Read the Passage: Song of Solomon 5-8
Misunderstanding (Song. 5:2–9)
In Song. 1:1–5:1 the author detailed the marriage partners’ story, courtship, and wedding ceremony. Earlier it was noted that in biblical times dating and courtship, along with the wedding ceremony itself, was different than in many modern Western cultures. In short, in Jewish culture, after a period of betrothal that lasted for about 12 months, the bride and her bridesmaids would retreat to the bride’s home and await the promised arrival of the bridegroom. The bridegroom would then arrive, the wedding would occur at the bride’s home, and the bridegroom would then lead the bride to his home for the honeymoon. These events are depicted in the context of Song. 3:6–5:1. Note that Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins reflects this process as well (cf. Matt. 25:1–13). This, then, is the setting for the marital trials, restoration, and reaffirmation, that will be described in Song. 5:2–8:14.
In Song. 5:2–9 the author describes a marital trial, or misunderstanding, that confronted this newly married couple. Earlier, at Song. 3:1–5, the Shunamite had recalled a bad dream in which Solomon did not come for her, likely at the appointed time for their wedding. Now, in Song. 5:2–9, the author records an actual event that occurred when the Shunamite missed Solomon’s arrival. On this occasion, Solomon had returned home early from work. Since the Shunamite did not expect Solomon’s arrival, she was asleep when he arrived; and in her groggy state, she did not open the door for him. By the time the Shunamite came to her senses, Solomon had departed and returned to his fields to work. This misunderstanding left the Shunamite anxious and worried, and even resulted in her being threatened by the city watchmen as she searched for Solomon in the streets.
Restoration (Song. 5:10–8:4)
In Song. 5:10–8:4 the author details the restoration of Solomon and the Shunamite after the misunderstanding that was described in Song. 5:2–9. Rather than dwelling upon their dispute, in Song. 5:10–6:3 the Shunamite focused upon her husband’s positive traits. Her description of Solomon is detailed and intimate: his head is like gold, his hair is wavy and black, his eyes are like doves, his cheeks are like spices, his lips are like lilies, his hands are like rods of gold, his body is like carved ivory, his legs are like pillars of marble, his countenance is like Lebanon, his mouth is sweet, and he is lovely. Rather than trying to win an argument, the Shunamite recognized that no one was wrong. Next, she arrived at the rationale conclusion that Solomon had simply returned to the his agricultural work in the fields, where he was caring for his gardens and tending to his flocks (cf. Song. 6:2–3).
In Song. 6:4–7:9 Solomon expressed his regret over the misunderstanding with the Shunamite and he affirmed his love for his wife as he describes her appearance and character. In his detailed and intimate picture of his bride, Solomon declared: her eyes are overcoming, her hair is like a flock of goats, her teeth are like a washed flock of sheep, her temples are like a pomegranate, her feet are beautiful, her thighs are like jewels, her navel is like a goblet, her waist is a heap of wheat, her breasts are like two fawns, her neck is an ivory tower, her eyes are like pools of water, her nose is like a tower, her head is like a crown, her hair is royal, her stature is like a palm tree, her breasts are like grape clusters, her breath is like apples, and her mouth is like wine. Finally, in Song. 7:10–8:4, the Shunamite responds to Solomon, and the couple’s restoration is complete.
Reaffirmation (Song. 8:5–14)
In the closing verses of this book, the author describes the couple’s reaffirmation of their love for one another. Song. 8:5–14 contains the following elements: couples’ reunion (cf. Song. 8:5), commentary on love (cf. Song. 8:6–7), commentary on purity (cf. Song. 8:8–12), and conclusion (cf. Song. 8:13–14). Observe the description of love in Song. 8:6–7, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame. many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised.” Note the parallels between Song. 8:6–7 and 1 Cor. 13:1–8. While different types of love are in view (i.e., romantic love vs. divine love), each passage presents love as devoted, self-giving, priceless, and enduring.
Application Questions:
- How does one’s view of the nature of marriage affect the way one deals with trials in marriage?
- Why is marriage so important to God? What is at stake when individuals, or even entire cultures, get marriage wrong?
- What are some common things that can cause trials, misunderstanding, and fights within a marriage?
- How can understanding God’s love for the church change the way married couples handle marital conflict?
- What is an appropriate public display of affection for dating, engaged, and married couples?
