Song of Solomon 1
Solomon calls this the 'song of songs' meaning that it is the greatest of songs 1. Note: Could this not be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ who is the song of songs ? He is the greatest person and theme of which we can think, speak, write, or sing. For He is the eternal son of God who came to reveal the Father and redeem a people for His own, who would be His bride. The imagery of love and marriage in this song are meant to reflect this love-relationship both in marriage and in one's walk with Lord. In verses 2-4 the desire of the beloved is to near and intimate with the one who is loved. Love is praised 4b. The love of Solomon's life is described in 5-7. She was apparently a common girl who worked in the fields and was not one of the royal family. Solomon, poetically speaks of her physical beauty 9-11. Note: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes. Is it not a humbling thought that God set His love upon us to redeem us in Christ ! Note: How sweet and precious is the one loved 12-14. Complements go both ways 15-16,2:1-2. Note: Not sure how the rafters fit in ? (no pun indented). In courtship, many couples are so in love they only see the other as 'perfect'. This is no doubt by God's design.

Song of Solomon 2
In 2:3-13 the beloved is praising her lover to others and even shares his words to her with friends. Solomon uses many words to express his great love for his beloved 10. He is not at loss for words and is not afraid to express his thoughts even though we may think 'this is a little much or too over the top'. Note: In marriage, we have sacred relationship that is like no other. The same is true for the believer and his/her walk with the Lord. We long to hear, see, and be with our beloved 13-14. Note: The little foxes are those things which can cause damage and ruin the vine (ie. harm their relationship) 15. In 7b there is a charge to not arouse love 'until it so desires'. In other words, there is a time for the expressions of marital love, but not before. If this is ignored, the result can be the same as the little foxes that spoil the vine. Note: Do you have a growing love for the Lord and for your spouse ?

Song of Solomon 3
This chapter describes a search that is made for Solomon 1-5. His carriage and escorts are seen 6-10. This suggests the wedding (procession ?) 11. The anticipation of finally being married is overwhelming. Note: Every wedding I have even attended, including my own, has this sense of great joy and celebration of the newly married couple who are beginning life together as a married couple. This is a sacred covenant before the Lord. Note: In this we see the great longing each believer has in wanting to be 'at home with the Lord' (see: Philippians 1:21-23 &    2 Corinthians 5:6).

Song of Solomon 4
Solomon describes the beauty of his bride from head to toe 1-6 and concludes 'there is no flaw in you' 7. Although, I do not know if her hair looking like 'a flock of goats' 1b has the same meaning we might assign to it. Note: It is significant that Solomon finds beauty in his bride and lets her know this. Though age changes us all, beauty is more than physical appearance. It is more than skin deep. Verses 8-15 seems to be both and invitation and an expectation of marital love which they are about to share. The response is one of mutual desire and expectation. Note: Though intimate, this is not corrupt or sinful. God who ordained marriage, also has blessed the marriage union and the sacred act of becoming 'one flesh' (Genesis 2:24-25, Hebrews 13:4). Even more amazing is the relationship of Christ with His Church which is to be portrayed and seen in the relationship between a husband and his wife. Paul calls this a profound mystery in Ephesians 5:31-32. With all the debate about 'what is marriage ?' it behooves us to go to the author and source of all things, including marriage, which is God Himself ! Following His instruction concerning marriage brings glory to God and a testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ. So, how is your marriage ? Is Christ seen through you ?

Song of Solomon 5
Verse 1 is the consummation of the wedding that is described in the previous chapters. At 5:2 and following there is a marked change in the 'tone' of the writing. It is suggested that this indicates the marriage relationship is now in the growing and maturing stages, once the 'honeymoon' is over. One commentary suggests that verses 2-7 show both the indifference of the wife and the absence of the husband and thus the 'problems' this creates. Note: I offer this thought because I do not know what this means. The wife asks for the help of friends to find the beloved 7-8. As the bride was described by the groom, here the bride describes her husband 10-16. Note: It is significant that she speaks of him in 'glowing terms'. If the context is when they were having problems, this is even more telling. May be it is good for spouses to reflect on the reasons they married and affirm this, even to those around them, rather than complaining or criticizing.

Song of Solomon 6
Love is reaffirmed in 2-3. Solomon says the similar things of his wife, as he did when she was his bride 4-9, (4:1-4). In fact, he finds her even more beautiful 9. Note: Christ is the one who 'perfects' His bride (Ephesians 5:25b-27). It is suggested that 10-13 speak of reconciliation in their relationship. Note: verse 12 is difficult to translate, interpret and understand. I personally do not understand all the imagery and thoughts here. I need to consult others who have studied and have gained insight on these portions. What has the Lord shown you from this part of His word ?

Song of Solomon 7
Solomon poetically expressed his love and admiration for his wife in 1-9. Note: As stated above, Christ perfects His bride (the church) and sees us not in our sins and short-comings, but as clothed with His own righteousness and perfection. One day every believer will be glorified and forever reflect Christ to the glory of God. Solomon's desire for her is expressed in 6-9 and her response is a mutual desire for intimate relations 9b-13. Note: The exclusiveness of the relationship 10. Sexual relations in marriage is God-ordained, beautiful, and sacred.

Song of Solomon 8
So special is this relationship that the beloved (wife) of Solomon wished she could let others know how much she loved him. (Public displays of affection were not permitted in the context of their culture) 8:1-3. The warning in 4 is to not awaken love or try to force it. True love can not be washed away or quenched 7. It that which involves a personal commitment 6, it continues 6, and it can not be bought 7b. It is suggested that 8-14 is a reflection on how they met and their courtship.
Note: There is much to learn from this book as it relates to marriage, God's relationship to Israel, and Christ's relationship to the Church. I would suggest praying much as you study this portion of God's Word and consult a good commentary for help in understanding. All of God's Word is for our instruction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).