Orientation to the Song

Hebrew Poetry: chiasmus

A    Opening words of mutual love and desire 

            B    Young man’s invitation to the young woman to join him.

                        C    Young woman’s nighttime search 

                                    D    CENTER:  The wedding day

                        C’   Young woman’s nighttime search for the young man

            B’   Young woman’s invitation to the young man to join her.

A’   Closing words of mutual love and desire

True love bring pleasure.

“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!

For your love is better than wine;” 1:2

“your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.” 1:3

"Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers." 1:4a

"We will exult and rejoice in you;  we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you."  1:4b

True love frees us up to be our best self.

“Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!”  1:6

"If you do not know, O most beautiful among women..."  1:8

"I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots.” 1:9

Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.” 1:10

True love points us toward marriage.

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love,” 1:15

“Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, truly delightful.” 1:16

"I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." 2:1

“As a lily among brambles, so I my love among the young women.” 2:2

Take Home Idea:  Romantic love, as God has designed it, is something to be praised and enjoyed to the glory of God.