First Comes Love - Day 16
Day 16 - Monday, April 29
Read Song of Solomon 1
Highlight
This week we’re learning about the ‘Eros’ form of love described in Scripture. Eros is a Greek word from which we derive the word ‘erotic’. In Scripture, it describes the passionate, physical expression of sexual love between a husband and wife. What better place to explore ‘eros’ than the Song of Solomon? We’re going to work our way through this steamy book of Jewish love poetry throughout this week, so buckle up and stay cool.
For a great overview of the book of Song of Solomon, check out this video from The Bible Project: https://youtu.be/4KC7xE4fgOw.
Your Bible may call this book ‘The Song of Solomon’ or ‘The Song of Songs’ - both are accurate. The ‘Song of Songs’ is just a Hebrew way of saying, ‘this is the best song’, similar to other idioms we see in the Old Testament like ‘The King of Kings’ or ‘The Holy of Holies’. You’ll notice that the poem begins by attributing the work to King Solomon. However, the word used here is actually translated ‘to/for Solomon’. Since the poems are written from the perspective primarily of the female character, and since Solomon had 700 wives plus 300 concubines (no joke, see 1 Kings 11:3), most scholars don’t believe he’s the author of Song of Solomon, but perhaps commissioned the work.
What we know for sure is that this is a beautiful collection of love poetry which was common to the Jewish tradition of wisdom literature. Since Solomon is regarded as the father of wisdom literature it makes sense that in some way it would be included in the overall body of work in Scripture attributed to him.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Song of Solomon 1
Highlight
This week we’re learning about the ‘Eros’ form of love described in Scripture. Eros is a Greek word from which we derive the word ‘erotic’. In Scripture, it describes the passionate, physical expression of sexual love between a husband and wife. What better place to explore ‘eros’ than the Song of Solomon? We’re going to work our way through this steamy book of Jewish love poetry throughout this week, so buckle up and stay cool.
For a great overview of the book of Song of Solomon, check out this video from The Bible Project: https://youtu.be/4KC7xE4fgOw.
Your Bible may call this book ‘The Song of Solomon’ or ‘The Song of Songs’ - both are accurate. The ‘Song of Songs’ is just a Hebrew way of saying, ‘this is the best song’, similar to other idioms we see in the Old Testament like ‘The King of Kings’ or ‘The Holy of Holies’. You’ll notice that the poem begins by attributing the work to King Solomon. However, the word used here is actually translated ‘to/for Solomon’. Since the poems are written from the perspective primarily of the female character, and since Solomon had 700 wives plus 300 concubines (no joke, see 1 Kings 11:3), most scholars don’t believe he’s the author of Song of Solomon, but perhaps commissioned the work.
What we know for sure is that this is a beautiful collection of love poetry which was common to the Jewish tradition of wisdom literature. Since Solomon is regarded as the father of wisdom literature it makes sense that in some way it would be included in the overall body of work in Scripture attributed to him.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in First Comes Love