts of the Old lived from from other parts of the Old lived from from other parts of the Old Testament. Yeah. In our uh episode that Testament. Yeah. In our uh episode that Testament. Yeah. In our uh episode that we did on Ecclesiastes, we did uh we did on Ecclesiastes, we did uh we did on Ecclesiastes, we did uh approach it from a supposition that it approach it from a supposition that it approach it from a supposition that it was Solomon who wrote it. We was Solomon who wrote it. We was Solomon who wrote it. We acknowledged that there are some people acknowledged that there are some people acknowledged that there are some people who may think otherwise, but we said, who may think otherwise, but we said, who may think otherwise, but we said, "Well, it says pretty clear that this "Well, it says pretty clear that this "Well, it says pretty clear that this was from the king." So, so there we go. was from the king." So, so there we go. was from the king." So, so there we go. And then what was fun about Ecclesiastes And then what was fun about Ecclesiastes And then what was fun about Ecclesiastes is we looked at trying to point it as is we looked at trying to point it as is we looked at trying to point it as you can see like in First Kings 11, you can see like in First Kings 11, you can see like in First Kings 11, we're like there's a pretty good uh, you we're like there's a pretty good uh, you we're like there's a pretty good uh, you know, idea that it was probably written know, idea that it was probably written know, idea that it was probably written around this time. So, so where would you around this time. So, so where would you around this time. So, so where would you try to like pinpoint? Is there a way to try to like pinpoint? Is there a way to try to like pinpoint? Is there a way to kind of look at where Solomon may have kind of look at where Solomon may have kind of look at where Solomon may have been written this? If we look at his been written this? If we look at his been written this? If we look at his history through First Kings and whatnot, history through First Kings and whatnot, history through First Kings and whatnot, do we see is there kind of a timeline of do we see is there kind of a timeline of do we see is there kind of a timeline of maybe where this fits in? Yeah, I don't maybe where this fits in? Yeah, I don't maybe where this fits in? Yeah, I don't think that we can be specific about think that we can be specific about think that we can be specific about that. There's it doesn't pinpoint it in that. There's it doesn't pinpoint it in that. There's it doesn't pinpoint it in the book. Yeah, there's a rabbitic the book. Yeah, there's a rabbitic the book. Yeah, there's a rabbitic tradition, you know, that Solomon um in tradition, you know, that Solomon um in tradition, you know, that Solomon um in his youth he wrote about love. In his his youth he wrote about love. In his his youth he wrote about love. In his old age, he wrote about the vanity of old age, he wrote about the vanity of old age, he wrote about the vanity of all things. And I'm sure you know as in all things. And I'm sure you know as in all things. And I'm sure you know as in his prime he wrote about wisdom and and his prime he wrote about wisdom and and his prime he wrote about wisdom and and they're just speaking of uh Ecclesiastes they're just speaking of uh Ecclesiastes they're just speaking of uh Ecclesiastes Song of Songs and Proverbs there but I I Song of Songs and Proverbs there but I I Song of Songs and Proverbs there but I I don't think there's information in the don't think there's information in the don't think there's information in the text that would locate the writing of text that would locate the writing of text that would locate the writing of this book at a particular point in this book at a particular point in this book at a particular point in Solomon's life. Great. But it's helpful Solomon's life. Great. But it's helpful Solomon's life. Great. But it's helpful to think of it as a Solomon book. And so to think of it as a Solomon book. And so to think of it as a Solomon book. And so I think that's we spent a lot of time on I think that's we spent a lot of time on I think that's we spent a lot of time on the Ecclesiastes episode talking about the Ecclesiastes episode talking about the Ecclesiastes episode talking about him because well it's such a fascinating him because well it's such a fascinating him because well it's such a fascinating look into the struggles that he was look into the struggles that he was look into the struggles that he was going through at that time. So I think I going through at that time. So I think I going through at that time. So I think I I find it you know in in going through

I find it you know in in going through I find it you know in in going through these episodes where we're talking these episodes where we're talking these episodes where we're talking through these wisdom books and talking through these wisdom books and talking through these wisdom books and talking through his life I'm finding him to be through his life I'm finding him to be through his life I'm finding him to be such a fascinating character. What would such a fascinating character. What would such a fascinating character. What would you want to say about who Solomon was you want to say about who Solomon was you want to say about who Solomon was about where this kind of fits into his about where this kind of fits into his about where this kind of fits into his own personal journey? Yeah, that's a own personal journey? Yeah, that's a own personal journey? Yeah, that's a great question. So, actually to to great question. So, actually to to great question. So, actually to to comment on who Solomon was, I just want comment on who Solomon was, I just want comment on who Solomon was, I just want to make some observations on the to make some observations on the to make some observations on the genealogy at the end of the book of genealogy at the end of the book of genealogy at the end of the book of Ruth. Yeah. Simply because of the way Ruth. Yeah. Simply because of the way Ruth. Yeah. Simply because of the way that it shows us when Solomon lived and that it shows us when Solomon lived and that it shows us when Solomon lived and and really how close he was, let's say, and really how close he was, let's say, and really how close he was, let's say, to the generation of Joshua. Okay. So, to the generation of Joshua. Okay. So, to the generation of Joshua. Okay. So, um, at the end of Ruth, we've got, uh, um, at the end of Ruth, we've got, uh, um, at the end of Ruth, we've got, uh, Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Perez fathered Hezron, Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Aminadab, Aminadab Ram, Ram fathered Aminadab, Aminadab Ram, Ram fathered Aminadab, Aminadab fathered Nashon, Nashon fathered fathered Nashon, Nashon fathered fathered Nashon, Nashon fathered Salomon, and we know from Matthew's Salomon, and we know from Matthew's Salomon, and we know from Matthew's genealogy that um that these guys uh are genealogy that um that these guys uh are genealogy that um that these guys uh are a time of Joshua. So, in Matthew's a time of Joshua. So, in Matthew's a time of Joshua. So, in Matthew's genealogy, he tells us, sorry if this is genealogy, he tells us, sorry if this is genealogy, he tells us, sorry if this is too much, please. Hopefully this will be too much, please. Hopefully this will be too much, please. Hopefully this will be actually useful. So we we read in actually useful. So we we read in actually useful. So we we read in Matthew 1:4 that Nashon was the father Matthew 1:4 that Nashon was the father Matthew 1:4 that Nashon was the father of Salmon and Salmon the father of Boaz of Salmon and Salmon the father of Boaz of Salmon and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab. So Rahab, you know, was by Rahab. So Rahab, you know, was by Rahab. So Rahab, you know, was rescued by Israel from Jericho when rescued by Israel from Jericho when rescued by Israel from Jericho when Israel took the land. So that's Joshua's Israel took the land. So that's Joshua's Israel took the land. So that's Joshua's generation. And then Joshua's generation. And then Joshua's generation. And then Joshua's generation, um, that's Salmon. And then

generation, um, that's Salmon. And then generation, um, that's Salmon. And then Boaz, the next generation, Boazathered Boaz, the next generation, Boazathered Boaz, the next generation, Boazathered Oed. Oed fathered Jesse. and Je Jesse Oed. Oed fathered Jesse. and Je Jesse Oed. Oed fathered Jesse. and Je Jesse fathered David and then of course David fathered David and then of course David fathered David and then of course David fathers Solomon. So you're not that far fathers Solomon. So you're not that far fathers Solomon. So you're not that far from the conquest when you get to from the conquest when you get to from the conquest when you get to Solomon and and the conquest I think Solomon and and the conquest I think Solomon and and the conquest I think probably happened around 1400 BC. Mhm. probably happened around 1400 BC. Mhm. probably happened around 1400 BC. Mhm. And then uh Solomon began to reign in And then uh Solomon began to reign in And then uh Solomon began to reign in Israel around 971 BC. And so taking Israel around 971 BC. And so taking Israel around 971 BC. And so taking these people seriously and histo his these people seriously and histo his these people seriously and histo his historical time seriously I think puts historical time seriously I think puts historical time seriously I think puts us in position to see that that Solomon us in position to see that that Solomon us in position to see that that Solomon being the son of David very likely would being the son of David very likely would being the son of David very likely would have known all the psalms that David have known all the psalms that David have known all the psalms that David wrote. Yeah. And and he would have been wrote. Yeah. And and he would have been wrote. Yeah. And and he would have been taught by David to love the Torah of taught by David to love the Torah of taught by David to love the Torah of Moses the penetuk and and so it links Moses the penetuk and and so it links Moses the penetuk and and so it links Solomon in a cult in a culture in a Solomon in a cult in a culture in a Solomon in a cult in a culture in a history where people know earlier history where people know earlier history where people know earlier scripture. They know the books of scripture. They know the books of scripture. They know the books of Genesis through Deuteronomy. They know Genesis through Deuteronomy. They know Genesis through Deuteronomy. They know the story of Joshua and Judges. And the story of Joshua and Judges. And the story of Joshua and Judges. And maybe the books of Samuel are being maybe the books of Samuel are being maybe the books of Samuel are being written or perhaps have just recently written or perhaps have just recently written or perhaps have just recently been written. We're not we don't know been written. We're not we don't know been written. We're not we don't know exactly when those things came along, exactly when those things came along, exactly when those things came along, but certainly David could have told but certainly David could have told but certainly David could have told Solomon about his own personal story and Solomon about his own personal story and Solomon about his own personal story and everything he went through. And and everything he went through. And and everything he went through. And and again, I think Solomon would have known again, I think Solomon would have known again, I think Solomon would have known the Psalms that David wrote. So I think the Psalms that David wrote. So I think the Psalms that David wrote. So I think all this puts Solomon in position to all this puts Solomon in position to all this puts Solomon in position to understand God's promise about the seed understand God's promise about the seed understand God's promise about the seed of the woman from Genesis 3:15 and God's of the woman from Genesis 3:15 and God's of the woman from Genesis 3:15 and God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 7. And so I promise to David in 2 Samuel 7. And so I promise to David in 2 Samuel 7. And so I think Solomon understands that he is the think Solomon understands that he is the think Solomon understands that he is the seed of David. He's going to build the

seed of David. He's going to build the seed of David. He's going to build the temple and I think he also understands temple and I think he also understands temple and I think he also understands that the line of descent of the seed of that the line of descent of the seed of that the line of descent of the seed of the woman is going to continue through the woman is going to continue through the woman is going to continue through him as we see in the in the genealogy him as we see in the in the genealogy him as we see in the in the genealogy say in the book of Matthew. Yeah. I say in the book of Matthew. Yeah. I say in the book of Matthew. Yeah. I think it's important for us to remember think it's important for us to remember think it's important for us to remember that that that there was an oral tradition that was there was an oral tradition that was there was an oral tradition that was just a part of culture in that time. just a part of culture in that time. just a part of culture in that time. They would pass down the stories of They would pass down the stories of They would pass down the stories of their ancestors and their ancestors their ancestors and their ancestors their ancestors and their ancestors ancestors and their ancestors ancestors ancestors and their ancestors ancestors ancestors and their ancestors ancestors ancestors and that was just a normal ancestors and that was just a normal ancestors and that was just a normal part of life was passing through. This part of life was passing through. This part of life was passing through. This is the story of our people. We don't is the story of our people. We don't is the story of our people. We don't have that as much. I don't know a whole have that as much. I don't know a whole have that as much. I don't know a whole lot about my grandparents grand you know lot about my grandparents grand you know lot about my grandparents grand you know my great-grandparent. I just it kind of my great-grandparent. I just it kind of my great-grandparent. I just it kind of stops. Now we learn about broader stops. Now we learn about broader stops. Now we learn about broader history, American, you know, or whatnot. history, American, you know, or whatnot. history, American, you know, or whatnot. But back then it was this is the story But back then it was this is the story But back then it was this is the story of our people and that was a popular of our people and that was a popular of our people and that was a popular common thing. Yes. And I I think common thing. Yes. And I I think common thing. Yes. And I I think actually the the reason they're so actually the the reason they're so actually the the reason they're so concerned to preserve the generation. So concerned to preserve the generation. So concerned to preserve the generation. So like just like you, my family, I can go like just like you, my family, I can go like just like you, my family, I can go back to like my grandfather's back to like my grandfather's back to like my grandfather's grandfather and then I can't find grandfather and then I can't find grandfather and then I can't find anything before about 1955. I I can't, anything before about 1955. I I can't, anything before about 1955. I I can't, you know, there are these suggestions you know, there are these suggestions you know, there are these suggestions that you get on the websites, but I that you get on the websites, but I that you get on the websites, but I can't locate these people. Yeah. And and can't locate these people. Yeah. And and can't locate these people. Yeah. And and I think the reason that say in Genesis I think the reason that say in Genesis I think the reason that say in Genesis and in Chronicles and in Matthew, the and in Chronicles and in Matthew, the and in Chronicles and in Matthew, the reason they're so concerned about reason they're so concerned about reason they're so concerned about preserving the line of descent and and preserving the line of descent and and preserving the line of descent and and knowing whoathered who has to do with knowing whoathered who has to do with knowing whoathered who has to do with the promise of the seed of the woman. In the promise of the seed of the woman. In the promise of the seed of the woman. In in other words, their concern for the in other words, their concern for the in other words, their concern for the genealogy is a concern to see God's genealogy is a concern to see God's genealogy is a concern to see God's promise of the Messiah realized. And so

promise of the Messiah realized. And so promise of the Messiah realized. And so they're carefully tracking the the line they're carefully tracking the the line they're carefully tracking the the line of descent of the seed of the woman. And of descent of the seed of the woman. And of descent of the seed of the woman. And actually, I think this keys us into actually, I think this keys us into actually, I think this keys us into understanding one big feature of the understanding one big feature of the understanding one big feature of the Song of Songs. That is that as what I'm Song of Songs. That is that as what I'm Song of Songs. That is that as what I'm going to suggest that Solomon is not going to suggest that Solomon is not going to suggest that Solomon is not giving us a historical account of one of giving us a historical account of one of giving us a historical account of one of his many marriages. Yeah. I think he's his many marriages. Yeah. I think he's his many marriages. Yeah. I think he's actually in this book repenting of his actually in this book repenting of his actually in this book repenting of his polygamy and affirming the the polygamy and affirming the the polygamy and affirming the the righteousness of monogamy. And I think righteousness of monogamy. And I think righteousness of monogamy. And I think he's also idealizing a version of he's also idealizing a version of he's also idealizing a version of himself almost as though he's presenting himself almost as though he's presenting himself almost as though he's presenting one better than Solomon to use a phrase one better than Solomon to use a phrase one better than Solomon to use a phrase Matthew uses. Uh it's so you have this Matthew uses. Uh it's so you have this Matthew uses. Uh it's so you have this idealized one better than the historical idealized one better than the historical idealized one better than the historical Solomon depicted in the book and he's Solomon depicted in the book and he's Solomon depicted in the book and he's entering into this this marital union entering into this this marital union entering into this this marital union and through that marital union the line and through that marital union the line and through that marital union the line of descent of the seed of the woman is of descent of the seed of the woman is of descent of the seed of the woman is going to continue in the in the thought going to continue in the in the thought going to continue in the in the thought world of this book. world of this book. world of this book. I've been enjoying the conversation so I've been enjoying the conversation so I've been enjoying the conversation so much. I I didn't get to ask you the much. I I didn't get to ask you the much. I I didn't get to ask you the hardest question. Uh hardest question. Uh hardest question. Uh I I was I was just so so into what we I I was I was just so so into what we I I was I was just so so into what we were doing. So I'm not but I'm not going were doing. So I'm not but I'm not going were doing. So I'm not but I'm not going to let you off the hook. So So as we to let you off the hook. So So as we to let you off the hook. So So as we talk about the book itself, let's let's talk about the book itself, let's let's talk about the book itself, let's let's transition now from Solomon kind of more transition now from Solomon kind of more transition now from Solomon kind of more into the book itself. How would you into the book itself. How would you into the book itself. How would you describe Song of Songs? Uh you know I I describe Song of Songs? Uh you know I I describe Song of Songs? Uh you know I I want to mention too a lot of people have want to mention too a lot of people have want to mention too a lot of people have learned it as the title of this book learned it as the title of this book learned it as the title of this book being Song of Solomon. So people even being Song of Solomon. So people even being Song of Solomon. So people even questioning the what do you mean in the questioning the what do you mean in the questioning the what do you mean in the song about the books of the Bible it song about the books of the Bible it song about the books of the Bible it says song of Solomon uh but it's you says song of Solomon uh but it's you says song of Solomon uh but it's you know otherwise known as Song of Songs.

know otherwise known as Song of Songs. know otherwise known as Song of Songs. How would you describe it in one How would you describe it in one How would you describe it in one sentence? sentence? sentence? The Song of Songs is Solomon's most The Song of Songs is Solomon's most The Song of Songs is Solomon's most sublime song depicting an idealized sublime song depicting an idealized sublime song depicting an idealized version of himself repres version of himself repres version of himself repres entering into marriage with an idealized entering into marriage with an idealized entering into marriage with an idealized bride representing the covenant between bride representing the covenant between bride representing the covenant between Yahweh and Israel pointing forward to Yahweh and Israel pointing forward to Yahweh and Israel pointing forward to the covenant between Christ and the the covenant between Christ and the the covenant between Christ and the church. And I'd be happy to unpack all church. And I'd be happy to unpack all church. And I'd be happy to unpack all we let's unpack that because there was we let's unpack that because there was we let's unpack that because there was so much good. Now again, a lot of people so much good. Now again, a lot of people so much good. Now again, a lot of people I would imagine I would imagine I would imagine you listening right now, maybe you've you listening right now, maybe you've you listening right now, maybe you've never read Song of Songs. Maybe it's a never read Song of Songs. Maybe it's a never read Song of Songs. Maybe it's a book that you're like, "Oh, that's kind book that you're like, "Oh, that's kind book that you're like, "Oh, that's kind of the more, you know, the book that's a of the more, you know, the book that's a of the more, you know, the book that's a little bit more risque, right?" So, uh, little bit more risque, right?" So, uh, little bit more risque, right?" So, uh, you know, it tends to get not preached you know, it tends to get not preached you know, it tends to get not preached on as much, maybe skipped over, not a on as much, maybe skipped over, not a on as much, maybe skipped over, not a whole ton of Bible studies about Song of whole ton of Bible studies about Song of whole ton of Bible studies about Song of Songs, but as you describe the book in Songs, but as you describe the book in Songs, but as you describe the book in one sentence, I mean, to me, that sounds one sentence, I mean, to me, that sounds one sentence, I mean, to me, that sounds like, wait, I want to get into that. So, like, wait, I want to get into that. So, like, wait, I want to get into that. So, so let's un unpack that a little bit.

so let's un unpack that a little bit. so let's un unpack that a little bit. Let's talk about if you want it might be Let's talk about if you want it might be Let's talk about if you want it might be helpful to even take each of those helpful to even take each of those helpful to even take each of those phrases that you mentioned and let's phrases that you mentioned and let's phrases that you mentioned and let's kind of say here's what that means. kind of say here's what that means. kind of say here's what that means. Here's what that's looking at. Yes. So, Here's what that's looking at. Yes. So, Here's what that's looking at. Yes. So, um let me let me say a word first about um let me let me say a word first about um let me let me say a word first about the idealized version of Solomon in the the idealized version of Solomon in the the idealized version of Solomon in the book. So, this is a Solomon who uh in book. So, this is a Solomon who uh in book. So, this is a Solomon who uh in the book he's described as a shepherd the book he's described as a shepherd the book he's described as a shepherd and we never read in the narratives of and we never read in the narratives of and we never read in the narratives of the Old Testament about Solomon actually the Old Testament about Solomon actually the Old Testament about Solomon actually shephering a flock. Mhm. And we also I shephering a flock. Mhm. And we also I shephering a flock. Mhm. And we also I think in the book have an insistence think in the book have an insistence think in the book have an insistence from Solomon in Song of Songs 6 uh 8 and from Solomon in Song of Songs 6 uh 8 and from Solomon in Song of Songs 6 uh 8 and 9 that this is the only woman for him. 9 that this is the only woman for him. 9 that this is the only woman for him. You know my dove my perfect one is the You know my dove my perfect one is the You know my dove my perfect one is the only one. So unlike the historical only one. So unlike the historical only one. So unlike the historical Solomon who had many wives and many Solomon who had many wives and many Solomon who had many wives and many concubines the idealized Solomon in the concubines the idealized Solomon in the concubines the idealized Solomon in the Song of Songs has only one wife. And I Song of Songs has only one wife. And I Song of Songs has only one wife. And I think again this is Solomon repenting of think again this is Solomon repenting of think again this is Solomon repenting of his sin and confessing the truth and and his sin and confessing the truth and and his sin and confessing the truth and and also Solomon in the book seems to also Solomon in the book seems to also Solomon in the book seems to represent the Lord. uh in particular in represent the Lord. uh in particular in represent the Lord. uh in particular in chapter 3 starting in verse 6 as he chapter 3 starting in verse 6 as he chapter 3 starting in verse 6 as he comes up from the wilderness to enter comes up from the wilderness to enter comes up from the wilderness to enter into Jerusalem for his wedding he's into Jerusalem for his wedding he's into Jerusalem for his wedding he's depicted in terms that recall the ark of depicted in terms that recall the ark of depicted in terms that recall the ark of the covenant being born on the shoulders the covenant being born on the shoulders the covenant being born on the shoulders of the Levites uh being led by the of the Levites uh being led by the of the Levites uh being led by the pillar of fire and cloud moving through pillar of fire and cloud moving through pillar of fire and cloud moving through the wilderness to enter into the land of the wilderness to enter into the land of the wilderness to enter into the land of promise where Yahweh would dwell in promise where Yahweh would dwell in promise where Yahweh would dwell in covenant with his people and and I think covenant with his people and and I think covenant with his people and and I think that in in the Old Testament worldview that in in the Old Testament worldview that in in the Old Testament worldview the king of Israel represents

the king of Israel represents the king of Israel represents the Lord the King and then the people the Lord the King and then the people the Lord the King and then the people are like the the Lord's covenant are like the the Lord's covenant are like the the Lord's covenant partner. So that the Sinai covenant is a partner. So that the Sinai covenant is a partner. So that the Sinai covenant is a marital covenant. And so I think there's marital covenant. And so I think there's marital covenant. And so I think there's this natural um dynamic between the this natural um dynamic between the this natural um dynamic between the marriage of Solomon to his bride and marriage of Solomon to his bride and marriage of Solomon to his bride and this covenant that Yahweh enters into this covenant that Yahweh enters into this covenant that Yahweh enters into with his people. Now some people uh will with his people. Now some people uh will with his people. Now some people uh will say, "Well, what about ordinary everyday say, "Well, what about ordinary everyday say, "Well, what about ordinary everyday human marriages?" And I want to say human marriages?" And I want to say human marriages?" And I want to say absolutely this book is meant to inspire absolutely this book is meant to inspire absolutely this book is meant to inspire people to pursue great marriages and to people to pursue great marriages and to people to pursue great marriages and to have great uh marital interactions. have great uh marital interactions. have great uh marital interactions. But the the the theological But the the the theological But the the the theological and religious foundation is what gives and religious foundation is what gives and religious foundation is what gives sacred significance to our marriages. So sacred significance to our marriages. So sacred significance to our marriages. So if if you take away that theological if if you take away that theological if if you take away that theological component, the way that this depicts the component, the way that this depicts the component, the way that this depicts the relationship between the Lord and his relationship between the Lord and his relationship between the Lord and his people and points forward to the people and points forward to the people and points forward to the relationship between Christ and the relationship between Christ and the relationship between Christ and the church, if you take that out, well then, church, if you take that out, well then, church, if you take that out, well then, you know, you've robbed human marriage you know, you've robbed human marriage you know, you've robbed human marriage of its real grounding for its uh for for of its real grounding for its uh for for of its real grounding for its uh for for the author of Hebrews, for instance, uh the author of Hebrews, for instance, uh the author of Hebrews, for instance, uh calling for for marriage to be held in calling for for marriage to be held in calling for for marriage to be held in honor by all. Yeah. If you if you honor by all. Yeah. If you if you honor by all. Yeah. If you if you maintain the fact that as Paul says in maintain the fact that as Paul says in maintain the fact that as Paul says in Ephesians 5, u marriage is ultimately Ephesians 5, u marriage is ultimately Ephesians 5, u marriage is ultimately about Christ and the church, then you about Christ and the church, then you about Christ and the church, then you can see how uh this depiction of of can see how uh this depiction of of can see how uh this depiction of of Solomon and his idealized bride and and Solomon and his idealized bride and and Solomon and his idealized bride and and the connections it has between the Lord the connections it has between the Lord the connections it has between the Lord and his people actually informs

and his people actually informs and his people actually informs my understanding that my personal my understanding that my personal my understanding that my personal individual marriage is really individual marriage is really individual marriage is really significant in the in the big program uh significant in the in the big program uh significant in the in the big program uh that God is pursuing in the world. that God is pursuing in the world. that God is pursuing in the world. I think that's helpful to because you I think that's helpful to because you I think that's helpful to because you know again a lot of people I would know again a lot of people I would know again a lot of people I would imagine have just heard this as a book imagine have just heard this as a book imagine have just heard this as a book about marriage, a book about intimacy about marriage, a book about intimacy about marriage, a book about intimacy and whatnot. But as you I think so and whatnot. But as you I think so and whatnot. But as you I think so rightfully point out like this is a rightfully point out like this is a rightfully point out like this is a deeply rich theological book that is um deeply rich theological book that is um deeply rich theological book that is um going to inspire these other things and going to inspire these other things and going to inspire these other things and it's it's it's going to inspire it's it's it's going to inspire it's it's it's going to inspire intimacy. It's going to inspire and intimacy. It's going to inspire and intimacy. It's going to inspire and hopefully point your marriage into, you hopefully point your marriage into, you hopefully point your marriage into, you know, a proper way of thinking and know, a proper way of thinking and know, a proper way of thinking and engagement, but it's rooted in its engagement, but it's rooted in its engagement, but it's rooted in its theological truths about God in the theological truths about God in the theological truths about God in the church. Yes. Amen. I love it. church. Yes. Amen. I love it. church. Yes. Amen. I love it. Absolutely. So, so can you um kind of Absolutely. So, so can you um kind of Absolutely. So, so can you um kind of unpack for us a little bit about like unpack for us a little bit about like unpack for us a little bit about like what is actually taking place through what is actually taking place through what is actually taking place through the course of this book? It's, you know, the course of this book? It's, you know, the course of this book? It's, you know, um a shorter book, eight chapters. So, um a shorter book, eight chapters. So, um a shorter book, eight chapters. So, so what do we see as the trajectory of so what do we see as the trajectory of so what do we see as the trajectory of kind of of what's happening in the book?

kind of of what's happening in the book? kind of of what's happening in the book? Yeah, that's a great question. And you Yeah, that's a great question. And you Yeah, that's a great question. And you know, one of the things that we observe know, one of the things that we observe know, one of the things that we observe about the Song of Songs is that there about the Song of Songs is that there about the Song of Songs is that there aren't exactly there aren't stage aren't exactly there aren't stage aren't exactly there aren't stage directions. No, it doesn't really have a directions. No, it doesn't really have a directions. No, it doesn't really have a a a straight this then this then this a a straight this then this then this a a straight this then this then this then this. Right. Right. So, we don't then this. Right. Right. So, we don't then this. Right. Right. So, we don't So, like the the the translations will So, like the the the translations will So, like the the the translations will insert uh indicators of headers of who insert uh indicators of headers of who insert uh indicators of headers of who they think is speaking. Yeah. So, for they think is speaking. Yeah. So, for they think is speaking. Yeah. So, for instance, the ESV has she over 2 through instance, the ESV has she over 2 through instance, the ESV has she over 2 through 4 and then in the middle of verse 4, 4 and then in the middle of verse 4, 4 and then in the middle of verse 4, others because there's a first person others because there's a first person others because there's a first person plural, you know, we and and so they'll plural, you know, we and and so they'll plural, you know, we and and so they'll label the speakers for you in this way. label the speakers for you in this way. label the speakers for you in this way. But though in the in the original Hebrew But though in the in the original Hebrew But though in the in the original Hebrew text, there are no indicators of who's text, there are no indicators of who's text, there are no indicators of who's speaking. It's just from the grammar of speaking. It's just from the grammar of speaking. It's just from the grammar of the text that we discern who is talking. the text that we discern who is talking. the text that we discern who is talking. And in addition, there there aren't And in addition, there there aren't And in addition, there there aren't historical narrative kind of stepbystep historical narrative kind of stepbystep historical narrative kind of stepbystep um statements about, you know, then he um statements about, you know, then he um statements about, you know, then he did this, then she did that. We just did this, then she did that. We just did this, then she did that. We just have to discern from the words that are have to discern from the words that are have to discern from the words that are spoken the dramatic unfolding of the spoken the dramatic unfolding of the spoken the dramatic unfolding of the narrative. And I do think that there's narrative. And I do think that there's narrative. And I do think that there's an impressionistic narrative here, but I an impressionistic narrative here, but I an impressionistic narrative here, but I want to acknowledge that it's not want to acknowledge that it's not want to acknowledge that it's not overtly explicitly spelled out in the overtly explicitly spelled out in the overtly explicitly spelled out in the text. It's discerned from the dialogue, text. It's discerned from the dialogue, text. It's discerned from the dialogue, so to speak. Yeah. So, all that to say, so to speak. Yeah. So, all that to say, so to speak. Yeah. So, all that to say, this is not a historical narrative. It's this is not a historical narrative. It's this is not a historical narrative. It's it's it's very much a piece of poetry.

it's it's very much a piece of poetry. it's it's very much a piece of poetry. Yeah. Um and and as such, I think it it Yeah. Um and and as such, I think it it Yeah. Um and and as such, I think it it invites the same kind of interpretation invites the same kind of interpretation invites the same kind of interpretation that poems in in our culture invite. So, that poems in in our culture invite. So, that poems in in our culture invite. So, for instance, there's this uh poem by for instance, there's this uh poem by for instance, there's this uh poem by Emily Dickinson where she says, "Tell Emily Dickinson where she says, "Tell Emily Dickinson where she says, "Tell all the truth, but tell it slant." And all the truth, but tell it slant." And all the truth, but tell it slant." And and you know, she's using language in a and you know, she's using language in a and you know, she's using language in a certain way that invites um reflection certain way that invites um reflection certain way that invites um reflection and interpretation. Exactly. What does and interpretation. Exactly. What does and interpretation. Exactly. What does she mean by this? And this is the way she mean by this? And this is the way she mean by this? And this is the way that we have to interpret the Song of that we have to interpret the Song of that we have to interpret the Song of Songs. So, all that to say, um different Songs. So, all that to say, um different Songs. So, all that to say, um different interpreters will see different interpreters will see different interpreters will see different narratives in the text. And I want to narratives in the text. And I want to narratives in the text. And I want to approach this in such a way that I'm a approach this in such a way that I'm a approach this in such a way that I'm a I'm supplying as little uh information I'm supplying as little uh information I'm supplying as little uh information as I can and yet at the same time as I can and yet at the same time as I can and yet at the same time drawing out as much information as there drawing out as much information as there drawing out as much information as there is in the text. Yeah. So um I think that is in the text. Yeah. So um I think that is in the text. Yeah. So um I think that when we see in chapter 3 11 the when we see in chapter 3 11 the when we see in chapter 3 11 the reference to the king's wedding day. It reference to the king's wedding day. It reference to the king's wedding day. It says in 3:11, "Go out, O daughters of says in 3:11, "Go out, O daughters of says in 3:11, "Go out, O daughters of Zion, and look upon King Solomon with Zion, and look upon King Solomon with Zion, and look upon King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned the crown with which his mother crowned the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding." I think him on the day of his wedding." I think him on the day of his wedding." I think we've we've come at that point in the we've we've come at that point in the we've we've come at that point in the song to the wedding day. So there are song to the wedding day. So there are song to the wedding day. So there are some So one more word about this. Um the some So one more word about this. Um the some So one more word about this. Um the earlier you mentioned this is the Song earlier you mentioned this is the Song earlier you mentioned this is the Song of Songs, which is sometimes referred to of Songs, which is sometimes referred to of Songs, which is sometimes referred to as the Song of Solomon. I think those

as the Song of Solomon. I think those as the Song of Solomon. I think those two different ways of referring to the two different ways of referring to the two different ways of referring to the book are just kind of a a mashup of Song book are just kind of a a mashup of Song book are just kind of a a mashup of Song of Songs and which is Solomon's. Yeah. of Songs and which is Solomon's. Yeah. of Songs and which is Solomon's. Yeah. But the first part of that, the Song of But the first part of that, the Song of But the first part of that, the Song of Songs, I think indicates that we should Songs, I think indicates that we should Songs, I think indicates that we should read this as one unified song as opposed read this as one unified song as opposed read this as one unified song as opposed to a collection or an anthology of of to a collection or an anthology of of to a collection or an anthology of of different songs. It seems to me that different songs. It seems to me that different songs. It seems to me that we're being told this is one united song we're being told this is one united song we're being told this is one united song and it's the best one that Solomon and it's the best one that Solomon and it's the best one that Solomon wrote. M um now some people wrote. M um now some people wrote. M um now some people will see will see will see repeated instances of we'll say uh repeated instances of we'll say uh repeated instances of we'll say uh marital intimacy throughout the text marital intimacy throughout the text marital intimacy throughout the text starting from the very first chapter. So starting from the very first chapter. So starting from the very first chapter. So for instance in chapter 1:4 when she for instance in chapter 1:4 when she for instance in chapter 1:4 when she says draw me after you let us run the says draw me after you let us run the says draw me after you let us run the king has brought me into his chambers. king has brought me into his chambers. king has brought me into his chambers. And they'll say okay right there the And they'll say okay right there the And they'll say okay right there the marriage is or the the wedding the marriage is or the the wedding the marriage is or the the wedding the relationship is being consummated. Um I relationship is being consummated. Um I relationship is being consummated. Um I think that act I think it's better to think that act I think it's better to think that act I think it's better to read this because shortly after this read this because shortly after this read this because shortly after this she's going to be back at her parents' she's going to be back at her parents' she's going to be back at her parents' home you know in chapter 210 for home you know in chapter 210 for home you know in chapter 210 for instance um she's going to say my instance um she's going to say my instance um she's going to say my beloved speaks and says to me arise my beloved speaks and says to me arise my beloved speaks and says to me arise my love my beautiful one and come away and love my beautiful one and come away and love my beautiful one and come away and right before that um in in 29 there he right before that um in in 29 there he right before that um in in 29 there he stands behind our wall so it's as though stands behind our wall so it's as though stands behind our wall so it's as though he's come to her home she's at home with he's come to her home she's at home with he's come to her home she's at home with her parents and he's outside and and I her parents and he's outside and and I her parents and he's outside and and I think that I think it looks like prior think that I think it looks like prior think that I think it looks like prior to 36-11,

to 36-11, to 36-11, we're in the buildup to the wedding. we're in the buildup to the wedding. we're in the buildup to the wedding. Now, you know, other interpreters Now, you know, other interpreters Now, you know, other interpreters disagree with that, but that's the way disagree with that, but that's the way disagree with that, but that's the way that that I would read it. and and that that I would read it. and and that that I would read it. and and because of um the culture of ancient because of um the culture of ancient because of um the culture of ancient Israel where um chastity was prized and Israel where um chastity was prized and Israel where um chastity was prized and emphasized and um um extrammarital emphasized and um um extrammarital emphasized and um um extrammarital relations were not authorized. They were relations were not authorized. They were relations were not authorized. They were they were um punishable with severe they were um punishable with severe they were um punishable with severe consequences, maybe even death. Uh I consequences, maybe even death. Uh I consequences, maybe even death. Uh I don't think you would have a book in the don't think you would have a book in the don't think you would have a book in the Bible celebrating extrammarital Bible celebrating extrammarital Bible celebrating extrammarital relations. Yeah. And so I think there I relations. Yeah. And so I think there I relations. Yeah. And so I think there I think though there are statements that think though there are statements that think though there are statements that can be read um very suggestively in 1 can be read um very suggestively in 1 can be read um very suggestively in 1 through 36, I think those statements can through 36, I think those statements can through 36, I think those statements can also be read chastely. And so it's not also be read chastely. And so it's not also be read chastely. And so it's not necessarily the case that we're having necessarily the case that we're having necessarily the case that we're having marital intimacy in 1 through 36. Yeah. marital intimacy in 1 through 36. Yeah. marital intimacy in 1 through 36. Yeah. Um, so I would take I would take all all Um, so I would take I would take all all Um, so I would take I would take all all of 1 through 36 as kind of the buildup of 1 through 36 as kind of the buildup of 1 through 36 as kind of the buildup to uh the wedding day. And then it seems to uh the wedding day. And then it seems to uh the wedding day. And then it seems that in 36, that in 36, that in 36, Solomon enters the city of Jerusalem for Solomon enters the city of Jerusalem for Solomon enters the city of Jerusalem for the wedding. And then starting in the wedding. And then starting in the wedding. And then starting in chapter 4, he seems to be with the bride chapter 4, he seems to be with the bride chapter 4, he seems to be with the bride at the moment when the wedding is at the moment when the wedding is at the moment when the wedding is consummated. And then in 4:12-15, consummated. And then in 4:12-15, consummated. And then in 4:12-15, he describes her as a locked garden.

he describes her as a locked garden. he describes her as a locked garden. Mhm. And this provokes a, you know, a Mhm. And this provokes a, you know, a Mhm. And this provokes a, you know, a comment on the kind of language that's comment on the kind of language that's comment on the kind of language that's used. The language is is at the same used. The language is is at the same used. The language is is at the same time very discreet and very suggestive. time very discreet and very suggestive. time very discreet and very suggestive. Yeah. But but it's it's it's safe and Yeah. But but it's it's it's safe and Yeah. But but it's it's it's safe and it's clean and it's the kind where, you it's clean and it's the kind where, you it's clean and it's the kind where, you know, I could read this to my know, I could read this to my know, I could read this to my 14-year-old daughter and my 11-year-old 14-year-old daughter and my 11-year-old 14-year-old daughter and my 11-year-old son and a lot of it's going to go right son and a lot of it's going to go right son and a lot of it's going to go right over their head. over their head. over their head. But I haven't said anything indecent. But I haven't said anything indecent. But I haven't said anything indecent. You know, for instance, in 4:12, he You know, for instance, in 4:12, he You know, for instance, in 4:12, he says, "A garden locked is my sister, my says, "A garden locked is my sister, my says, "A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain bride, a spring locked, a fountain bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed." So, he's he's using the sealed." So, he's he's using the sealed." So, he's he's using the metaphor of a garden to speak of his metaphor of a garden to speak of his metaphor of a garden to speak of his bride. And he's saying she's locked. bride. And he's saying she's locked. bride. And he's saying she's locked. She's closed off to everyone. And I She's closed off to everyone. And I She's closed off to everyone. And I think again, this is this is her uh think again, this is this is her uh think again, this is this is her uh chastity prior to marriage. And then chastity prior to marriage. And then chastity prior to marriage. And then when we get to 4:16-51, when we get to 4:16-51, when we get to 4:16-51, it seems we've come to the moment of the it seems we've come to the moment of the it seems we've come to the moment of the consummation of the wedding, the of the consummation of the wedding, the of the consummation of the wedding, the of the marital covenant. And she says at the marital covenant. And she says at the marital covenant. And she says at the end of 4:16, "Let my beloved come to his end of 4:16, "Let my beloved come to his end of 4:16, "Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its choices fruits." And garden and eat its choices fruits." And garden and eat its choices fruits." And again, we know what what is being said, again, we know what what is being said, again, we know what what is being said, but it's all chased. It's all um you but it's all chased. It's all um you but it's all chased. It's all um you know, G-rated and suggested it might be.

know, G-rated and suggested it might be. know, G-rated and suggested it might be. There's there's nothing inappropriate There's there's nothing inappropriate There's there's nothing inappropriate being said. And then in 51, he says, "I being said. And then in 51, he says, "I being said. And then in 51, he says, "I came to my garden, my sister, my bride. came to my garden, my sister, my bride. came to my garden, my sister, my bride. I gathered my myrrh with my spice. I ate I gathered my myrrh with my spice. I ate I gathered my myrrh with my spice. I ate my honeycomb with my honey. And and so my honeycomb with my honey. And and so my honeycomb with my honey. And and so he has enjoyed all of the the nourishing he has enjoyed all of the the nourishing he has enjoyed all of the the nourishing and uh delightful um benefits of the and uh delightful um benefits of the and uh delightful um benefits of the garden and the the relationship we garden and the the relationship we garden and the the relationship we understand has been consummated. And understand has been consummated. And understand has been consummated. And then from there from from 52 and then from there from from 52 and then from there from from 52 and following it seems that what is depicted following it seems that what is depicted following it seems that what is depicted is their ongoing marital relationship. M is their ongoing marital relationship. M is their ongoing marital relationship. M you know in broad terms I would I would you know in broad terms I would I would you know in broad terms I would I would see this unfolding as 1 through 35 the see this unfolding as 1 through 35 the see this unfolding as 1 through 35 the longing and the buildup to marriage 36 longing and the buildup to marriage 36 longing and the buildup to marriage 36 through 51 the the the wedding day and through 51 the the the wedding day and through 51 the the the wedding day and the consummation of the marriage and the consummation of the marriage and the consummation of the marriage and then 52 through the end of the book um then 52 through the end of the book um then 52 through the end of the book um kind of the unfolding of what what life kind of the unfolding of what what life kind of the unfolding of what what life looks like within marriage. Yeah, it's looks like within marriage. Yeah, it's looks like within marriage. Yeah, it's and and again to put all of this in the and and again to put all of this in the and and again to put all of this in the context of this being a song, I think is context of this being a song, I think is context of this being a song, I think is helpful and important. Like it's almost helpful and important. Like it's almost helpful and important. Like it's almost like it's a hard book to just sit there like it's a hard book to just sit there like it's a hard book to just sit there and read by yourself. Yes. It's probably and read by yourself. Yes. It's probably and read by yourself. Yes. It's probably not an easy book to, you know, read from not an easy book to, you know, read from not an easy book to, you know, read from from the pulpit either as you're just from the pulpit either as you're just from the pulpit either as you're just reading these passages. Um, but it's reading these passages. Um, but it's reading these passages. Um, but it's almost like if you hear it in your head almost like if you hear it in your head almost like if you hear it in your head as almost this little opereta between a as almost this little opereta between a as almost this little opereta between a woman and a man or sometimes you have woman and a man or sometimes you have woman and a man or sometimes you have the chorus that comes in of the young

the chorus that comes in of the young the chorus that comes in of the young women or whatnot, right? You can almost women or whatnot, right? You can almost women or whatnot, right? You can almost kind of hear the beauty of which Solomon kind of hear the beauty of which Solomon kind of hear the beauty of which Solomon is writing it or it's being thought of is writing it or it's being thought of is writing it or it's being thought of through Solomon's mind because he's through Solomon's mind because he's through Solomon's mind because he's hearing it with song. He's hearing it as hearing it with song. He's hearing it as hearing it with song. He's hearing it as this vignette of, as you said, his this vignette of, as you said, his this vignette of, as you said, his description of, you know, of what a description of, you know, of what a description of, you know, of what a marriage should be like that's deeply marriage should be like that's deeply marriage should be like that's deeply steeped in the theological truths of steeped in the theological truths of steeped in the theological truths of God's relationship with the church. And God's relationship with the church. And God's relationship with the church. And I like to go back to even what you were I like to go back to even what you were I like to go back to even what you were saying about this could be Solomon's saying about this could be Solomon's saying about this could be Solomon's repentance. He had all of these many repentance. He had all of these many repentance. He had all of these many wives, you know. Um, in our conversation wives, you know. Um, in our conversation wives, you know. Um, in our conversation on Ecclesiastes, we talked about how on Ecclesiastes, we talked about how on Ecclesiastes, we talked about how that could have been almost the impetus that could have been almost the impetus that could have been almost the impetus for his downward spiral that led to the for his downward spiral that led to the for his downward spiral that led to the vanity of vanities and whatnot. Um, but vanity of vanities and whatnot. Um, but vanity of vanities and whatnot. Um, but here you have this this this portrait of here you have this this this portrait of here you have this this this portrait of the of Solomon. He's painting this the of Solomon. He's painting this the of Solomon. He's painting this beautiful picture and again I think it's beautiful picture and again I think it's beautiful picture and again I think it's helpful to as you are reading it and helpful to as you are reading it and helpful to as you are reading it and again I encourage all the listeners to again I encourage all the listeners to again I encourage all the listeners to read it but be thinking of it as people read it but be thinking of it as people read it but be thinking of it as people like singing with emotion or it's almost like singing with emotion or it's almost like singing with emotion or it's almost like it reads like a Shakespeare play like it reads like a Shakespeare play like it reads like a Shakespeare play almost too cuz you cuz you get that almost too cuz you cuz you get that almost too cuz you cuz you get that biblical language but you have these biblical language but you have these biblical language but you have these people these characters quote unquote people these characters quote unquote people these characters quote unquote who are speaking these words of love to who are speaking these words of love to who are speaking these words of love to each other. So, um I think it's it's not each other. So, um I think it's it's not each other. So, um I think it's it's not an easy book to read on its face, but an easy book to read on its face, but an easy book to read on its face, but it's uh but it can be a really um

it's uh but it can be a really um it's uh but it can be a really um emotionally resonant book if you read it emotionally resonant book if you read it emotionally resonant book if you read it almost with this kind of way of reading almost with this kind of way of reading almost with this kind of way of reading it in mind. Yes. Yes. Yes. And I think it in mind. Yes. Yes. Yes. And I think it in mind. Yes. Yes. Yes. And I think there are also ways in which you know there are also ways in which you know there are also ways in which you know the story of the of Israel, the nation the story of the of Israel, the nation the story of the of Israel, the nation of Israel. I think Solomon is is of Israel. I think Solomon is is of Israel. I think Solomon is is embedding some of this in the Song of embedding some of this in the Song of embedding some of this in the Song of Songs almost as though this idealized Songs almost as though this idealized Songs almost as though this idealized relationship between himself, the relationship between himself, the relationship between himself, the idealized version of himself and his idealized version of himself and his idealized version of himself and his idealized bride is kind of a a idealized bride is kind of a a idealized bride is kind of a a representation of the history between representation of the history between representation of the history between the Lord and his people. Yeah. And so the Lord and his people. Yeah. And so the Lord and his people. Yeah. And so for instance, you know, right after the for instance, you know, right after the for instance, you know, right after the wedding, which uh I would just add here, wedding, which uh I would just add here, wedding, which uh I would just add here, there are indications that the Song of there are indications that the Song of there are indications that the Song of Songs has always been read this way. So Songs has always been read this way. So Songs has always been read this way. So the way that I'm reading the Song of the way that I'm reading the Song of the way that I'm reading the Song of Songs to suggest points of contact Songs to suggest points of contact Songs to suggest points of contact between the song and the history of between the song and the history of between the song and the history of Israel, this is not me doing, you know, Israel, this is not me doing, you know, Israel, this is not me doing, you know, some sort of some sort of some sort of um that I there are indications that um that I there are indications that um that I there are indications that this is this is what the author of the this is this is what the author of the this is this is what the author of the song intended. This is the way that song intended. This is the way that song intended. This is the way that Solomon intended the song to be Solomon intended the song to be Solomon intended the song to be understood.

understood. understood. So in in chapter 5 um verse um verse uh So in in chapter 5 um verse um verse uh So in in chapter 5 um verse um verse uh six and seven she speaks of how um she six and seven she speaks of how um she six and seven she speaks of how um she has she's refused her beloved and then has she's refused her beloved and then has she's refused her beloved and then she goes out to seek him. So in 56 she she goes out to seek him. So in 56 she she goes out to seek him. So in 56 she says I sought him but found him not. I says I sought him but found him not. I says I sought him but found him not. I called him but he gave no answer. And called him but he gave no answer. And called him but he gave no answer. And you know, you can do word searches on you know, you can do word searches on you know, you can do word searches on those phrases and you'll find these those phrases and you'll find these those phrases and you'll find these places where the Lord says to Israel, places where the Lord says to Israel, places where the Lord says to Israel, "You will seek me and you will not find "You will seek me and you will not find "You will seek me and you will not find me. You will call to me and I will not me. You will call to me and I will not me. You will call to me and I will not answer." And one of these places is when answer." And one of these places is when answer." And one of these places is when they they ask Samuel for a king. And and they they ask Samuel for a king. And and they they ask Samuel for a king. And and the Lord tells Samuel, "Warn them and the Lord tells Samuel, "Warn them and the Lord tells Samuel, "Warn them and and and you know, tell them what their and and you know, tell them what their and and you know, tell them what their king will do to them and tell them that king will do to them and tell them that king will do to them and tell them that when when they're upset about this, they when when they're upset about this, they when when they're upset about this, they will seek me and not find me and they will seek me and not find me and they will seek me and not find me and they will call to me and I I will not answer. will call to me and I I will not answer. will call to me and I I will not answer. for they have rejected me from being for they have rejected me from being for they have rejected me from being king over them. And so the the bride's king over them. And so the the bride's king over them. And so the the bride's rejection of the king in the song is rejection of the king in the song is rejection of the king in the song is like a picture of Israel's rejection of like a picture of Israel's rejection of like a picture of Israel's rejection of the Lord. Yeah. And then the way the the Lord. Yeah. And then the way the the Lord. Yeah. And then the way the song unfolds, there's going to be a song unfolds, there's going to be a song unfolds, there's going to be a reconciliation between the bride and the reconciliation between the bride and the reconciliation between the bride and the king in the song. And I think Solomon is king in the song. And I think Solomon is king in the song. And I think Solomon is prophetically pointing to a prophetically pointing to a prophetically pointing to a reconciliation between the Lord and his reconciliation between the Lord and his reconciliation between the Lord and his people. And it's going to be a people. And it's going to be a people. And it's going to be a reconciliation brought about through the reconciliation brought about through the reconciliation brought about through the the king in the song. So I think this the king in the song. So I think this the king in the song. So I think this ultimately points to the reconciliation ultimately points to the reconciliation ultimately points to the reconciliation between God and his people brought about between God and his people brought about between God and his people brought about by the Lord Jesus. Well, I think I think

by the Lord Jesus. Well, I think I think by the Lord Jesus. Well, I think I think this takes us well into what I wanted to this takes us well into what I wanted to this takes us well into what I wanted to ask you next. And let's just put kind of ask you next. And let's just put kind of ask you next. And let's just put kind of a box on this. What does this book teach a box on this. What does this book teach a box on this. What does this book teach us about God? us about God? us about God? So I think that you know the best art So I think that you know the best art So I think that you know the best art points beyond itself to the real thing. points beyond itself to the real thing. points beyond itself to the real thing. Yeah. You know, so if if we take a Yeah. You know, so if if we take a Yeah. You know, so if if we take a Shakespeare play that or or a a sonnet, Shakespeare play that or or a a sonnet, Shakespeare play that or or a a sonnet, it's going to point beyond itself to it's going to point beyond itself to it's going to point beyond itself to what's being described in the poetry and what's being described in the poetry and what's being described in the poetry and and it's it's going to help us to and it's it's going to help us to and it's it's going to help us to experience the real thing, our own lives experience the real thing, our own lives experience the real thing, our own lives and the emotions that are perhaps and the emotions that are perhaps and the emotions that are perhaps captured by that that sonnet. captured by that that sonnet. captured by that that sonnet. So also I think that marriage points So also I think that marriage points So also I think that marriage points beyond itself to the real thing that it beyond itself to the real thing that it beyond itself to the real thing that it is capturing. Yeah. And that is the is capturing. Yeah. And that is the is capturing. Yeah. And that is the Lord's relationship with his people. So Lord's relationship with his people. So Lord's relationship with his people. So I think this is what Paul is saying in I think this is what Paul is saying in I think this is what Paul is saying in Ephesians 5 when he says um this mystery Ephesians 5 when he says um this mystery Ephesians 5 when he says um this mystery is great but I am saying that it refers is great but I am saying that it refers is great but I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church when he's to Christ and the church when he's to Christ and the church when he's talking about marriage. So I think that talking about marriage. So I think that talking about marriage. So I think that the the covenantal commitment, the the the covenantal commitment, the the the covenantal commitment, the exclusive devotion, and the the exclusive devotion, and the the exclusive devotion, and the the incomparable joys of marital intimacy incomparable joys of marital intimacy incomparable joys of marital intimacy are all intended to point to the the are all intended to point to the the are all intended to point to the the exclusive commitment and the marital exclusive commitment and the marital exclusive commitment and the marital devotion and the incomparable joys to be devotion and the incomparable joys to be devotion and the incomparable joys to be had between the Lord and his people in had between the Lord and his people in had between the Lord and his people in the context of communion with God, in the context of communion with God, in the context of communion with God, in the context of of fellowship within the

the context of of fellowship within the the context of of fellowship within the covenant. that the Lord has given to his covenant. that the Lord has given to his covenant. that the Lord has given to his people. And so I think the Lord is people. And so I think the Lord is people. And so I think the Lord is suggesting to us that you know perhaps suggesting to us that you know perhaps suggesting to us that you know perhaps this most intensely pleasurable this most intensely pleasurable this most intensely pleasurable experience that a human being can have experience that a human being can have experience that a human being can have in the consummation of the marital in the consummation of the marital in the consummation of the marital covenant. This points to what David is covenant. This points to what David is covenant. This points to what David is saying when he says in Psalm 16 um you saying when he says in Psalm 16 um you saying when he says in Psalm 16 um you make known to me the path of life at make known to me the path of life at make known to me the path of life at your right hand are pleasures forever your right hand are pleasures forever your right hand are pleasures forever more. And and I think David is saying um more. And and I think David is saying um more. And and I think David is saying um in your presence is fullness of joy. To in your presence is fullness of joy. To in your presence is fullness of joy. To to commune with God is is to experience to commune with God is is to experience to commune with God is is to experience the most intense pleasure and joy the most intense pleasure and joy the most intense pleasure and joy possible to a human creature. And and I possible to a human creature. And and I possible to a human creature. And and I think the Lord has given us a little a think the Lord has given us a little a think the Lord has given us a little a little appetizer of that in the covenant little appetizer of that in the covenant little appetizer of that in the covenant of marriage and the consummation of the of marriage and the consummation of the of marriage and the consummation of the covenant of marriage. covenant of marriage. covenant of marriage. Normally I would ask what this book Normally I would ask what this book Normally I would ask what this book teaches us about ourselves. I think you teaches us about ourselves. I think you teaches us about ourselves. I think you I think we started to hit on it a little I think we started to hit on it a little I think we started to hit on it a little bit there, which is just the idea of bit there, which is just the idea of bit there, which is just the idea of this book is a picture of what you were this book is a picture of what you were this book is a picture of what you were made for. Like God made you for made for. Like God made you for made for. Like God made you for relationship with him and as the relationship with him and as the relationship with him and as the ultimate like experiential ultimate like experiential ultimate like experiential reality that there is nothing greater reality that there is nothing greater reality that there is nothing greater than relationship with him. Amen. Amen.

than relationship with him. Amen. Amen. than relationship with him. Amen. Amen. Is there anything else that you would Is there anything else that you would Is there anything else that you would want to add to what this book would want to add to what this book would want to add to what this book would teach us about ourselves? Sure. Yeah. teach us about ourselves? Sure. Yeah. teach us about ourselves? Sure. Yeah. You know, I think that as we reflect on, You know, I think that as we reflect on, You know, I think that as we reflect on, say, the making of the woman in Genesis say, the making of the woman in Genesis say, the making of the woman in Genesis chapter 2, um, the Lord says, "It is not chapter 2, um, the Lord says, "It is not chapter 2, um, the Lord says, "It is not good for the man to be alone." I was good for the man to be alone." I was good for the man to be alone." I was thinking of that as you were talking. thinking of that as you were talking. thinking of that as you were talking. Yeah. And then he says, "I will make the Yeah. And then he says, "I will make the Yeah. And then he says, "I will make the the I think the ESV renders it, I will the I think the ESV renders it, I will the I think the ESV renders it, I will make a helper fit for him." But you make a helper fit for him." But you make a helper fit for him." But you could you could literally translate this could you could literally translate this could you could literally translate this something like according to his front something like according to his front something like according to his front side, you know. So the the woman is side, you know. So the the woman is side, you know. So the the woman is clearly made for the man and she clearly made for the man and she clearly made for the man and she complements the man and she's distinct complements the man and she's distinct complements the man and she's distinct from the man and they're created for one from the man and they're created for one from the man and they're created for one another. There are these these another. There are these these another. There are these these creational realities that have to do creational realities that have to do creational realities that have to do with our biological with our biological with our biological bodies and and the the created order bodies and and the the created order bodies and and the the created order according to which we're made. And these according to which we're made. And these according to which we're made. And these are reflected in the song particularly are reflected in the song particularly are reflected in the song particularly as you know there's the as as you read as you know there's the as as you read as you know there's the as as you read through the song there are these through the song there are these through the song there are these barriers to intimacy and there are these barriers to intimacy and there are these barriers to intimacy and there are these alienating realities and again and again alienating realities and again and again alienating realities and again and again in the song it's the man who is in the song it's the man who is in the song it's the man who is initiating those barriers being overcome initiating those barriers being overcome initiating those barriers being overcome and it's the man who is who is removing and it's the man who is who is removing and it's the man who is who is removing the the the problems in the relationship the the the problems in the relationship the the the problems in the relationship and I think this points to the way that and I think this points to the way that and I think this points to the way that um God made man to be the head in the um God made man to be the head in the um God made man to be the head in the context of the marriage and he made context of the marriage and he made context of the marriage and he made woman to respond to male headship male woman to respond to male headship male woman to respond to male headship male leadership. And so there there are these

leadership. And so there there are these leadership. And so there there are these created realities that God built into created realities that God built into created realities that God built into creation in Genesis 1 and2 that are creation in Genesis 1 and2 that are creation in Genesis 1 and2 that are reflected in the Song of Songs and then reflected in the Song of Songs and then reflected in the Song of Songs and then that are ultimately uh realized in our that are ultimately uh realized in our that are ultimately uh realized in our Christian lives and and they they also Christian lives and and they they also Christian lives and and they they also correspond to the way that Christ is the correspond to the way that Christ is the correspond to the way that Christ is the head of the church. So, you know, like head of the church. So, you know, like head of the church. So, you know, like you said a moment ago, this is what we you said a moment ago, this is what we you said a moment ago, this is what we are made for. And I think we we want to are made for. And I think we we want to are made for. And I think we we want to affirm also that as male and female, affirm also that as male and female, affirm also that as male and female, we're made for marriage and made for we're made for marriage and made for we're made for marriage and made for this complimentary union that's depicted this complimentary union that's depicted this complimentary union that's depicted in the psalm. So, normally we would look in the psalm. So, normally we would look in the psalm. So, normally we would look at trying to highlight two or three at trying to highlight two or three at trying to highlight two or three people in the book. Uh, you know, not people in the book. Uh, you know, not people in the book. Uh, you know, not many people. There's there's the man and many people. There's there's the man and many people. There's there's the man and there's the woman, but there's not a there's the woman, but there's not a there's the woman, but there's not a whole lot of other cast of characters. whole lot of other cast of characters. whole lot of other cast of characters. So instead, would you like be able to So instead, would you like be able to So instead, would you like be able to pinpoint maybe like two or three verses pinpoint maybe like two or three verses pinpoint maybe like two or three verses that really kind of stand out to you? that really kind of stand out to you? that really kind of stand out to you? Like these ones hold a little bit extra Like these ones hold a little bit extra Like these ones hold a little bit extra meaning or extra juice for you? Yeah. meaning or extra juice for you? Yeah. meaning or extra juice for you? Yeah. So, um I think that it it's interesting So, um I think that it it's interesting So, um I think that it it's interesting the way that that there is at the end of the way that that there is at the end of the way that that there is at the end of the song a kind of application to the song a kind of application to the song a kind of application to families. When you get to chapter 8:8, families. When you get to chapter 8:8, families. When you get to chapter 8:8, um it says, "We have a little sister and um it says, "We have a little sister and um it says, "We have a little sister and she has no breasts. What shall we do for she has no breasts. What shall we do for she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken our sister on the day when she is spoken our sister on the day when she is spoken for? And then they say, if she is a for? And then they say, if she is a for? And then they say, if she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement wall, we will build on her a battlement wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will of silver, but if she is a door, we will of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. I enclose her with boards of cedar. I enclose her with boards of cedar. I think what they're saying is we will think what they're saying is we will think what they're saying is we will ornament and adorn and celebrate ornament and adorn and celebrate ornament and adorn and celebrate chased young girls and then we will make

chased young girls and then we will make chased young girls and then we will make it where girls who are not inclined to it where girls who are not inclined to it where girls who are not inclined to be chased will be protected from those be chased will be protected from those be chased will be protected from those who might abuse them and take advantage who might abuse them and take advantage who might abuse them and take advantage of them. and and it's almost as though of them. and and it's almost as though of them. and and it's almost as though this is a a commenation to families. this is a a commenation to families. this is a a commenation to families. Here's how you respond to the message of Here's how you respond to the message of Here's how you respond to the message of the Song of Song. Here's how you you the Song of Song. Here's how you you the Song of Song. Here's how you you steward the young ladies toward steward the young ladies toward steward the young ladies toward marriage. And so I I I really love and marriage. And so I I I really love and marriage. And so I I I really love and appreciate that because of the way that appreciate that because of the way that appreciate that because of the way that it fits with other passages in the Bible it fits with other passages in the Bible it fits with other passages in the Bible that call, for instance, uh fathers to that call, for instance, uh fathers to that call, for instance, uh fathers to teach the word to their children and and teach the word to their children and and teach the word to their children and and um uh to raise them in the fear and um uh to raise them in the fear and um uh to raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. in for instance admonition of the Lord. in for instance admonition of the Lord. in for instance Ephesians chapter 6. Um I also think Ephesians chapter 6. Um I also think Ephesians chapter 6. Um I also think it's beautiful the way that it says in it's beautiful the way that it says in it's beautiful the way that it says in 8:6 that the flashes of love are flashes 8:6 that the flashes of love are flashes 8:6 that the flashes of love are flashes of fire the very flame of the Lord and of fire the very flame of the Lord and of fire the very flame of the Lord and seems to be saying that that the the seems to be saying that that the the seems to be saying that that the the love at work in the song it it actually love at work in the song it it actually love at work in the song it it actually is a a a an outshining like a flashing is a a a an outshining like a flashing is a a a an outshining like a flashing of God's own love. And I think this of God's own love. And I think this of God's own love. And I think this points to um the way that God has points to um the way that God has points to um the way that God has created us imi in his image and has created us imi in his image and has created us imi in his image and has equipped us to love as he loves.

equipped us to love as he loves. equipped us to love as he loves. So normally we talk about um what I've So normally we talk about um what I've So normally we talk about um what I've called sticky parts of the book, things called sticky parts of the book, things called sticky parts of the book, things that might be a little bit more uh that might be a little bit more uh that might be a little bit more uh confusing, hard to read, maybe require a confusing, hard to read, maybe require a confusing, hard to read, maybe require a little bit more um nuance or talking little bit more um nuance or talking little bit more um nuance or talking about. Uh interesting question is about. Uh interesting question is about. Uh interesting question is related to Song of Songs. So I just related to Song of Songs. So I just related to Song of Songs. So I just leave it up to you. What what about this leave it up to you. What what about this leave it up to you. What what about this book might require extra consideration book might require extra consideration book might require extra consideration when either reading it for the first when either reading it for the first when either reading it for the first time or maybe in uh thinking about it or time or maybe in uh thinking about it or time or maybe in uh thinking about it or talking about it? Yeah. So one of the talking about it? Yeah. So one of the talking about it? Yeah. So one of the passages when I when I first started passages when I when I first started passages when I when I first started thinking about uh preaching and teaching thinking about uh preaching and teaching thinking about uh preaching and teaching and writing on Song of Songs, one of the and writing on Song of Songs, one of the and writing on Song of Songs, one of the passages that terrified me because I passages that terrified me because I passages that terrified me because I didn't know what to do with it was didn't know what to do with it was didn't know what to do with it was chapter 6 verses eight and nine. Yeah. chapter 6 verses eight and nine. Yeah. chapter 6 verses eight and nine. Yeah. And and in 68 uh we read, "There are 60 And and in 68 uh we read, "There are 60 And and in 68 uh we read, "There are 60 queens and 80 concubines and virgins queens and 80 concubines and virgins queens and 80 concubines and virgins without number. My dove, my perfect one, without number. My dove, my perfect one, without number. My dove, my perfect one, is the only one, the only one of her is the only one, the only one of her is the only one, the only one of her mother, pure to her who bore her." And mother, pure to her who bore her." And mother, pure to her who bore her." And then it goes on from there. And there then it goes on from there. And there then it goes on from there. And there are commentaries that will say this are commentaries that will say this are commentaries that will say this sounds like the noise of Solomon's herum sounds like the noise of Solomon's herum sounds like the noise of Solomon's herum or they'll see this as a reflection of or they'll see this as a reflection of or they'll see this as a reflection of Solomon's herum. And this is where I Solomon's herum. And this is where I Solomon's herum. And this is where I want to say, you know, we need to pay want to say, you know, we need to pay want to say, you know, we need to pay close attention to what the text close attention to what the text close attention to what the text actually says and we need to be careful actually says and we need to be careful actually says and we need to be careful not to read in things that are not not to read in things that are not not to read in things that are not stated. And so it does not say here it stated. And so it does not say here it stated. And so it does not say here it or or you know the Solomon in the song or or you know the Solomon in the song or or you know the Solomon in the song is not portrayed saying I have 60 queens

is not portrayed saying I have 60 queens is not portrayed saying I have 60 queens and 80 concubines. It's an observation. and 80 concubines. It's an observation. and 80 concubines. It's an observation. There are 60 queens and 80 concubines. There are 60 queens and 80 concubines. There are 60 queens and 80 concubines. It's almost as though, you know, there It's almost as though, you know, there It's almost as though, you know, there are these women out there even among all are these women out there even among all are these women out there even among all of these. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Then it goes of these. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Then it goes of these. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Then it goes on, my dove, my perfect one is the only on, my dove, my perfect one is the only on, my dove, my perfect one is the only one. And you know, I just the language one. And you know, I just the language one. And you know, I just the language and grammar of the text, this cannot be and grammar of the text, this cannot be and grammar of the text, this cannot be taken to read something like I've got a taken to read something like I've got a taken to read something like I've got a lot of women, women, a lot of other lot of women, women, a lot of other lot of women, women, a lot of other women, and I like you the best. Yeah. women, and I like you the best. Yeah. women, and I like you the best. Yeah. Which, you know, that's not what the Which, you know, that's not what the Which, you know, that's not what the text says. But if it did say that, I text says. But if it did say that, I text says. But if it did say that, I don't think any woman woman would don't think any woman woman would don't think any woman woman would appreciate that kind of statement. No, appreciate that kind of statement. No, appreciate that kind of statement. No, not so much. I would imagine. Right. So not so much. I would imagine. Right. So not so much. I would imagine. Right. So the actual words and grammar of the the actual words and grammar of the the actual words and grammar of the text, however, read as though the the text, however, read as though the the text, however, read as though the the speaker is saying there are a lot of speaker is saying there are a lot of speaker is saying there are a lot of other women out there and they are of other women out there and they are of other women out there and they are of various social positions. Some of them various social positions. Some of them various social positions. Some of them are queens, some of them are concubines, are queens, some of them are concubines, are queens, some of them are concubines, some of them are unmarried women. And some of them are unmarried women. And some of them are unmarried women. And you are the only one that I'm interested you are the only one that I'm interested you are the only one that I'm interested in. So, I I think that's a sticky in. So, I I think that's a sticky in. So, I I think that's a sticky passage. But if we if we pay close passage. But if we if we pay close passage. But if we if we pay close attention to what the words actually are attention to what the words actually are attention to what the words actually are and how they're related to one another and how they're related to one another and how they're related to one another in grammatical arrangement, I think in grammatical arrangement, I think in grammatical arrangement, I think we'll we'll sort of clear away the the we'll we'll sort of clear away the the we'll we'll sort of clear away the the the noise and the misinterpretation and the noise and the misinterpretation and the noise and the misinterpretation and get to what the passage actually is get to what the passage actually is get to what the passage actually is emphasizing, which I think is monogamy.

emphasizing, which I think is monogamy. emphasizing, which I think is monogamy. Yeah. as we this will be the uh last Yeah. as we this will be the uh last Yeah. as we this will be the uh last book that we really spend talking about book that we really spend talking about book that we really spend talking about King Solomon until we get a little bit King Solomon until we get a little bit King Solomon until we get a little bit later but I wanted so but but we have later but I wanted so but but we have later but I wanted so but but we have this nice pairing that you mentioned this nice pairing that you mentioned this nice pairing that you mentioned earlier we have Proverbs we have earlier we have Proverbs we have earlier we have Proverbs we have Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. So c Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. So c Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. So c could you do for us a quick kind of could you do for us a quick kind of could you do for us a quick kind of compare contrast like these books like compare contrast like these books like compare contrast like these books like what do if if we look at this these what do if if we look at this these what do if if we look at this these three books as kind of talking about um three books as kind of talking about um three books as kind of talking about um the mind of Solomon what do we you know the mind of Solomon what do we you know the mind of Solomon what do we you know what can we learn uh as a result yeah I what can we learn uh as a result yeah I what can we learn uh as a result yeah I think from all three of these books and think from all three of these books and think from all three of these books and this is something that I think is both this is something that I think is both this is something that I think is both unexpected and yet right there in the unexpected and yet right there in the unexpected and yet right there in the text from all three of these books I text from all three of these books I text from all three of these books I think we can see that Solomon is very think we can see that Solomon is very think we can see that Solomon is very concerned for the line of descent that's concerned for the line of descent that's concerned for the line of descent that's going to culminate in the coming of the going to culminate in the coming of the going to culminate in the coming of the Messiah. So for instance in proverbs Messiah. So for instance in proverbs Messiah. So for instance in proverbs he's regularly saying here my son the he's regularly saying here my son the he's regularly saying here my son the teaching of your mother and the teaching of your mother and the teaching of your mother and the instruction of your father this kind of instruction of your father this kind of instruction of your father this kind of thing and his son is going to be the thing and his son is going to be the thing and his son is going to be the next person to arise in the line of next person to arise in the line of next person to arise in the line of descent and and then there are also descent and and then there are also descent and and then there are also indicators indicators indicators within the text that he's looking for a within the text that he's looking for a within the text that he's looking for a particular descendant of his who's going particular descendant of his who's going particular descendant of his who's going to be different from the others. Yeah.

to be different from the others. Yeah. to be different from the others. Yeah. You know, so so in Proverbs You know, so so in Proverbs You know, so so in Proverbs 30, um there's this question, 30, um there's this question, 30, um there's this question, um who has ascended to heaven and come um who has ascended to heaven and come um who has ascended to heaven and come down? And in in human terms, you know, down? And in in human terms, you know, down? And in in human terms, you know, nobody's really ascended to heaven in nobody's really ascended to heaven in nobody's really ascended to heaven in Solomon's day and come down. And then he Solomon's day and come down. And then he Solomon's day and come down. And then he says, who has gathered the wind in his says, who has gathered the wind in his says, who has gathered the wind in his fists? Well, who can do that? I mean, fists? Well, who can do that? I mean, fists? Well, who can do that? I mean, we're talking about the Lord, really. we're talking about the Lord, really. we're talking about the Lord, really. And then he says, who has wrapped up the And then he says, who has wrapped up the And then he says, who has wrapped up the waters in in a garment? Who has waters in in a garment? Who has waters in in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? established all the ends of the earth? established all the ends of the earth? What is his name? Well, that's going to What is his name? Well, that's going to What is his name? Well, that's going to be Yahweh. And what is his son's name? be Yahweh. And what is his son's name? be Yahweh. And what is his son's name? Well, that's I mean, the Lord said to Well, that's I mean, the Lord said to Well, that's I mean, the Lord said to David, he will be a son to me. So, I David, he will be a son to me. So, I David, he will be a son to me. So, I think there we see that Solomon is think there we see that Solomon is think there we see that Solomon is concerned to teach his descendants to concerned to teach his descendants to concerned to teach his descendants to keep the law of Moses in expectation of keep the law of Moses in expectation of keep the law of Moses in expectation of the coming of the Messiah. the coming of the Messiah. the coming of the Messiah. And then in Ecclesiastes, And then in Ecclesiastes, And then in Ecclesiastes, you know, there's there are some really you know, there's there are some really you know, there's there are some really interesting things going on in that interesting things going on in that interesting things going on in that book. in in chapter two there's a book. in in chapter two there's a book. in in chapter two there's a section where he talks about how he section where he talks about how he section where he talks about how he built houses and he built gardens and built houses and he built gardens and built houses and he built gardens and it's almost like he's trying to rebuild it's almost like he's trying to rebuild it's almost like he's trying to rebuild the garden of Eden and I think he's the garden of Eden and I think he's the garden of Eden and I think he's saying something like I attempted the saying something like I attempted the saying something like I attempted the task that God gave to Adam and I came to task that God gave to Adam and I came to task that God gave to Adam and I came to see that I'm not the Messiah but I'm see that I'm not the Messiah but I'm see that I'm not the Messiah but I'm looking for the one who's going to be looking for the one who's going to be looking for the one who's going to be and then coming to the Song of Songs and then coming to the Song of Songs and then coming to the Song of Songs again as I mentioned earlier you you again as I mentioned earlier you you again as I mentioned earlier you you have this sort of depiction of the have this sort of depiction of the have this sort of depiction of the covenant between the Lord and Israel covenant between the Lord and Israel covenant between the Lord and Israel enact acted in the covenant between the enact acted in the covenant between the enact acted in the covenant between the king and the bride and the song, king and the bride and the song, king and the bride and the song, anticipating the new covenant between

anticipating the new covenant between anticipating the new covenant between Christ and the church. And oh by the Christ and the church. And oh by the Christ and the church. And oh by the way, Solomon as he gets married is going way, Solomon as he gets married is going way, Solomon as he gets married is going to have children and those children are to have children and those children are to have children and those children are going to propagate and eventually from going to propagate and eventually from going to propagate and eventually from that line the Lord Jesus will come. that line the Lord Jesus will come. that line the Lord Jesus will come. What a fascinating dude. What a fascinating dude. What a fascinating dude. So Jim, we as we start to wrap up, we So Jim, we as we start to wrap up, we So Jim, we as we start to wrap up, we started by talking about how you are started by talking about how you are started by talking about how you are preaching on this book right now. So as preaching on this book right now. So as preaching on this book right now. So as you have been spending a lot of time you have been spending a lot of time you have been spending a lot of time steepening deeply in this book, what is steepening deeply in this book, what is steepening deeply in this book, what is something that you have learned or that something that you have learned or that something that you have learned or that I should say that you think that I should say that you think that I should say that you think that everybody should know about Song of everybody should know about Song of everybody should know about Song of Songs but that probably doesn't? Songs but that probably doesn't? Songs but that probably doesn't? Yeah, that's a that's a great question. Yeah, that's a that's a great question. Yeah, that's a that's a great question. You know, I what struck me as I've You know, I what struck me as I've You know, I what struck me as I've studied this time is the way that that studied this time is the way that that studied this time is the way that that all of this imagery of like plant growth all of this imagery of like plant growth all of this imagery of like plant growth and uh flowers and all of these things and uh flowers and all of these things and uh flowers and all of these things that they're really reminiscent of the that they're really reminiscent of the that they're really reminiscent of the Garden of Eden and and you know in the Garden of Eden and and you know in the Garden of Eden and and you know in the Garden of Eden prior to sin uh we read Garden of Eden prior to sin uh we read Garden of Eden prior to sin uh we read at the end of Genesis chapter 2 that the at the end of Genesis chapter 2 that the at the end of Genesis chapter 2 that the man and his wife were both naked and man and his wife were both naked and man and his wife were both naked and knew no shame. Yeah. And and it's almost knew no shame. Yeah. And and it's almost knew no shame. Yeah. And and it's almost as though the closest you get back to as though the closest you get back to as though the closest you get back to that kind of circumstance in the rest of that kind of circumstance in the rest of that kind of circumstance in the rest of the Bible once the Bible once the Bible once is in the Song of Songs where once again is in the Song of Songs where once again is in the Song of Songs where once again the the man and his wife are are exposed the the man and his wife are are exposed the the man and his wife are are exposed before one another and and they're before one another and and they're before one another and and they're unashamed in their enjoyment of God's unashamed in their enjoyment of God's unashamed in their enjoyment of God's goodness to them. So I I think in a lot

goodness to them. So I I think in a lot goodness to them. So I I think in a lot of ways both Ecclesiastes and Song of of ways both Ecclesiastes and Song of of ways both Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs are reflecting on the Edenic Songs are reflecting on the Edenic Songs are reflecting on the Edenic situation in expectation of the renewal situation in expectation of the renewal situation in expectation of the renewal of all things and the new new heavens of all things and the new new heavens of all things and the new new heavens and new earth. and new earth. and new earth. Jim, thank you so much for your time. Jim, thank you so much for your time. Jim, thank you so much for your time. Thank you for helping us navigate this Thank you for helping us navigate this Thank you for helping us navigate this book, The Song of Songs. I really book, The Song of Songs. I really book, The Song of Songs. I really appreciate it. And I'm going to put a appreciate it. And I'm going to put a appreciate it. And I'm going to put a link to your commentary on the book as link to your commentary on the book as link to your commentary on the book as well in the show notes so people can well in the show notes so people can well in the show notes so people can find it there as well. Um, would you find it there as well. Um, would you find it there as well. Um, would you mind closing us out by praying for mind closing us out by praying for mind closing us out by praying for people? Maybe they've never read this people? Maybe they've never read this people? Maybe they've never read this book and now they want to. Maybe they book and now they want to. Maybe they book and now they want to. Maybe they have read it before, but now they want have read it before, but now they want have read it before, but now they want to look at it with some fresh vision. to look at it with some fresh vision. to look at it with some fresh vision. So, would you mind wrapping us up with So, would you mind wrapping us up with So, would you mind wrapping us up with prayer? Love to. Let's pray together. prayer? Love to. Let's pray together. prayer? Love to. Let's pray together. Our father, we thank you for the Our father, we thank you for the Our father, we thank you for the promises in the scriptures. We thank you promises in the scriptures. We thank you promises in the scriptures. We thank you for your mercy in granting to us to read for your mercy in granting to us to read for your mercy in granting to us to read the Bible and to know the gospel story. the Bible and to know the gospel story. the Bible and to know the gospel story. And Lord, we thank you that your word is And Lord, we thank you that your word is And Lord, we thank you that your word is both clear and sufficient. And Lord, we both clear and sufficient. And Lord, we both clear and sufficient. And Lord, we pray that you'd open our minds, that we pray that you'd open our minds, that we pray that you'd open our minds, that we might understand the scriptures. We pray might understand the scriptures. We pray might understand the scriptures. We pray that your spirit would lead us into all that your spirit would lead us into all that your spirit would lead us into all truth. And we pray that you would help truth. And we pray that you would help truth. And we pray that you would help us to fix our hope on Jesus and the us to fix our hope on Jesus and the us to fix our hope on Jesus and the grace that he will bring when he is grace that he will bring when he is grace that he will bring when he is revealed from heaven. Help us to long revealed from heaven. Help us to long revealed from heaven. Help us to long for his appearing. And we ask all this for his appearing. And we ask all this for his appearing. And we ask all this in Christ's name. Amen.

in Christ's name. Amen. in Christ's name. Amen. [Music]