Three Powerful Truths we can Learn from the Song of Songs

32 Comments / By /

In college, a friend and I led a Bible study in our dorm room. I felt strongly that the study was to be on the book of Song of Songs, though I didn’t know much about the book–other than it was “romantic”. What I discovered in that study radically revealed to me the undying love God has for us, His dearly beloved.

On the first day of the Bible study I could hardly contain my excitement. My enthusiasm, however, was quickly shattered by a cynical student in the group. As I explained the introduction of the book, she rudely interjected:

“How can we trust that King Solomon really loved this bride, since he had like 700 wives and 300 concubines?”

Awkward silence.

I was completely stumped. My co-leader and I were totally unprepared for that question.

After a bit of fumbling, I managed to say that the main point of the Song of Songs was to not focus on the imperfect love of humans, but to direct us to the perfect love of Christ. She didn’t seem too convinced, and never came back to the Bible study.

So what can we learn from this obscure book in the Bible that so many people conveniently skip over? What can we learn from a young king who valiantly declares,

“How beautiful you are, my darling!” (Song of Songs 1:15),

but later in his life utters the words “Everything is meaningless!” (Eccl. 1:2)

The truth is, human love will always fail us. Even the best relationships fall short of the glory of God. But our broken relationships continually point us to the One whose love will never falter; whose love will never let us down. Over the years as I have continued to study the book of Song of Songs, I have discovered that this is a book worth studying, whether you are married or single.

Sprinkled throughout the book are hidden gems of truth that shine with the incomparable love of God.

An Ancient Love Story

It is obvious that the Song of Songs is a beautiful love story between a man and a woman. Bride and bridegroom. Husband and wife. King Solomon (the valiant lover), poetically declares his love for a beautiful Jewish maiden (the beloved Shulamite woman). She responds to the king’s advances and adds sweet harmony to their love song, echoing her heart-felt desire for him.

Throughout the pages of this beautiful song is a love story of the century. A story of desire and delight. Of harmonious matrimony and the sensual pleasures God created for husbands and wives to enjoy within the protective hedges of marriage.

Coupled between these pages of desire and delight are three powerful truths about true love.

1. True Love is Protective

The Shulamite woman likens her knight in shining armor to an apple tree among the trees of the forest (Song of Songs 2:3). Strong and sturdy, the shade of his protection covers her from the scorching rays of the sun. In the same way, Jesus, our perfect Bridegroom, shelters us with the power of his unfailing love.

Love always protects… 1 Corinthians 13:7

The love of God shades and shields us from the enemy with his protective banner of love.

Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
    and let his banner over me be love. Song of Songs 2:4

2. True Love is Worth Waiting For

Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you
    by the gazelles and by the does of the field:
Do not arouse or awaken love
    until it so desires. Song of Songs 2:7

This strong plea is repeated by the Shulamite bride two more times in the book of Song of Songs. She urges her fellow maidens to wait for love’s perfect timing. The Hebrew word for love in this verse most likely refers to sexual desire (source). Oftentimes in our culture, waiting to fulfill one’s sexual desires until marriage is an antiquated, unpopular notion.

Mainstream media encourages us to indulge in our sensual desires any time we please. But what the world doesn’t tell us is that “following our hearts” instead of following God’s Word only leads to pain and heartache. Instead of arousing love in our timing, true love waits for God’s good, pleasing and perfect will for our lives (Romans 12:2).

3. True Love Never Fails

The end of this love song concludes with the resounding melody of the strong, unrelenting love of the king and his fair maiden. In chapter 8 his beloved bride describes the great power and depth of true love. Likewise, our Lord sings over us in reverberating echoes throughout the pages of the greatest love story ever told.

The Word of God is the greatest love song ever written!

So I believe that there is a great deal we can learn from this timeless book. Lessons about love, marriage, and how no human affection will ever compare to the vast depth of the love of God.

As we enter this season of “love” during Valentine’s day, remember that the greatest love song is the very words of God. Allow His powerful, unending, unrelenting love to wash over you today, and sing back to Him in joyful praise!

Linking with these lovely bloggers here! 

The Song of Songs teaches us much about the powerful love of God.

You may be interested in

32 thoughts on “Three Powerful Truths we can Learn from the Song of Songs”

  1. Lisa Murray

    How I can relate to your Bible study situation, Christin! Love your heart and these truths from the Song of Solomon!! Blessings over you, your ministry, and your life today!!

    Reply
  2. Lisa notes

    True love never fails. Yes. “What I discovered in that study radically revealed to me the undying love God has for us, His dearly beloved.” I’m thankful for the truths you share here about Song of Solomon.

    Reply
  3. Liz

    I <3 this so much!!! Beautiful and so thorough and relevant! I felt as if I was the one sucker punched by that girl's question during your Bible study… But what a beautiful response! You were much wiser in college than I! I'll be sharing with the gals in my Messy Marriage group! Blessings!

    Reply
    1. Christin

      Thanks for sharing, Liz! 🙂 God definitely gave me the words to say to her, and I am so glad I didn’t allow her response to deter me from studying this powerful book! Blessings to you!

      Reply
    1. Christin

      Thanks for stopping by, Tasha! I am always so amazed at the powerful, incredible love of our God! Blessings to you! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Christin

      Hi Lesley! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, there is a lot to understand in this small book, and when we did the study I used a few commentaries, which really helped in understanding the theme and context of the book. It is truly refreshing to dig in and find the amazing gems that speak of the true power of love!

      Reply
    1. Christin

      Thanks for visiting, Sarah! Yes, looking back I realize that this book was not typical for a college Bible study–but it was amazingly insightful! Thanks for visiting! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Christin

      Ooh, I’ve never tried it reading it in the Message, and I am not familiar with the Passion Translation–I will definitely read check those out! Thanks for visiting, Karrilee!

      Reply
    2. Brenda Pinner

      Thanks for giving me a glance into The Song Of Solomon I have never read however will One of my dearest Christian told me to read as I have been so stressed over the change coming in our World This is what she left me with a few days before her sudden death

      Reply
  14. Carolyn T

    Thank you for reminding us of GOD’s powerful, never ending love for us. I saw the Song of Solomon in a different light.

    Reply
  15. Becky

    I just came across this as I was trying to find a way to discuss Song of Songs with my Small Group. We consist of mostly widows and two married couples. To keep it comfortable with all of the group, I am basing our discussion on the three truths you shared. Group meeting is today and I am excited to have this discussion now that your three truths has shown me that it’s God’s great love for us! Thank you for sharing your insight on this beautiful story of God’s love, our one and only true love!

    Reply
    1. Christin

      Thank you so much for sharing, Becky! I hope that you have a great time studying the Song of Songs with your small group, and may the Lord continue to bring clarity, truth, and insight to his Word! Many blessings, Christin

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top