Song of Solomon 1:9-11

TEXT 1:9-11
SOLOMON: FIRST ADVANCES TO THE SHULAMMITE
1:9-11

9

To me, my darling, you are like My mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.

10

Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of beads.

11

We will make for you ornaments of gold with beads of silver.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 1:9-11

30.

It seems strange to compare a beautiful woman to horses in Pharaoh's chariot. What possible parallel is present?

31.

How could jewels make cheeks comely?

32.

Just what picture do we get from these descriptions?

33.

We can appreciate a beautiful necklace. Is this the point here?

34.

What is the purpose of Solomon in his reference to so much gold and jewels?

35.

There is a promise in verse eleven. What is it?

36.

What conditions are assumed?

COMMENT 1:9-11

Exegesis Song of Solomon 1:9-11

The comparison here made by Solomon was a very acceptable compliment or it would have not been given. To horse-lovers today it is not difficult to see comparable qualities. The effortless grace of an Arabian horse could be very much like similar movements on the part of a beautiful maid. Solomon and many men since have been connoisseurs of the movements of both horses and women. The perfect symmetry of both is another obvious likeness. The word horses used here suggest a mare horse which makes the comparison even closer. We must not overlook the tremendous value placed on horses from Egypt. (Cf. 1 Kings 4:26; 1 Kings 10:28). It is of some interest to point out that the expression my love used by Solomon means literally companion or female friendit is used twice by Solomonhere and in Song of Solomon 6:4. He is not necessarily deprecating her and refusing to marry her, for the shepherd uses the same word seven times (Cf. Song of Solomon 1:15; Song of Solomon 2:2; 10:13; Song of Solomon 4:1; Song of Song of Solomon 7; Song of Solomon 5:2). We know Solomon's intentions were to add her to his already large harem. This was not the purpose of the Shepherd.

Solomon is now using his imaginationhe sees the charming maid with a headdress holding two rows of jewels which decorate either side of her face. How beautifully do those dangling rows of jewels set off your cheeks. Perhaps this rustic country maid has around her neck a simple inexpensive necklaceit will be replaced with a brilliant expensive gold one. Solomon wants to overwhelm and impress her with his promises. There is nothing personal in what he saysany beautiful girl would fit the description given hereit probably is not the first time he used it. The phrase ornaments of gold with beads of silver, is difficult to visualize. Moffett translated it We will have golden beads strung around you, studded with silver. These were not idle promisesthey were backed by all the wealth of a billionairebut how empty of personal interest! Solomon is due for a shock.

Marriage Song of Solomon 1:9-11

How would your wife respond to such flattery? We would all like to believe they would be as impervious as the maid from Shunem. We want to assume our wife would not be interested in gold and silver. Her head would not be turned by extravagant words of praise. But if we have long ago left her for other interests she has since felt bereft of personal concern and appreciation. She has built up a deep hunger for appreciationif such appreciation (however false) is tied into a solid financial gain who is to say what would happen? Please do not say this cannot happen to me, it is happening today in a thousand homes. And with offers far less attractive than the one offered by Solomon. Our wives must feel that we believe they are both beautiful and valuable. If they are not, why did we marry them?

Communion Song of Solomon 1:9-11

Put these words in the mouth of Satan as he makes his offers to each of the members of the bride of Christ. These words all have a physical, sensual association. We want to appear acceptable if not beautiful in the eyes of men. For someone to tell us we appear to them as graceful and strong as some beautiful woman or handsome man could indeed get our attention. If while holding our attention an offer of a large sum of money is tied to the compliment we might give more than attention. Why? Because our image of grace and beauty is found in the person of man. The heroine of this love song was not at the least interested. Why? Because the beauty she saw in her shepherd and the value she found in his presence was far more than all Solomon (Satan) could offer her. Until our relationship with our Lord becomes far more personal and real than it usually is we will be tempted to join the harem.

FACT QUESTIONS 1:9-11

51.

Show how the comparison made here of the maid to the horses of Solomon was a very acceptable compliment.

52.

Give two or three parallels in the above compliment.

53.

What is meant by the term my love?

54.

How were the maid's cheeks made comely?

55.

What is meant by saying the compliments given by Solomon were not personal?

56.

Explain borders of gold with studs of silver.

57.

Did Solomon really plan on keeping these promises?

58.

Does this episode have any real relation to present-day marriages? Discuss.

59.

Show how the words of Solomon when placed in the mouth of Satan have application to us. Discuss.