3/24/2015
Hope Christian Fellowship Church Tuesday Night Bible Study Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Divisions of Old Testament Books Law
History
Genesis –
Joshua – Esther
Deuteronomy
Poetry/ Wisdom Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of (Songs)/ Solomon
Prophesy Major: Isaiah – Daniel Minor: Hosea Malachi
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Poetical and Wisdom Books The five poetical books are personal and
experiential. They deal with the practical matters of life. Proverbs tells the way things generally work in life. This Book teaches us that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. Job and Ecclesiastes help us to see that there are exceptions to the rules. It doesn’t always work that way because we live in a world where death, sin, evil, injustice, etc. is a reality.
Tonight’s Class Song of Songs
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Song of Songs The Song of Songs redeems a love story gone awry. The Book pictures the restoration of human love to its pre-fall bliss.
Read Genesis 2:18-25. “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame” (Genesis 2:25). Genesis 3:7 – “Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”
Song of Songs This Book celebrates the dignity and purity of human
love within the confines of the marriage relationship. Sometimes referred to as Song of Solomon, however the author is unknown. Portions possibly written by King Solomon. However there is evidence to suggest this may not be the case. While Solomon is mentioned by name, it seems to look at him from a distance (3:6-11; 8:10-12). Solomon is exalted (3:6-11). Solomon is repulsed (8:10-12).
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Reading Song of Songs The church is quick to describe this Book as a metaphor of God and His people.
Jewish Church – God and Israel Christian Church – Christ and the Church
There is no indication to solely suggest this. The Poetical/Wisdom Books deals with the basic, practical aspects of life. Marriage and sexuality is a part of that. This Book contains explicit sexual imagery.
Reading Song of Songs This is a wisdom teaching on the values and
importance of marital love. The sexual aspect of this love is a vital part.
The intimacy expressed in this Book mirrors the relationship God has with His people. It is not appropriate, however, to read this Book as a poem reflecting the relationship between God and His people without dealing with the primary matter of human sexuality dealt with in the Book.
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Song of Songs Covenantal Parallels The Covenant between God and man
The Covenant between Husband and Wife
The Story Song of Songs
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The Story
Young maiden fell in love with a shepherd boy. Maidens of the court commended her beauty. She did not believe she was beautiful (1:5-7). Taken to Jerusalem where Solomon tried to win her love and affection. Despite his attempts, she still thought of her love for the shepherd boy.
The Story
A country maiden who resists the wooing of a king and remains true to the shepherd boy to whom she is betrothed. She refuses all the worldly advantages and allurements. Could be a historical account of Solomon seeking to win her love. Remembers the early spring walks with her beloved. Went out one lonely night to search for him. Other women impressed by Solomon— she was not!
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True Love Shown
Others impressed and thought Solomon a great catch—she did not!
She understood her true feelings. Dreamed of her beloved shepherd boy. She was lovesick for him (5:8) Lavish description of her betrothed (5:10-16) They belonged to one another (6:3)
Solomon’s Advances
Solomon wanted to add her to his collection of 60 wives and 80 concubines. He praised her beauty (4:1-6). Every advance showed sensual love (7:9). Tried to impress her with his wealth and surroundings (palace). Solomon had lust—not deep and abiding love. He did not know the difference—she did, and she rejected his advances!
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True Love Wins!
Solomon allowed her to return to her own country. (8:1-3) Finally, the shepherd boy spoke: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.” (8:6, 7)
Listen to The Story
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The Message of the Book The wisdom perspective on love and marriage The value of pleasure of marital intimacy and sexuality. God created this. There is nothing that connects this pleasure with childbearing in this book. The purpose of intimacy and sexuality is for the purpose of intimacy in this book. The exclusivity of the marriage relationship (2:6; 6:3; 7:10). The power of marital love (8:6-7). The difficulties that must be overcome in the growth toward intimacy (2:15).
The Message of The Book Biblical connections and overall contribution to a biblical theology of love, marriage, and sexuality
Corrects the sexual suppression that has often characterized the Church. Corrects the non-biblical idea that sexual pleasure is life’s ultimate pursuit. Affirms the purity of marriage and the importance of sexual intimacy in marriage. Song of Songs shows us the power of the relationship between a man and woman when they are committed to one another.
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Meanings of the Book
On the physical side, the book gives a beautiful and frank description of marital love. Lifts the marriage relationship to the high esteem of sacred duty and spiritual experience ordained by God!
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” {Genesis 2:24}
Main Thoughts
The book teaches that love cannot be forced or pushed; it must arise spontaneously.
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.” {Song of Songs 2:7}
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Main Thoughts The book emphasizes the importance of delaying sexual intimacy until marriage!
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.” {Song of Songs 3:5; 8:4}
Human Love Theme shows proper love in the sphere of proper sexual love (2:2,3) Far more than lust of the flesh Basis of love is mutual satisfaction of the needs of both husband and wife Ordained by God as good and honorable 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Hebrews 13:4 Genesis 2:18, 24
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