Songs of Solomon Bible Study verse by verse - Rhema Joy Sharath

Songs of Solomon Bible Study - Songs of Solomon is a book written by King Solomon. (Around 965 BC, early days of his reign)
It is also called Song of songs/ Canticle of Canticles / Shīr Hashīrīm in Hebrew.(Asma asmatov in Greek). This book is considered highest and most beautiful of its class. Although Solomon knew 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), song of Solomon is considered the greatest.
The poetry takes the form of a dialogue between a husband (the king) and his wife (the Shulamite). We can divide the book into three sections: the courtship (1:1 - 3:5); the wedding (3:6 - 5:1); and the maturing marriage (5:2 - 8:14).
It is considered as an erotic poem between two lovers – like Kamasutra – but it really is a conversation (allegory) between Jesus Christ, the groom and the church – his bride.
It is a beautiful poetic, historical, scientific, worship, theological book and a book of prophecy about the New Testament.

1. Songs of Solomon Rhema Joy Sharath

2. Songs of Solomon Songs of Solomon is a book written by King Solomon . (Around 965 BC, early days of his reign) It is also called Song of songs/ Canticle of Canticles / Shīr Hashīrīm in Hebrew.(Asma asmatov in Greek). This book is considered highest and most beautiful of its class. Although Solomon knew 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), song of Solomon is considered the greatest. The poetry takes the form of a dialogue between a husband (the king) and his wife (the Shulamite). We can divide the book into three sections: the courtship (1:1 - 3:5); the wedding (3:6 - 5:1); and the maturing marriage (5:2 - 8:14). It is considered as an erotic poem between two lovers – like Kamasutra – but it really is a conversation (allegory) between Jesus Christ, the groom and the church – his bride. It is a beautiful poetic, historical, scientific, worship, theological book and a book of prophecy about the New Testament.

3. Layout of the book Introduction (1:1–6) Dialogue between the lovers (1:7–2:7) The woman recalls a visit from her lover (2:8–17) The woman addresses the daughters of Zion (3:1–5) Sighting a royal wedding procession (3:6–11) The man describes his lover's beauty (4:1–5:1) The woman addresses the daughters of Jerusalem (5:2–6:4) The man describes his lover, who visits him (6:5–12) Observers describe the woman's beauty (6:13–8:4) Appendix (8:5–14)

4. Characters in SOS There are three main speakers in the book. • The bride - a Shulamite girl (The church/believers) • The groom – Solomon – (Jesus Christ) “Prince of Peace” • A chorus - daughters of Jerusalem (Jews)

5. Why Solomon? The name Solomon means “peace” Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”. He even said “and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” – Matthew 12:42 King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived in all of the world. (1 Kings 4:29 onwards) WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND LARGENESS OF HEART. Even Solomon wouldn’t have understood the real meaning of Songs of Solomon when he wrote it. Unfortunately he backslidden from God during his later days.

6. Meaning of Songs of Solomon Credits: Pastor Suresh Ramachandran

7. Introduction The book starts with the bride talking about her groom. We are going to understand this book using hermeneutics. (Many Bible verses will be used here to decode verses in SOS) Verse 1.2 “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.” Here, “kiss” does not literally mean physical kiss that a man gives to a woman. The church is singing about the glory of God’s word. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! – Psalm 119:103 The church must treat the word of God higher than anything. John 1:1 In Israel, Wine is used in happy occasions like weddings, parties etc. God’s love is AGAPE – unconditional – not only for the Jews but also for Gentiles (John 3:16, Eph 3:3-5) KISS = WORD OF GOD

8. The word of God is compared to food in many passages in the Bible. Eg : And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. – Revelations 10:9,10

9. 1.3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Here, Good ointments denotes Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Because of the crucifixion we Christians believe in him. He has given his name as a sacrifice. – (Phil 2:9) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour . – Eph 5:2 Virgins represent Christians in this verse. We were spiritual prostitutes (serving other gods is compared to sexual immorality) before we knew Christ. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins…Matthew 25:1-13 OINTMENT = CRUCIFIXION VIRGINS=CHRISTIANS

10. 1.4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. We can’t draw God near to us, but He can draw us near him. We must not be men-pleasers, but we must only please God. Hate what he hates and love what he loves. Here, the Bride says she will not be just a believer , but a DISCIPLE (followers). (Mat 28:19) We can read in John 6 about the followers who came to Jesus for their benefit. Chambers represent the Harem (Bedroom) of the King. Only the women the King allows can enter there. This represents salvation – only those who are saved can enter the Kingdom of God. (John 14:2 - many mansions) The bride also sings that she will be happy in Him. There is no joy in life without Jesus or any other religion except Christianity. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. – Phil 4:4

11. 1.5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. The bride is talking to the Daughters of Jerusalem = Jews The bride is a – Gentile (A believer who is not Jew) Jews generally have a pride of being Jews, because they are the people of God and hence the Gentiles are seen lowly. The bride says she is black – inferior to the Jews - But Jesus made us beautiful by making us Christians. (comely) Ephesians 2:5-6 TENT OF KEDAR

12. 1.6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. The Bride says that she did not serve her vineyard – Which represents the Gentiles who did not follow their old religious ways but left it and followed Jesus. The sun has made her black (absence of light) – this means that we gentiles may not be as pure as the Jews in following God from generation to generation. – (Pre-Christian life– worshipping other idols because they did not know the truth.)

13. 1.7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest , where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? The bride is questioning the groom where he hides his flock at noon. The one whom the bride loves is – Jesus Christ. The flock represents the Israelites . Noon represents a tough time. So, God is saving the Jews/Israelites during their times of difficulty. Many people have tried to attack the Nation of Israel, which is God’s own sheep but everyone who tried to destroy Israel don’t even exist today. (Amalekites, Egyptians, etc) According to this verse, the replacement theory fails. (Israelites being replaced by the Christians) FLOCK = ISRAELITES

14. 1.8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents. Now, the Groom replies the bride. Christians are more beautiful in the eyes of Jesus than any other kind of people. We are not under law, but under grace. The shepherds – represent Pastors in every church. Some people do not have a personal spiritual guide and go astray, and that is why we need to go to church regularly. We need to submit to a shepherd and be in a church. (There is no ‘perfect’ church though!) Jesus is directing the bride to follow the footsteps of other believers and reach a church. (Tent)

15. 1.9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots. History says that the Pharaohs usually take male horses for wars and on other times – like when they go around the city for leisure or a sight seeing trip – they take the female horses. These female horses are of high quality and do not have any bruise on them. Jesus is comparing the church to these female horses – a means by which He, the King is made known to the whole world (GOSPEL) We are to take Jesus everywhere we go – THE GREAT COMMISSION Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost… - Matthew 28:19 PHARAOH – JESUS HORSES - CHRISTIANS

16. 1.10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. This verse should be taken literally. The Jewish queen wear an accessory that covers their cheeks. Chains of gold – these are all about the accessories that Jewish women wear. When it comes to wearing Jewels, Christians debate on both sides. If your church allows you to wear it, wear it. If it doesn’t, then don’t. It is not a sin if you wear, because it does not come under the basic 16 rules of Christianity. (It does not affect our faith).

17. 1.11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. – Psalms 119:111 We must listen more to God’s word and reduce talking more. Read the Bible patiently, every book of it. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. – Matthew 11:15

18. 1.12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Now, the Bride starts talking. Spikenard is a precious fragrant oil in Jewish culture. It is not made in Israel, but in India. (SADAMAANJIL) Mary Magdalene had that fragrance with her till Jesus was with them before his burial . (John 12:3) If you sit and eat with someone in Israel, it means you are really close with them. (Mutual acceptance) Jesus gave so much importance to eating together. (Laodicean church) Jesus wants to have a deeper fellowship with his followers.

19. 1.13 A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. Myrrh – is a purifying herb and its resin is used to give smoke that gives a pleasing fragrance. Myrrh is a desert tree that when gets hurt produces resin "tears" with a bitter, penetrating aroma (" marr " means "bitter" in Hebrew and is the root for " morr ", the Hebrew name of myrrh). It was one of the gifts of the magi to Jesus.

20. Jewish women wear a pendent of myrrh between their breasts to keep it fragrant. Likewise, Jesus must be kept near our hearts. We must fill our hears with his words. (Memorize – “by-heart”) Breasts are not to be seen as something sexual, but it is a noble reproductive part that changes blood into milk. It provides life to the infant.

21. 1.14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi . “ Lawsonia Aiba ” This is nothing but the Henna tree. It is used to put mehendi – a stain that stays for a long time in the skin and for its odour. It aids in sleeping. We must make Him fragrant, and He makes us fragrant.

22. ENGEDI – is a small beautiful hidden oasis in the Judean Desert near dead sea. It is the only oasis in this desert and has wonderful waterfalls. 1 Samuel 23:29, 24:1 It has beautiful animals, plants etc Olive trees and grape trees exist together. King David sang Psalms 23 when he reached this place after running from Saul. It is a place of relaxation. IBEX

23. 1.15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. If something is said twice in the Bible – it is made to affirm the statement. (reply to her statement saying I’m black.) Eyes of Dove – represent Innocence. It cannot show anger, no lust (holy), and is peaceful. It denotes fellowship, patience and beauty. We must try to be at peace with everyone. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. - Matthew 5:9 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord – Hebrews 12:14

24. 1.16 Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant: also our bed is green. A bed represents a place of rest. (Don’t connect it with a place of physical intimacy. We must understand that God does not have an image and that we cannot see Him with our eyes until we go to heaven. But He can be seen through Jesus who came as a man.) Jesus promises eternal rest in Him. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:17-18 Jesus said Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 Green represents prosperity.

25. 1.17 The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. House = Eternal Life Cedar – strength – Used to build palaces and royal houses. (Temple of Solomon was built using this tree) Fir – Turpentine oil is used to paint wood. The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs…Eze 31:8 We are citizens of heaven. CEDAR TREE FIR TREE TURPENTINE

26. 2.1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. The groom is explaining about himself. Sharon is a common Christian name given to girls. “CHABATSTSELETH” in Hebrew. Sharon is a plain in the western part of Israel between Haifa and Joppa. It grows in the desert area (Isaiah 35:1) and makes the whole place look beautiful and smells wonderfully. The fragrance lasts forever. When Jesus comes into our desert like life, he makes it beautiful and fragrant. “SHUSHAN” flower – lily of the valley (1 Kings 7, Psalms 45,60,69,80). When this flower blooms, it means it is going to rain in a couple of days. Valley is a place that symbolises the world – a lower place from the mountains. Battles are made in valleys, bloodshed happens there. Jesus left His throne in heaven and came to the earth – a lower place. Jesus became this flower and gives us a hope of glory.

27. 2.2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. He is not only the Sharon and lily, but he also calls us lilies. We are living among thorns, who are not lilies yet. Christians live among people who do not know Jesus and people who hurt us – but we have to bring them to Christ. Matthew 10:16 - Sheep among wolves. John 15:19 – The world hates you when you change and become good. 1 John 5:19 – We belong to God, but the world is still in sin.

28. 2.3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. This is not the common apple – but it is called “TAPPUWACH” in Hebrew. The tree has a lot of branches and the leaves are congested such that it gives a good shade during summer – which is a blessing. The fruit is sweet and is called the “Israeli apple”. Fruit also means blessing. Also mentioned in Joel 1:12 The shadow of God is portrayed as a blessing in the Bible many times (Isaiah 4:5,6)

29. 2.4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. HA’YAYIM – is a place where Kings bring the Elite to give party. ( Eg : Belshazzar, King Herod etc) The bride says that the groom invited her into his banqueting house. Though we are not worthy to be honoured that way, Jesus makes us worthy. His banner over us was love – His love is what makes us qualified to enter heaven. (Jehovah Nissi )

30. 2.5 Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love. This “sick of love” is same as the word mentioned when Jacob thought that Joseph was dead and later found out he was alive and felt overwhelmed. The Hebrew word is “HOWLOT” – meaning “shocked” – another example is the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon and was in awe of his wisdom. This feeling – that though we are nothing in the eyes of God – Jesus has made us royal. So to celebrate this, the bride is asking for drinks in a good way.

31. 2.6 His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me. Matthew 11:28 Jesus is providing rest with his left hand. We Christians have a wonderful pillow – the left hand of Jesus. His right hand embraces us – the right hand denotes promise, protection, blessing, leading, guiding etc.

32. 2.7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till she pleases. (corrected) The daughters of Jerusalem = The Jews (Siblings) Messianic Jews – Jews who believe in Jesus Many Christians are caught up in Jewish traditions and try to bring them into Christianity – like kosher rules, Shabbat (Seventh day) , pronunciations etc. We cannot amalgamate the two. Only Jews can do that and the Gentiles do not have to follow those religious practices in Judaism.

33. 2.8 The voice of my beloved! behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. From 2.8 to 3.11 – the Bible talks about the second coming of Jesus. (Eschatology) Rapture, Tribulation and Millennial Reign of Jesus are all true. Pre-millennial Pre- tribulational rapture theory This verse talks about the RAPTURE. Voice – Trumpets Leaping on the mountains - Sky

34. 2.9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice. The wall of the city of Jerusalem keeps the outsiders from coming in without proper permission. Jesus stands outside the wall – up to the skies. 7 days of marriage – 7 years of tribulation on earth

35. 2.10 My beloved spake , and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. The bride says that the groom says these. Confirmation of Revelation 4:1 - Come up hither , and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. Everything written after Revelation 4 only happen after the rapture. Christians will leave the world and go to heaven during the rapture.

36. 2.11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; Winter – symbolizes negativity in earthly life. The dry life in earth is now over – physical problems, family problems, struggles of everyday life. There will be no more tears and weeping.

37. 2.12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; Our land = ISRAEL Israel is going to enjoy these things but the church is meant to go to heaven. 70 weeks of Daniel – 69 weeks over ---- 1 week = 7 years remain. The Jewish religion will be restored – the Temple will be rebuilt and their sacrifice will begin and they will be happy.

38. 2.13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Israel was destroyed by Emperor Vespasian in AD 70. The Jews did not have their own land for 1878 years. In May 14 th , 1948 they became a nation again. They have become a strong nation in terms of economy, military, education etc. but they are not fully Jewish till date. Most of their important places are in the hands of other religion. But once the rapture occurs, Israel will enjoy full freedom over their land and they will become just like the Old testament days. Moses and Elijah will guide them. (first 3 ½ years) The rest of the world will be ruled by the antichrist. (false peace – one world order)

39. 2.14 O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. The church is getting ready for the wedding day – the wedding ceremony of the lamb.

40. 2.15 Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. The fox = antichrist (666) The antichrist will try to kill Moses and Elijah and wants the Jews for himself. There will be three antichrists – the spiritual, political and economical. He will succeed in his plan and the Jews will be in trouble for the second 3 ½ years. After the 7 years of tribulation, Jesus will capture the beast and dragon and bind it for 1000 years.

41. 2.16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies. This is the joy of the church after the rapture. We are yet to see Heaven in all its glory and the church is celebrating this. We will see Jesus face to face.

42. 2.17 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be thou like a roe or a young hart upon the mountains of Bether . Day break and shadow denotes that this is happening in the earth. Jesus is the one who opens the seals and does the things in the Book of Revelation. The bride is asking the groom to take care of the earth and also the heaven now. Bether means separation

43. 3.1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? The Bride is now in heaven (preparing for the wedding day) and is searching for Jesus who is now busy in the Earth. There is no day or night in heaven, she is talking about the night in earth (Jerusalem). (out of sadness) These watchmen are the angels in heaven.

44. 3. 2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. Jesus is nowhere to be found in heaven because he is in the earth now.

45. 3. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? The church which is now in heaven is asking the angels if they saw Jesus.

46. 3.4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. Mother’s house is always a place of comfort for the daughters who got married. Here, the bride (church) is telling that heaven is her mother’s place and does not want to let go of Jesus who she found again.

47. 3.5 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 she pleases. Just as 2.7

48. 3.6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? Here, from verses 6 to 11, someone common between them is talking. (Might be Jews) They are praising the church (bride of Christ) sarcastically. Wilderness – earth Myrrh – represents royalty Frankincense – represents worship Powders of the merchant – represents earthly blessings.

49. 3.7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. Threescore – 60 6 represents man and 10 represents full. 60 --- all men

50. 3.8 They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

51. 3.9 King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. H

52. 3.10 He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. H

53. 3.11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. H

54. 4.1 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead. Anything that is said twice – affirmation. These verses talk about what Jesus wants his bride to be like. Fair “YAPACH” in Hebrew – WHITE – Holiness, righteousness, purity etc. Dove’s eyes – Peace (Dove is the only bird that is allowed to be sacrificed to him in Leviticus. ) EYE is the opening to the soul – we must have no lust. Flock of goats – another animal used for sacrifice. 1 Cor 11 – Hair is the glory of the woman – Our glory comes from Jesus. We must give our lives as an offering to the Lord.

55. 4.2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. When we smile, our teeth gets exposed and our lips are separated. (two lips – upper and lower - twins) Jesus wants us to be happy people, not the ones who are always sad, complaining etc. We must be a church that is not barren – filled with love, peace and joy.

56. 4.3 Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks. Scarlet – can signify the blood of Jesus Levi 13:45 Isaiah 6:5-6 ----Lip purification (sinless lips) Our speech is now Christ- centered , not worldly. ( Heb 13:15) Jewish Pomegranates ‘TSAMA’ – Veil – lock (not the one in Corinthians) Jeremiah 3:3 – women who do not wear this lock are called prostitutes. Jesus does not want us to commit spiritual adultery. We must worship only Him.

57. 4.4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury , whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men. The neck is the connecting point between the body and the head Body – church; Head – Jesus. Jesus wants us to have a strong connection with him and have great faith.

58. 4.5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Breastplates – FAITH( pistis ) and LOVE (agape)! We must have faith and also be faithful in everything we do.

59. 4.6 Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. The groom is looking forward to the evening time – Wedding time. In Jewish culture, weddings happen at the night time. The reception happens for 7 days. Mountain of Myrrh = Earth Hill of frankincense = Heaven (Jerusalem)

60. 4.7 Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee. This is statement of Jesus about his faith in his bride. (Trust) We are expected to be spotless in our spirit. We Christians must try to live up to his standards.

61. 4.8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon: look from the top of Amana, from the top of Shenir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards. This is the first time Jesus is calling the bride as “his spouse” – which means the marriage is now almost near. Lebanon is close to Israel – North --- it represents the WORLD. Israel represents the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is calling the bride to come out of the world into heaven. (Rapture) 2 Kings 5:12 – N aaman When we see Israel from these mountain tops, the view is beautiful. When we are in the world, the world seems attractive. But it is dangerous with wild animals. But when we see the Kingdom of heaven it is more attractive than the world. The king invites his wife to climb to the top of the mountains with him and gain a heavenly perspective.

62. MOUNT AMANA MOUNT HERMON VIEW OF ISRAEL VIEW OF SYRIA

63. 4.9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. Sarah – is a half-sister and also the spouse of Abraham. (Not allowed after the law) She also calls him my Lord in one place – Genesis 18:12 Similarly, we are siblings of Jesus because we have the same Father and we are also his bride. (Romans 8:17) One of the eyes – (peeping through the door) – spiritual eye (we are not yet seeing him in his full glory) One chain of the neck – talks about the heart which has faith ( Heb 11:1)

64. 4.10 How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! Wine is the only drink the Jews celebrated those days and Jesus is praising our love more than wine. Ointments – our offering Spices – OT offerings

65. 4.11 Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. We need to have the word of God in our hearts and in our lips. The tongue of the bride is compared to Israel – the land of honey and milk We must give thanks, praise and worship to Him Garment refers to righteousness.

66. 4.12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. A garden is a place of relaxation, rest and rejuvenation. It has a beautiful environment with birds, butterflies and peaceful animals. However big or small our churches maybe, it does not matter. When Jesus comes to our church, he enjoys our sacrifice of worship in spite of our weaknesses. Jesus owns the church. No one else should be praised except Him. Not everyone can easily enter the church. (Politicians)

67. 4.13 Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, H

68. 4.14 Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: Jesus says that in the church there are 12 types of trees. 12 is a significant number in the bible. Number of tribes, disciples, etc yet each one is different from everyone. No two people are the same – the same way, everyone in church is different.

69. 4.15 A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. John 4:14 – Jesus is the provider of eternal life to the church. We must be careful about the external waters – heresies, false prophecies and wrong doctrines.

70. 4.16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits. The bride is responding – that she is enjoying the garden. This is a prophecy that God blesses us from all direction. All our fruits belong to Jesus and he must enjoy them, not the shepherds. Wind – represents the Holy Spirit. (John 20:22, Acts 2:2)

71. 5.1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. This is the response of the groom to the bride in chapter 4, verse 16. Jesus must enjoy all our talents, tithes, offerings, worship etc. Whatever we bring, we must give to Jesus and not to the church. Whatever we do for the glory of God is an offering – a spice. Honey – is healthy and sweet. It represents the word of God. We must not look for enjoyment and health outside the church – in blessing meetings, healings, miracles, concerts, anointing meetings etc. (Increase Bible studies) John 18:11 – my cup – this is how Jesus bought the church. (my wine) 1 Peter 2:2, Heb 5:12,13, 1 Cor 3:2 – milk – immaturity – Jesus still sees immature Christians in the church. Maturity comes only through obedience. Friends = Jews, Beloved = non-Christians. Jesus loves the unsaved and asks them to listen to the gospel.

72. 5.2 I sleep, but my heart waketh : it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh , saying , Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night The church is asleep – and Jesus is outside the church. He knocks – when he speaks, we must listen to him. We must have a good relationship with Jesus.

73. 5 .3 I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? Removing the dress symbolizes people who have left their ministries and went on to do their jobs. People who have abandoned their relationship with Jesus Jesus is sent out in some churches and it has become a place of business.

74. 5 .4 My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. Even though some of the believers have abandoned him, He reaches out to us with love.

75. 5 .5 I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. Now the bride rises up to open the door, but it is too late.

76. 5.6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake : I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. Jesus had left when she opens the door. This is the cry of the leftover church during rapture. There is no church anymore on the earth nor the Holy Spirit.

77. 5 .7 The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me. This is the rule of antichrist after the rapture – and his men (Soldiers of satan ) give trouble to the Christians during the Tribulation. Veil = Identity.

78. 5 .8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love. The church talks to the Jews here.

79. 5 .9 What is thy beloved more than another beloved, O thou fairest among women? what is thy beloved more than another beloved, that thou dost so charge us? The Jews reply, and ask the bride how different is Jesus from their prophets.

80. 5 .10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. To which, the bride replies: Jesus is white and red – which represents holiness and his blood that was shed for us.

81. 5 .11 His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. Gold represents royalty, his Kingship Locks – his hair – is black – which represents that Jesus is young (33 years)

82. 5 .12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. Eyes of doves represent peace – and Jesus is the prince of peace.

83. 5 .13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. He is beautiful and glorious Lips – lilies – His words are sweet He also makes us Kings and queens.

84. 5 .14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. Beryl rings – represent safety and blessings Sapphires - -represent his might

85. 5 .15 His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. Legs of marble – OT Countenance - NT

86. 5.16 His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. He is altogether beautiful

87. 6.1 Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee. This might be a sarcastic comment by the Jews.

88. 6.2 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. The left over Christians are responding to the Jews that He has gone to heaven to enjoy his bride. With this verse, the post rapture scenario comes to an end.

89. 6.3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies. With this verse, we are switching back to the present time. When we are in the world, we must submit to our church and our Pastor and leaders. Though we belong to many denominations, we all belong to one body – the Body of Christ. Jesus belongs to every church that follows the Bible. He loves us all equally. He comes to fellowship with everyone of us. We must also give ourselves to Him.

90. 6.4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. Tirzah means “PLEASANT” – is a small nation – a small city today. (Joshua 12:24) It was the northern capital of Ancient Israel (After King Solomon) It was a beautiful place surrounded by dry places. Jerusalem was always in God’s heart - the city of peace. We are supposed to be pleasant like Tirzah, safe and protected like Jerusalem but that does not mean we are timid. 2 Tim 1:7 – We must also be powerful and fearless, bold and brave.

91. 6.5 Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have overcome me: thy hair is as a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. Jesus is talking to the left over church who remained faithful – who did not get the mark of the beast. This is a poetical expression – that He is still attracted to them. (Not as much as the bride in heaven)

92. 6.6 Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. Same as chap 4

93. 6.7 As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks. Though there is no church and the Holy Spirit has left the earth, the leftover Christians who are faithful are being praised here.

94. 6.8 There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number. The person who wrote SOS – Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines in total. The numbers mentioned here are poetic – it just means that there are many women out there. Jesus is so gracious that he is ready to take the left over Christians who refuse to worship the antichrist.

95. 6.9 My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. Jesus praises the church that is left behind – and also the Jews praise her. They are praised just like the church that was raptured to heaven.

96. 6.10 Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners? Even the very few left over Christians look like the morning to Jesus. In a world of darkness under tribulation, they look bright as the moon to Him.

97. 6.11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished and the pomegranates budded. Down – valley – earth He comes to the earth to rescue the remining Christians.

98. 6.12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib . This Amminadib must have been a fast rider of the Chariots. Though Jesus can relax in heaven now, He says he cannot forget the left over Christians and rushes to save them.

99. 6.13 Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies . This is the call of the groom to the bride to come back to him. Those of us who are backslidden, must return to him. Two armies – The raptured Christians and the Christians who survived the Tribulation. (Post rapture church) Only the raptured Christians can become the Wife of Jesus.

100. 7.1 How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter! the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a cunning workman. The bridegroom starts to describe the bride again from her feet to head. Nothing sexual, but physical annotations of spiritual qualities. Feet – Isaiah 52:7 – The ones who bring salvation. Matthew 28:19 – Go unto all the world Ephesians 6:15 Feet – represent the eagerness to preach the gospel. Shoe – Preparation Thighs – connect the feet to the upper body – it is strength

101. 7.2 Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. Navel – umblical cord – it provides food to the baby when it is in the mother’s womb. It shows gratitude. We must never forget our mother. We must be thankful to God for giving us salvation and the people behind it. Belly – stomach – represents satisfaction. The staple food of Israel was wheat. When it is ready for harvest they set it in heaps.

102. 7.3 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins. 4:5

103. 7.4 Thy neck is as a tower of ivory; thine eyes like the fishpools in Heshbon , by the gate of Bathrabbim : thy nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus. Ivory – is strong. Neck – is the connector between the head and the body. The connection between Jesus and his church must be strong. Heshbon is a place near Jordan and the pools there are so clear and transparent. Our eyes must be clear and transparent. Churches must be transparent in finances, programs etc. Through the nose – Adam received his life. To continue living – we must breathe oxygen To continue living spiritually we must continuously read the word of God. Nose – is used to also smell. Solomon built a palace with a tower just outside Israel in Lebanon facing Damascus. A tower is used to find dangers coming towards the palace. Our nose is used to smell danger – sin, attacks, persecution etc. and allowing us to be aware of the enemy.

104. 7.5 Thine head upon thee is like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king is held in the galleries. The head – is Christ – So Jesus is referring to himself Carmel range is one of the most beautiful ranges in Israel The soil there is so fertile – Bahai gardens Jesus is everything that Mount Carmel is – wonderful, beautiful and fertile. Elijah defeated all the false prophets in Mount Carmel Jesus rose to heaven from Mount Carmel Purple represents majesty – we have become royal now. Galleries – is the pathway to the King’s throne. When Jesus walks in majesty in the gallery, he stands in awe of the beauty of the bride.

105. 7.6 How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights! Fairness – holiness and righteousness Everything about the bride is pleasant in the eyes of Jesus We must check if we are pleasant to him personally without talking about the unpleasantness of others.

106. 7.7 This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. The palm tree – Deborah sat under a palm tree and judged Israel. (Judges 4:5) It was also used in the construction of Solomon’s temple. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. – Psalm 92:12 Palm denotes righteousness in vertical sense. The more we grow closer to God, the more we become righteous. Breasts – faith and love Clusters of grapes – happiness.

107. 7.8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; Jesus says he will enjoy our heights of righteousness Nose – Damascus – smells danger

108. 7.9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak. Roof of the throat is the correct word ---- our voice originates from the throat Our words must be sweet, encouraging and good My beloved – Jesus is referring to himself again Our words must rejuvenate and revive others

109. 7.10 I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Now the Bride again starts to brief about the groom. A Christian belongs to Jesus and he loves us – not our talents, money, etc.

110. 7.11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. This is the GREAT COMMISSION Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. – Matthew 28:19,20 Fields – outreach –we must let go of our comfort zones.- Evangelize. We must take Jesus wherever we go to preach the Gospel. We cannot do anything of our own. – John 8:29

111. 7.12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. We must tell about Jesus to others as soon as possible, before it becomes too late.

112. 7.13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved. We must give glory to God through our offering of worship Fruits – fruits of the ministry. We should bring both new souls and old backslidden souls to church.

113. 8.1 O that thou wert as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find thee without, I would kiss thee; yea, I should not be despised. The bride says that she wishes that the groom was her brother so that people do not despise them when they hug or kiss. Only after the law, marrying a sister/brother was forbidden. The Father of Jesus is our father too – so in this sense Jesus is also our brother. The church is largely a gentile church – who left their ethnicity to follow Jesus and were despised for doing that. The church wishes that Jesus was born in her country – if that had happened, her people would not have troubled her.

114. 8.2 I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother's house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate. The Lord has blessed us with many Bible teachers and the best of all – The Holy Spirit Nothing compares to sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning – like how the Jews enjoyed – the bride wishes to have the same privilege. She says she will give him wine and juice to drink. Anything that we have belongs to the Lord. When we give it back to him, even a small portion – out of love – He is elated. (Our time, talents etc )

115. Grape juice Reduces blood clots Reduces LDL Prevents damage to blood vessels Maintains Blood Pressure Vit C,K Antioxidant Fights cancer Good for the heart Reduces sugar in the blood Good for the eyes Memory, attention and mood Good for bone health Antibacterial and antiviral Gives strength to the old

116. Pomegranate juice Antioxidant Vit C Fights cancer Fights Alzheimer's disease Fights indigestion Good for inflammation Fights Arthritis Good for the heart Controls Cholesterol Maintains BP Antiviral Vit E, K, Potassium and Folate Helps regain lost strength Aids in reducing insulin resistance

117. 8.3 His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me. Same as 2:6

118. 8.4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until she pleases. The OT – Engine The NT – Coaches behind

119. 8.5 Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. The Jews reply in anguish to Jesus asking who this girl who is leaning on Him Romans 11:17 – We are from the wilderness The Jews have still not accepted Christians and also some of the Messianic Jews They are saying that Jesus was born in Israel and grew up there.

120. 8.6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Ephesians 4:30 – we have received the Holy Spirit as a seal The church is telling Jesus to seal it in his heart and also on him Element of jealousy is found in Jews upon Christians

121. 8.7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned. Romans 8:35 – nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (AGAPE)

122. 8.8 We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister in the day when she shall be spoken for? Little sister – Gentiles The Jews will one day accept the church as their sibling but they don’t think that they have as much faith like them We do have great fathers in faith like Martin Luther, DL Moody etc but they cant be compared to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses etc

123. 8.9 If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver: and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of cedar. The Jews are criticizing that the church has not grown much in faith

124. 8.10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour . The bride is responding to the Jews saying that she is a wall, but her faith is as strong as a tower. We did live in other religion, but we left it all and came into Christianity which is a great leap of faith. By the grace of Jesus, we are saved.

125. 8.11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon ; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver. She says this to the groom Baalhamon is a place just outside Jerusalem Baal in Canaan language means God – Yahweh Solomon = Jesus We are the vineyard John 15:1,2 Yield – fruitfulness The church is a fruit bearing entity

126. 8.12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me: thou, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred. The church is inviting Jesus to enjoy the fruits If anyone honors Jesus, the Father honors him Those who maintain the church also get benefits

127. 8.13 Thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice: cause me to hear it. This is the final statement of the groom However big or small our church maybe, Jesus looks at all churches as gardens.

128. 8.14 Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices. This is the same way the book of Revelation ends. – Rev 22:20 – MARANATHA! SOS is also a mini-bible next to Isaiah We are the mountains of spices - the spices are the tangible evidences of the Holy Spirit’s fruit developed in our lives.

129. Thank You! Rhema Joy Sharath