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SEPTEMBER 2
In contrast to the two distorted extremes of ascetic abstinence and lustful perversion outside
of marriage, Solomon’s ancient love song exalts the purity of marital affection and romance. It par-
allels and enhances other portions of Scripture which portray God’s plan for marriage,including the
beauty and sanctity of sexual intimacy between husband and wife. The Song rightfully stands
alongside other classic Scripture passages which expand on this theme (Gen. 2:24; Ps. 45; Prov.
5:15–23;1 Cor.7:1–5;13:1–8;Eph.5:18–33;Col.3:18,19;1 Pet.3:1–7).Hebrews 13:4 captures the heart
of this song:“Marriage is honorable among all,and the bed undefiled;but fornicators and adulterers
God will judge.”

THE SHULAMITE
September 2 6 Who is this coming out of the
wilderness
Like pillars of smoke,
Perfumed with myrrh and
Song of Solomon 3:1–4:16
frankincense,
With all the merchant’s fragrant
THE SHULAMITE
powders?
3 By night on my bed I sought the one 7 Behold, it is Solomon’s couch,
I love;
With sixty valiant men around it,
I sought him, but I did not find him. Of the valiant of Israel.
2 “I will rise now,” I said, 8 They all hold swords,
“And go about the city; Being expert in war.
In the streets and in the squares Every man has his sword on his thigh
I will seek the one I love.” Because of fear in the night.
I sought him, but I did not find him. 9
3 The watchmen who go about the city Of the wood of Lebanon
found me; Solomon the King
Made himself a palanquin:
I said, 10 He made its pillars of silver,
“Have you seen the one I love?”
Its support of gold,
4 Scarcely had I passed by them, Its seat of purple,
When I found the one I love. Its interior paved with love
I held him and would not let him go, By the daughters of Jerusalem.
Until I had brought him to the house 11 Go forth, O daughters of Zion,
of my mother, And see King Solomon with the crown
And into the chamber of her who With which his mother crowned him
conceived me. On the day of his wedding,
The day of the gladness of his heart.
I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
5
By the gazelles or by the does of the THE BELOVED
field,
Do not stir up nor awaken love 4 Behold, you are fair, my love!
Behold, you are fair!
Until it pleases.
You have dove’s eyes behind your veil.
Your hair is like a flock of goats,
Going down from Mount Gilead.
2
Your teeth are like a flock of shorn
3:5 As in 2:7,the beloved knows that the inten- sheep
sity of her love for Solomon cannot yet be Which have come up from the
experienced until the wedding, so she invites washing,
the daughters of Jerusalem to keep her Every one of which bears twins,
accountable regarding sexual purity. Up to this And none is barren among them.
point,the escalating desire of the Shulamite for 3 Your lips are like a strand of scarlet,
Solomon has been expressed in veiled and del- And your mouth is lovely.
icate ways as compared to the explicit and Your temples behind your veil
open expressions which follow, as would be Are like a piece of pomegranate.
totally appropriate for a married couple (4:1ff.).
4
Your neck is like the tower of David,
Built for an armory,
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