Song of Solomon 3

Song of Solomon 3:1-5

TEXT 3:1-5

c.

Relation of a Dream, Son 3:1-4

d.

Adjuration to Court Ladies, Son 3:5 (second)

On my bed night after night I sought him whom my soul loves;

I sought him but did not find him.

I must arise now and go about the city;

In the streets and in the squares.

I must seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him but did not find him.

The watchmen who makes the rounds in the city found me,

And I said, -Have you seen him whom my soul loves?

Scarcely had I left them

When I found him whom my soul loves; I held on to him and would not let him go, Until I had brought him to my mother’s house, And into, the room of her who conceived me.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, That you will not arouse or awaken my love, Until she pleases.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 3:1-5

Is there anything in the previous verses that might suggest the cause of this dream? (What about a promise unfulfilled?)

Why the oft-repeated phrase whom my soul loves?

In what city was her search?

What were the duties of the city watchmen?

Do you think the watchmen helped her in her search?

Why bring her beloved to her mother’s house?

What reason is there in mentioning her conception?

Who or what is not to be awakened until the proper time?

What is the meaning of this verse?

PARAPHRASE 3:1-5

Shulammite to Court Ladies:

By night on my bed I kept dreaming

(That) I sought him whom I dearly love; I sought him but I found him not.

(Thought I) I will get up and go about the city,

Into the streets and open spaces. I will seek him whom I love dearly. I sought him but I found him not.

The watchmen who patrol the city found me;

(I asked), Have you seen him whom I love dearly?

Hardly had I passed on from them,

When I found him whom I love dearly, I clung to him and would not let him go Until I had brought him to my mother’s house, Into the apartment of her that bore me.

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,

That ye arouse not nor stir up love Until itself is pleased to awaken.

COMMENT 3:1-5

Exegesis Son 3:1-5

The women of Solomon’s harem are here told of a reoccurring dream. Perhaps it is occasioned by what is not shared with themthat her lover failed to return as promised (Son 2:17). It is of some passing interest to observe that the term bed or couch of Son 1:16 is a day couch. Repetition in dreams is a common occurrenceIn a time of anxiety frustration in dreams would reflect such a state of mind.

We are not told the name of the city but it would be natural to assume it was Shunemit could have been Jerusalem. She is to make a thorough, if not frantic search. Up and down the streets and into the larger areas of the intersections and city gates she searches hither and thither. Anywhere where persons congregate she will go looking between and among all she meets. She will look at each one for the familiar dear form of her beloved. The night watchmen appearsurely they will knowthey can help meI will ask themShe describes her beloved to them (or perhaps they know him by name if it is in the town of Shunem) Have you seen him? We are not told of their responsewe would assume they did not know from what follows. She had no sooner left them than she suddenly sees him and in an instant she is in his arms. She clings to him with the tenacity and joy of the lost is found! Why did she bring him to her mother’s house? Perhaps this represented the place of securitysafety and permanence. The mention of her mother’s house would seem to confirm the thought that her mother was a widow. This might also support the thought of the concern of her brothers for her safety. Some commentators suggest that this is a description of the consummation of the marriage. We see no need for such a conclusion.

We ask the reader to please refer to our comments on Son 2:7 for the meaning of Son 3:5. This verse is again repeated in Son 8:4. In our day of the billion dollar sale of pornography we need to read and understand this verse more than thrice.

Marriage Son 3:1-5

Does my wife dream of me? If she does what is the nature of such dreams? If her dreams are filled with anxiety it could be because we do not dream more often of her. We want our comments to be as practical as at all possible. We have found the following expression so very much to the point. Bill Lawrence Isaiah 38 years old. He has a pretty wife, two beautiful children, and is considered one of the outstanding preachers in his city. Bill and June were married while Bill was still in seminary. Their first child was born during his senior year. June never completed her college education but took a job to help Bill through seminary. Bill is an effective preacher and is greatly respected by both his assistant and the congregation. He works hard on his sermons. His church is growing. Bill’s wife will leave him next week. Bob Ramsom is the executive director of Christian Commitment Abroad which he founded 22 years ago. He has travelled all over the world and is a much sought-after speaker. After a shaky start, CCA began to grow rapidly about ten years ago. Much of its growth is due to Bob’s high level of commitment and his willingness to give himself unstintingly to the work of Christ. Bob doesn-’t know it, but he left his wife eight years ago. WHERE ARE YOU? Where are you as a Christian leader? Where does your commitment lie? Could it be that you, too, are one of those, perhaps without even knowing it, who has left his wife?

How do you sort it all out? Where do your Christian priorities lie? How does one find a balance between commitment to the task and commitment to one’s family? THREE PRIORITIES In one of our earliest Christian Leadership Letters, (March 1973), we laid out what we consider to be three levels of Christian commitments, three levels of priority. Simply stated they are:

First: Commitment to God and Christ Second: Commitment to the Body of Christ Third: Commitment to the work of Christ

We picture these as foundation stones, one built upon another. We begin with the initial commitment to God through His Son. But the visible evidence of this vertical relationship with God is found in this second priority of horizontal relationships with the sons and daughters of God. The Bible calls us away from a Western individualism back to a biblical corporate unity. It is on this foundation and within the framework of this body-like relationship that the work of Christ is to be carried out. It was he who -gave gifts to mankind-’. He did this to prepare all God’s people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12, TEV).

These priorities cannot be exclusive of one another. All three are needed. One of the conditions for effectively carrying out the work of Christ is the relationship that exists within the body. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are My disciples (John 13:35, TEV). WHERE IS YOUR WIFE?

We are addressing ourselves here as Christian leaders, and especially as married men. Where does your wife fit in these priorities? Certainly of all the relationships described in the Bible the highest and most mystical is the relationship found in marriage. Paul could only compare it to the relationship of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:21-33). The disruption of this relationship can have tremendous spiritual consequences. Peter tells us that interruption of the relationship can even interfere with our prayers (1 Peter 3:7).

Is your ministry as a Christian Leader built upon a foundation of a strong marriage relationship, or does it move forward in spite of that relationship. (Christian Leadership Letter, March 1977).

Before our wife wakes up and finds her nightmare is true, let’s change the cause.

Communion Son 3:1-5

Communing with God on our bed is no new unusual thought. Daniel was given a vision upon his bed. Cf. Daniel 2:28-29; Daniel 4:5; Daniel 4:10; Daniel 7:1. The Psalmist says, Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. Psalms 149:5. As we close our eyes for rest it should be a time when we take His yoke upon us that we might find rest for our souls as well as our bodies. A total yielding to the presence and interest of our wonderful Lord should precede our slumber. There are times of concern when sleep flees from us. It is at such times we need Him most of all. We are glad to affirm that He has not left us. Any feeling of desertion or separateness is not because He has left. There is no need to seek Him in the streetsnor to make inquiry of others as to His whereabouts. He is right where we left Him. Return to your place of disobedience and confess your sin and be cleansed. He will be found again just on the other side of genuine repentance.

FACT QUESTIONS 3:1-5

To whom are these words addressed? Why?

Why this troubled dream?

There are two types of beds described in this book. What are they? (Cf. Son 1:16 and Son 3:1)

In which city does she see her lover in her dream?

What was the task of the watchmen? Why ask them?

Why take him to her mother’s house

What dreams could our wives have of us? Discuss.

Discuss the article When Did You Leave Your Wife?

Show how these verses can relate to our communing with our Lord upon our bed. Discuss.

Song of Solomon 3:6-11

TEXT 3:6-11

*SECOND SCENEThe Royal Procession REMARKS OF THE SPECTATORS

First Speaker:* Son 3:6

6. Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Second Speaker: Son 3:7-8

7. Behold, it is the litter of Solomon; three score mighty men are about it, of the mighty men of Israel.
8. They all handle the sword, and are expert in war; Every man hath his sword upon his thigh, because of fear in the night.

Third Speaker: Son 3:9-10

9. King Solomon made himself a palanquin of the wood of Lebanon.
10. He made the pillars thereof of silver, and the bottom thereof of gold, the seat of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, from the daughters of Jerusalem.

Fourth Speaker: Son 3:11

11. Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 3:6-11

An entirely new scene is now presented. What is its basic content?

Who is asking the question in verse six?

What caused the pillars of smoke?

Who is involved that so much perfume is used?

What is meant by the term litter as used here?

Why such a large body guard?

The word palanquin is only found here in the scripture. What is its meaning?

What is the difference between the palanquin and the litter? Discuss.

Please identify the parts of the palanquin and attempt a drawing of this structure.

Who are the daughters of Zion? Are they the same as the daughters of Jerusalem ?

The King had on an unusual crown. What was it?

PARAPHRASE 3:6-11

First Bystander:

What is this coming up from the open country

Looking like palm trees of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense And all kinds of aromatic powders of the merchants?

Second Bystander:

Look! It is Solomon’s litter

Surrounded by sixty of his bodyguard;

All are heroes in Israel.

All have drawn swords flashing,

The hilts upon their thighs. Ready against sudden night attacks.

Third Bystander:

King Solomon prepared for himself a palanquin

Of finest timbers from Lebanon,

The supports of its canopy were of silver;

Its backrest of gold; Its seat was of purple; Its interior upholstery a love gift From the daughters of Jerusalem.

Fourth Bystander:

Go forth, O daughters of Zion!

Look upon King Solomon Wearing the nuptial chaplet Wherewith his mother adorned him

On the day of his marriage celebrations, Even the day of his heart’s gladness.

COMMENT 3:6-11

Exegesis Son 3:6-11

We have before us an entirely new scene. We are back in northern Canaan amid the wilderness of this north country. We are witness to a royal procession of Solomon. Perhaps this is the description of what the Shulammite saw when she was taken captive by Solomon and was brought back to his royal palace (either at Jerusalem or some other nearer city). Compare Son 6:11-12 for a brief description of the possible circumstances of her capture.

Let’s not forget that Solomon is the writer of this book. Perhaps this paragraph is here because he wants all to know of his magnificence. Walter F. Adeney in An Exposition of the Bible gives a vivid description of this section:

It is by one of the gates of Jerusalem, where the country maiden has been brought in order that she may be impressed by the gorgeous spectacle of Solomon returning from a royal progress. The king comes up from the wilderness in clouds of perfume, guarded by sixty men-at-arms, and borne in a magnificent palanquin of cedar-wood, with silver posts, a floor of gold, and purple cushions, wearing on his head the crown with which his mother had crowned him. Is the mention of the mother of Solomon intended to be specially significant? Remembershe was Bathsheba! The allusion to such a woman would not be likely to conciliate the pure young girl, who was not in the least degree moved by this attempt to charm her with a scene of exceptional magnificence. If the above description is accurate then the Shulammite is the first bystander and the words of verses seven and eight are addressed to her. Perhaps the dialogue in verses nine and ten as well as eleven are spoken by a third and fourth bystander. The palanquin of verse nine deserves comment. We quote from Arthur G. Clarke: This Hebrew word is found only here in Scripture and is not the same as that translated litter in verse seven, which was simply a couch for reclining. This word indicates a state conveyance of elaborate construction, a kind of portable house. The speaker may have been comparing unfavorably the litter the King was then using with the gorgeous palanquin used on state occasions. Here is another hint that the cortege was not a marriage procession. made himself(i.e., by his direction and perhaps according to his own design; wood of Lebanon(i.e., the famous timber of that region such as cedar or cypress, fir or pine); wood(lit., woods). Probably more than one kind of timber had been used.

Verse tenpillars(i.e., light columns to support the canopy or roof); bottomthe Hebrew is used here only in the Old Testament and with a meaning not clear. It probably refers to the back rest against which the occupant leaned. Seat(i.e., riding seat), the same Hebrew word is translated saddle (Leviticus 15:9). Purplethis and crimson were royal colors. The last two lines present difficulties and are variously interpreted. The Hebrew for paved is found only here in the Old Testament. The lines are best understood as meaning that the vehicle was lined or upholstered as a love-gift from the ladies of the royal entourage, possibly their own handiwork (Cf. Dr. Robert Young’s literal translation) (ibid, p. 59).

Marriage Son 3:6-11

Solomon hoped that the maiden would remember this procession as part of her marriage to Him. Some commentators see this as the wedding procession of the marriage of Solomon with an Egyptian princess. The eleventh verse does mention Solomon wearing the crown his mother gave him when he was married. Since no time element is mentioned it could easily be a reference to the past when he did wear such a crown or nuptial chaplet. Solomon is looking forward to such an occasion again. These words were probably sung or spoken to every one of the prospective brides of Solomon. At least the King was acquainted with what made the wedding meaningful to women. Ceremony and attendants along with the clothes are what is remembered by the bride. The finest of clothes, the best of food and a beautiful place is associated in memory with the wedding. Love and marriage should produce the finest qualities in both the bride and the groom regardless of the physical circumstances or the economic limitations at the time of marriage. Love and marriage does indeed at times transform a careless young man into a responsible adult. But at other times the very opposite seems to happen. Why? Marriage always completely alters the life-style of the young womensome for better and some for worsewhy? The commitment of our total selves to another is the answer. The example of the Shulammite should be a real help to us. If riches or convenience or escape is at the foundation of our decision for marriage we can expect nothing but unhappiness. When we are truly given to each other, the ceremony will be remembered with joy.

Communion Son 3:6-11

Do these verses in any way describe our marriage to our Lord? It comes as a shock to some that the scriptures teach that we are joined to the Lord. Please read 1 Corinthians 6:17. We wish to quote from Boyce Mouton, Minister at Carthage, MissouriHe says: The miracle of conversion is like a marriage. When God and man are committed to one another in this type of covenant, our thoughts and intents are so intertwined it is difficult to determine who does what.

Take for example, the flight of Paul from Jerusalem in Acts 9:28-30. This passage indicates that the brethren heard of a plot against Paul’s life and took it upon themselves to send him away to safety. In Acts 22:17-18 Paul ascribes this same event to a revelation which he received directly from God while in a trance in the temple. Instead of a contradiction it is a confirmation. Instead of arousing our suspicions it enhances our wonder. The church is a body directed by Jesus in mysterious ways. The rapport between Deity and man is sometimes so subtle that we respond to the impulse of His Spirit without even being aware of it.

Or consider the selection of Timothy as Paul’s traveling companion. Acts 16:3 ascribes the choice to Paul; 1 Timothy 1:18 indicates that Timothy was pointed out to Paul by prophetic utterance. Acts 15:2 seems to indicate that the journey of Paul to the Jerusalem Council came as a result of a decision made by the brethren at Antioch; Galatians 2:2 relates that Paul went up by revelation from God. Philippians 2:12 commands us to work out your own salvation. and the very next verse reminds us, For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. To will and to do seems to teach that both the desire and the ability to live the Christian life are somehow associated with God. How beautiful!

When we are crucified with Christ, our egotistical personality is replaced by a new creation. Old things are passed away and all things become new. When our spirit becomes one with Deity, nothing is viewed from a human point of view and the life we live is a direct result of the Spirit of God married to our human spirit by the process of conversion.

Our text in 1Corinthians 6 is strategically placed between a section dealing with human behavior and a section dealing with the subject of marriage. Paul’s censure of their conduct in Christ is tempered by a reminder that they were washed. sanctified. and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus. An animal may be controlled by his physical appetites, but the Christian is motivated by desires in harmony with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are members of Christ. God forbid that we abandon our marriage vows and grieve His blessed Spirit by conduct out of character with our Christian commitment. The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Fleshly appetites will pass away, but the hunger of the Spirit is of eternal significance. It is in this context that the Corinthians are reminded: He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit.

The age in which we live knows nothing of holy places or holy things, only holy people. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit which we have of God, and we are not our own. We have been bought with a price and are thus to glorify God in our body and also in our spirit which are the Lord’S. The marriage of our spirits has obliterated our identity so that it is no longer we that live but Christ who lives in us. He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit. The old man of sin was put to death, and the new man was raised up from the grave of baptism through faith in the operation of God. But we were raised up with Him. Our plans are in Him. Our hopes are in Him. Whatever we do in word or deed we do in Him so that nothing is secular to the person who has become a temple of the Holy Spirit. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory! His power in us can accomplish exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. We are laborers together with God. Our spirit is yoked together with His Spirit so that we function as one. We are in Christ, Christ is in us. He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit. We can easily see a number of analogous comparisons in these verses. As example: (1) We, too, have come up out of the wilderness. The bride of our Lord has indeed been called forth out of the wilderness of this world. We are so glad to remember the day when we heard His words of love. (2) We have been perfumed by the fragrant presence of the blessed Holy SpiritHis presence is made known to others by the virtues of the Spirit. (3) We are on our way to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (4) This is a spectacle of great interest to angelsit should be of beauty to observers.

FACT QUESTIONS 3:6-11

Just where does this scene take placewe have at least two viewswhat is your opinion? Why?

Show how Son 6:11-12 could relate to this incident.

Why would Solomon wish to write this paragraph?

Who is the first bystander? Discuss his possible response.

What is the palanquin? Identify the pillars; the bottom; seat; paved.

What was Solomon’s purpose in the procession?

What is the significance of the reference to the wedding crown?

How much meaning could the Shulammite attach to the words of Solomon? Why?

Solomon was doing the right thing as related to the memory of the bride. Discuss.

Why is it true that love and marriage can produce the best of qualities or the worst of qualities in both bride and groom? What makes the difference?

Discuss how the miracle of conversion is like a marriage.

Discuss, in context, 1 Corinthians 6:17.