FBC SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Song of Solomon
Lesson #1
06/22-06/28/2009
1. This poem consists of the reminiscences of Solomon and his bride (the Shulamite
girl) as they think back over their meeting, courtship, and marriage. This girl was from
a poor family in Ephraim. One day she met a young shepherd (who was really King
Solomon). It was love at first sight for both of them. The shepherd left, but returned
after an extended absence, only this time in the grandeur as king of Israel. Only then
did she realize his true identity. Solomon took her back to his palace in Jerusalem as
his bride. This poem records the joy and pleasure, as well as some of the difficulties
they faced. Their love relationship reveals that genuine love in the context of marital
commitment is beautiful, uplifting, and satisfying.
An outline of the book is given below:
(a) Courtship: Preparation for Marriage (Chapters 1:1 - 3:5)
(b) Consummation: Fulfillment within Marriage (Chapters 3:6 - 5:1)
(c) Commitment: Realities of Marriage (Chapters 5:2 - 8:14)
To help in your reading and interpretation, note that the poem, or song, is arranged in
“scenes” with three main speakers--the beloved (bride), the lover (Solomon), and a
variety of friends. Read this first-hand account of the “courtship” of this couple in
chapters 1:1 to 3:5, taking into account the different “scenes” and “speakers.” Then,
write your own summary of this section, as if you were trying to describe, in some
detail, the first act in a stage production of this romantic drama.
 Which portion of this section most interested you and why?
2. Part two (”Consummation: Fulfillment within Marriage”) is found in chapters 3:6
through 5:1, and is a fitting conclusion to the restraint and patience of the two
engaged lovers in section one. The tensions expressed in part one are brought to
fulfillment in the marriage of this couple. In part two, we are “let in” on the scenes of
the wedding procession (3:6-11) and the wedding night (4:1 to 5:1). See if you can
draw a sketch of the royal wedding procession and caravan (3:6-11) in the space
below. (Give your sketch a title.)
Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon
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3. The night of the wedding is described in vivid poetic prose by Solomon in chapter 4.
Calling her “beautiful” (3 times) and “my bride” (7 times), he praised his love from
head to toe with a “superb chain of similes and metaphors.” Consummation
seemingly occurs in 4:16-5:1. While some of the “word pictures” may sound unusual,
or even humorous to us today, they are not always to be taken “visually” but as
reflecting inner character and function. List as many principles as you can find from
this passage (chapter 4:1 to 5:1) that apply to marital love. If you are currently
married, how might you apply these principles, in a practical way, in your own
marriage?
 Which of the metaphors most caught your attention?
4. Marital discord may arise after the “honeymoon” period is over, and this seemed to
be the case in this marriage. Chapters 5 and 6 present the “maturation of marriage”
and the “expansion and broadening of their mutual love.” However, this does not
mean that problems did not occur. You’ll need to read these two chapters (chapters 5
and 6) carefully to understand the story. Basically, Solomon asked to enter his bride’s
bedroom in the evening (5:2) but she refused (5:3). The reason is not given. The
remainder of the story describes their successful attempts at reconciliation. Read
these two chapters (chapters 5 and 6) and write a brief summary of the story.
 List the principles or lessons that could apply to a marriage relationship today,
particularly with regards to disagreements. Which lesson was most applicable to
you personally?
5. In chapters 7 and 8, the further development of their marital love is clearly seen in the
bold and intimate imagery of the couple’s dialogue (Solomon in 7:1-8, his bride in 7:98:7). Chapter 8:6-7 is said to be the “1 Corinthians 13 of the Old Testament.” Describe
the four qualities of true love in these verses (8:6-7).
Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon
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