SUBJECT - OT SURVEY // UNIT - III// LESSON – 3 // The Wisdom Literature //
LESSON
– 3 The Wisdom Literature
Job,
Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes
I. Why are
these books referred to as Wisdom Literature?
The title of
“Wisdom Literature” has been applied to these five books of the Old Testament.
Sometimes they are referred to as “poetry”. These books contain practical
wisdom that can be appropriated by anyone with a heart to grow in wisdom and
statue and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). In many cases (e.g. Psalms and
Proverbs) these bits of wisdom or, could we say, “skills for living” were collected
over time and reflect the work of several different writers. These books can
become a great source of guidance in the practical affairs of daily life and
can serve as a moral and ethical compass to those who desire the favor and
blessing of God upon their life.
II. What background information pertains to these books?
III. How do
each of these books provide wisdom for us?
1. The Book
of Job demonstrates for us the fact of human suffering and how we can
practically live a life of faith in the midst of it.
2. AlthoughallofthePsalmsarenotspecificallyconsidered“WisdomLiterature”
(the exceptions being Psalm 1, 4, 10, 14, 18, 19, 37, 49, 73, 90 and 112), the
Book of Psalms encourages us that as we live a life that is pleasing to the
Lord and put Him first in all things, God will defeat our enemies and He will
prosper us in
the end.
3. The Book
of Proverbs provides us with a collection of wise saying sand observations that
undoubtedly sprang from God’s perfect wisdom upon Solomon in his early years as
king. These proverbs provide practical principles for living in all areas of
life including parenting, marriage, finances, business and relationships.
4. The Book
of Ecclesiastes is a sad book in many ways because it demonstrates how futile
life can
become when
God’s wisdom is rejected. It demonstrates the huge gap between God’s wisdom (wisdom
from above) and man’s or earthly wisdom (Jam. 2:13-18). It demonstrates the
emptiness of
life without
God in the center.
5. Although
the Song of Solomon is quite descriptive of the natural love relationship
between a man and his beloved, it is a source of wisdom for married couples to
keep their love relationship alive. But more than that, as a parable of Christ’s
relationship to His Church, it is a book of wisdom giving us keys to keeping
our relationship to God alive and vibrant.
IV. How do we
know that Job most likely lived in the patriarchal period and is perhaps the
oldest book in the Bible?
1. Job seems
to be pre-Mosaic law since no references are made to the law.
2. Job seems
to have an unusually keen knowledge of the heavens and stars.
3.
Jobhadanunusuallylonglifeof140years(Job42:16).
4. Job’s role
as a priest for his family was characteristic of the patriarchal period (Job
1:5).
5. The fact
that Job’s wealth was measured in livestock would fit well in the patriarchal period
of history (Job. 1:3).
V. Why do we
call the book of Job “Blessing through Faith” rather than “Blessing through
Suffering”?
Even though
Job is often cited for his example suffering, the Bible focuses on the
perseverance of
Job through
his suffering (Jam. 5:11). It is Job’s response to that suffering that make’s
him an example of faith. Every child of God will experience trials and
tribulations, but it is the faith and patience that we maintain in the process
of suffering that will produce the character of Christ in us (Jam. 1:3-4; Heb.
6:12). Perhaps another title would be the “Book of Patient Endurance.”
VI. What kind
of a man was Job?
Even though
many people in the story thought that Job was going through these trials
because he
had some
hidden sin in his life, the Bible actually teaches the opposite. If Job had not
been such a
righteous
man, God might not have drawn so much attention to him. What does the Bible say
about Job (Job 1:1-5; Ezek. 14:14, 20)? There was a man named Job who lived
in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity.
He feared God
and stayed away from evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters. 3 He owned
seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, and
five hundred female donkeys, and he employed many servants. He was, in fact,
the richest person in that entire area. 4 Every year when Job’ s sons had
birthdays, they invited their brothers and sisters to join them for a
celebration. On these occasions they would get together to eat and drink. 5
When these celebrations ended—and sometimes they lasted several days—Job would
purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt
offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, “Perhaps my children have
sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice. Job
1:1-5 NLT
1. Job was
mature or complete in his personal character. Humanly speaking there was
nothing uneven or lacking in him. He was a well-balanced man.
2. Job was a
man of integrity. In all of his dealings with others he had proven himself to
be an upright or righteous man.
3. Job was a
man who feared God. Because of this we have to believe that he was a wise man.
4. Job was a
man who shunned evil. He consistently turned away from evil. He had lived his
life in
such a way
that evil was no longer an attraction to him. His outward walk corresponded to
the
state of his
heart.
5. Job was a
faithful priest in his home. He loved his children and he prayed for them
regularly. God Himself was the one who bore witness to this condition. Yet even
though this was his condition relative to other people on this earth, there was
still more to learn. He had not yet arrived. We do not compare ourselves to
others when it comes to our life, we must use the standard of Jesus Christ.
VII. What do
we understand about God from the Book of Job?
The Book of
Job gives us a glimpse into the heavenly or spiritual realm. This experience of
Job tells us
something
about God, about Satan and about people in general. What do we understand about
God (Job 1:6-12)? One day the angels came to present themselves before the
LORD, and Satan the Accuser came with them. 7 “Where have you come
from?” the LORD asked Satan. And Satan answered the LORD, “I have been
going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that’ s going on.” 8
Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the
finest man in all the earth—a man of complete integrity. He fears God
and will have nothing to do with evil.” 9 Satan replied to the LORD, “Yes, Job
fears God, but not without good reason! 10 You have always protected him and
his home and his property from harm. You have made him prosperous in
everything he does. Look how rich he is! 11 But take away everything he
has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” 12 “All right, you may test
him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he
possesses, but don’ t harm him physically.” So Satan left the LORD’s
presence. Job 1:6-12 NLT
1.
God wants us to go on (there is
always room for improvement).
2.
God works for our good. Even
though Job would not understand it right away, he was going to be a better man
when the trial was over (Rom. 8:28).
3.
God desires progressively greater
fruitfulness for our lives(John15:2). Every branch in Me that does not bear
fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that
it may bear more fruit.
4.
God desires to enter into a deeper
and deeper relationship with His children.
5.
God has every circumstance under
His control. Things are never “out of control.”
VIII. What do
we learn about Satan from the Book of Job?
Just
as we learn some important things about God from the Book of Job, we learn some
important things about Satan, our principle enemy.
A.
Satan is a limited and finite being.
B.
Satan will be used by God as an instrument to help perfect the saints.
C.
Satan believes that he can thwart God’s purposes.
D.
Satan is deceived.
IX. What
happened to Job that challenged his faith?
He faced
contradiction (Job 1:13-19; 2:7-8).
One day when
Job’ s sons and daughters were dining at the oldest brother’ s house, 14 a
messenger
arrived at
Job’s home with this news: “Your oxen were plowing, with the donkeys feeding
beside them,
15 when the
Sabeans raided us. They stole all the animals and killed all the farmhands. I
am the only
one who
escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another messenger arrived
with this
news: “The
fire of God has fallen from heaven and burned up your sheep and all the
shepherds. I am
the only one
who escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, a third messenger
arrived with
this news:
“Three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your
servants. I am
the
only one who escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, another
messenger arrived with
this news:
“Your sons and daughters were feasting in their oldest brother’ s home. 19
Suddenly, a
powerful wind
swept in from the desert and hit the house on all sides. The house collapsed,
and all
your children
are dead. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” Job
1:13-19 NLT So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job
with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat
in the midst of the ashes. Job 2:7-8 Job was a righteous man, the
greatest man on the face of the earth and prosperous in every way. Now this man
faces calamity and absolute ruin. What about the promises of God? This was not
fair because there was no cause for this (Job 2:3 with Pro. 26:2).
X. What input
did Job get him during his trials?
Unfortunately,
the people around us and our own mind do not always give us the best counsel as
we go through our trials.
1. Job’s wife
told him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9).
2.
Job’sfriendsmissedthewholethingandcomfortedhimwithfaithlesswords.
· They
accused him of having hidden sin in his life.
· They
told him that God never judges someone unless they deserve it.
· They
reminded him, “When did the innocent ever go through what you are going
through?”
· They
said that his wickedness must be great and his iniquities infinite. With
friends like this who needs enemies.
3.
Job’sownmind(whichrepresentedthewhisperingsofSatan)condemnedhimas well. Job’s
mind told
him:
· You
are worthless.
· You
will never amount to anything again.
· There
is no hope for you.
· Why
me, Lord? The wicked seem to get away with so much.
Job wanted to
reason with God as to why he didn’t deserve what he was going through (Job
23:4).
I would
present my case before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. Job
23:4
XI. What was
Job’s response of faith?
Even though
those around Job had their interpretation of his dilemma and even though his
mind was in confusion during this season, Job maintained a positive confession
of faith, he maintained his high
standards of
behavior and he maintained his principled life. Note Job’s expressions of
faith.
1. Job
1:20-22
Then Job
arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and
worshiped. And
he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’ s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD
gave,
and the LORD
has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin
nor
charge God
with wrong.
2. Job2:9-10
Then his wife
said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” But
he
said to her,
“You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from
God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his
lips.
3. Job13:15
Though He
slay me, yet will I trust Him.
4. Job
19:25-27
For I know
that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my
skin is
destroyed,
this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and
my eyes
shall behold,
and not another.
5. Job 27:2-6
“As God
lives, who has taken away my justice, and the Almighty, who has made my soul
bitter, 3 as long as my breath is in me, and the breath of God in my nostrils,
4 my lips will not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. 5 Far be it
from me that I should say you are right; till I die I will not put away my
integrity from me. 6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my
heart shall not reproach me as long as I live. Job
had to believe that even though he didn’t understand all that was happening to
him, He had a confidence that God was allowing it for his good—to put
strength in him (Job 23:6, KJV) and to bring forth gold out of his life
(Job 23:10). He believed that as long as he was doing everything right, God would
have to take full responsibility for what was taking place. Job believed that
God knows what He is doing.
XII. What was
the end result of the trial of Job’s faith?
When Job saw
God’s greatness, he saw his own smallness (Job 40:4). But the net result was
three-fold:
A. Job had a
deeper relationship to God (Job 42:5). I have heard of You by the hearing of
the ear, but now my eye sees You.
B. Job had
greater power with God(Job42:10). And the LORD restored Job’ s losses when
he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he
had before.
C. Job
experienced restoration and great blessing(Job42:12). When we respond properly
to the dealings of God, they will always bring us into a deeper relationship to
God and great spiritual blessing.
Note
Job’s life before the test and after the test:
The Book of
Psalms is sometimes called the “heart” of the Bible, not only because of its
central place, but because it reflects on a true heart after God. The Book of
Psalms has more chapters than any other book of the Bible and also contains the
longest single chapter in the Bible with Psalm 119 having 176 verses. It also
has the shortest chapter in the Bible with Psalm 117 only having two verses.
A. The book
of Psalms is perhaps the most read and utilized book in the Bible.
1. Psalms
were utilized in the New Testament Church.
· For
worship in gatherings (I Cor. 14:26).
· For
personal worship and praise (Jam. 5:13).
· For
teaching, admonition and instruction (Col. 3:16).
· For
singing and making melody (Eph. 5:19).
2. Psalms are
utilized by most contemporary believers.
· For
personal devotional meditation.
· For
encouragement through trials.
· For
quoting in conjunction with special events.
B. The Book
of Psalms is a collection of many authors.
The Book of
Psalms is unique in its authorship. No other book of the Bible has so many
authors.
There are at
least 10 authors who wrote psalms.
1. David
wrote at least 73 psalms possibly 75 (See Acts 4:25 and Hebrews 4:7 regarding
Psalm 2 and
95
respectively).
2. Asaph, a
priest and the chief musician in the Tabernacle of David, wrote 12 psalms—Psalm
50
and 73-83.
3. Korah, a
singer in the Tabernacle of David, and his guild of singers (sons) wrote 12
psalms—
Psalm 42-49,
84, 85, 87 (See: I Chronicles 6:37).
4. Moses
wrote one psalm—Psalm 90.
5. Solomon
wrote two psalms—Psalm 72 and 127.
6. Heman, the
Ezrahite and worship leader in the Tabernacle of David, wrote one psalm—Psalm
88
(See: I
Chronicles 6:33; 25:5).
7. Ethan, the
Ezrahite, wrote one psalm—Psalm 89 (I Chronicles 6:44; 15:19).
8. In
addition there are 48 anonymous psalms.
According to
the Septuagint some of these 48 were written by the following:
•
Isaiah – 3
•
Jeremiah – 2
•
Haggai and Zechariah – 3
•
Ezra is also believed to have composed some of them.
C. The Book
of Psalms is divided into five books.
The
Book of Psalms is not arranged in chronological order, the oldest Psalm being
Psalm 90 and the most recent being Psalm 137. The Psalms are arranged into five
books corresponding in some measure to the five books of Moses. The Psalms are
sometimes called the Poetical Pentateuch. Each section ends with a doxology or benediction
and either “Amen” or “Hallelujah” (Psalm 41:13; 72:19-20; 89:52; 106:48;
150:1-6).
1.
Book One—Psalm 1-41 This is the
Genesis section that focuses on creation and man. Man is seen in his blessed
condition, in his fall and in his recovery.
2.
Book Two—Psalm 42-72 This is the
Exodus section that focuses on deliverance and redemption. It focuses on the
nation of Israel.
3.
Book Three—Psalm 73-89 This is the
Leviticus section that focuses on holiness and the sanctuary. Leviticus focused
on the holiness of God as seen in the sanctuary and tabernacle worship.
4.
Book Four—Psalm 90-106 This is the
Numbers section that focuses on the faithfulness of God in relation to the
earth and the nations of the earth.
5.
Book Five—Psalm 107-150 This is
the Deuteronomy section that focuses on the Word of God and worship.
D. The Book
of Psalms is a collection of many different types of Psalms.
1.
Messianic Psalms—These Psalms
speak directly regarding the coming Messiah and include such Psalms as 2, 8,
16, 22-24, 31, 40, 41, 45, 46, 68, 69, 72, 89, 102, 110 and 118.
2.
Penitential Psalms—These Psalms
focus on confession and repentance especially in the life of David and include
such Psalms as 6, 32 and 51.
3.
Historical Psalms—These Psalms
focus on God’s involvement in the history of His people. They are reminders of
God’s faithfulness and include such Psalms as 78, 105 and 106.
4.
Hallelujah Psalms—These Psalms
each begin and end with “Hallelujah” or “Praise the Lord” and include such
Psalms as 106, 111-113, 135, and 146- 150.
5.
Imprecatory or Cursory
Psalms—These Psalms focus on the invoking of a curse on the enemies of God and
His people and include such Psalms as 35, 58, 59, 69, 83, 109,137 and 140.
6.
Alphabetic or Acrostic
Psalms—These Psalms are written in the form of an acrostic in the Hebrew language
where the first letter of each word is one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew
alphabet in order. These include such Psalms as 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112,
119, and 145.
7.
Didactic Psalms—These Psalms focus
on the instruction of God’s people on various themes and include such Psalms as
1, 5, 7, 15, 17, 50, 73, 94 and 101.
8.
Thanksgiving or Praise
Psalms—While many of the Psalms are filled with praise and thanksgiving to God
these Psalms are particularly strong in this area and include such Psalms as 16,
18, 19, 29, 30, 32-34, 36, 40, 41, 66, 103-106, 116, 117, 124, 129 and 136-139.
Note: The Hallelujah Psalms also could be included in this category. Note:
These groupings are offered as an example of how the Psalms can be divided.
There are other groupings that are also suggested by others but these are the
ones that are most commonly cited.
E. The Book
of Psalms tells the story of Christ in prophetic form. While there are over 100
messianic prophesies in the Book of Psalm, the following will serve as typical
examples.
1.
The Messiah will be the Son of God
(Ps. 2:7; Heb. 1:5-6).
2.
His close friend will betray Him
(Ps. 41:9; Luke 22:48).
3.
He will be accused by false
witnesses (Ps. 35:11; Mark 14:57).
4.
He will be crucified (Ps. 22:1-21;
Matt. 26-27).
5.
He will be mocked by His enemies
(Ps. 22:7-8; Luke 23:35).
6.
He will thirst on the cross (Ps.
22:15; John 19:28).
7.
He will be offered vinegar and
gall on the cross (Ps. 69:21; Matt. 27:48).
8.
They will throw dice for His
clothing (Ps. 22:18; Matt. 27:35).
9.
He will be forsaken by God (Ps.
22:1; Matt. 27:46).
10. He
will pray for His enemies (Ps. 109:4; Luke 23:34).
11. His
bones will not be broken (Ps. 34:20; John 19:36-37).
12. He
will rise from the dead (Ps. 16:8-10; Luke 24:5-7).
13. He
will ascend into heaven (Ps. 68:18; Acts 1:9-11).
14. His
betrayer will be replaced (Ps. 109:8; Acts 1:20).
F. The Psalms
encourage us to make our own psalms or songs to the Lord (Ps. 95:2; 98:5;
105:2). Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works! Psalm
105:2
XIV. What is
the most significant contribution of the rest of the wisdom literature?
A.
Proverbs—The Book of Practical Wisdom and Instruction The Book of Proverbs is a
collection of moral and spiritual maxims gathered from human experiences by a
wise mind, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Solomon was the principle author and
this book only contains a portion of the 3000 proverbs that he is said to have
written (I Kgs. 4:32). In addition to the ones he wrote, he is said to have
collected and classified many others (Eccl. 12:9)
1. The
purpose of Proverbs is outlined in the first chapter (Pro. 1:1-7).
These
are the proverbs of Solomon, David’ s son, king of Israel. 2 The purpose of
these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them
understand wise sayings. 3 Through these proverbs, people will receive
instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and
fair. 4 These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge
and purpose to young people. 5 Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs
and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance 6 by
exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and
riddles.
1.
To give people understanding
concerning God’s higher wisdom.
2.
To teach people wisdom and
instruction.
3.
To receive instruction of wisdom,
justice, judgment and equity.
4.
To help the simpleminded become
cleaver.
5.
To give to the young knowledge and
discretion beyond their years.
6.
To assist the wise to become wiser
still.
7.
To give guidance to all who are
willing to study them in depth.
2. This book
is comprised of proverbs and maxims.
· A
proverb is a statement which contains a specific truth in concise words
expressed in a way as to gain attention and to stay in the memory.
· A
maxim is a saying or parable that is a statement of principle.
· The
Hebrew word literally means “a rule.” Proverbs are rules from heaven for real
living on earth.
More than a
collection of human wisdom, the Book of Proverbs contains divine wisdom
intended to rule our daily lives and teach us practical godliness.
3. These
proverbs and wise sayings concern themselves with three fundamental issues.
a.
Knowledge. Knowledge has to do
with the possession of facts.
b.
Understanding. Understanding has
to do with the proper interpretation of the facts.
c.
Wisdom. Wisdom has to do with the
proper application of the facts to a particular situation.
4. These
proverbs cover a wide assortment of issues. One of the best ways to study the
Book of Proverbs is to separate the major themes and study the verses together.
Some of the principle topics covered are:
•
Prosperity/Success
•
Work Ethics
•
Friendship
•
Parenting
•
Finances
•
Justice
•
Pride/Humility
•
Diligence/Sloth
•
Leadership
•
Wise/Foolish
•
Honesty/Dishonesty
5. The key
theme in the Book of Proverbs is the fear of the Lord. a. Key References to the
Fear of the Lord
· Proverbs
1:7
· Proverbs
1:29
· Proverbs
2:5
· Proverbs
3:7
· Proverbs
8:13
· Proverbs
9:10
· Proverbs
10:27
· Proverbs
14:26-27
· Proverbs
15:16
· Proverbs
15:33
· Proverbs
16:6
· Proverbs
19:23
· Proverbs
22:4
· Proverbs
23:17
The fear of
the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding. Proverbs 9:10
b. The Fear
of the Lord Defined
The fear of
the Lord is the affectionate reverence by which the child of God submits
himself humbly
and carefully
to the heavenly Father’s will. The wrath of God is so bitter that the child of
God’s only
dread is that
of offending his Father; and the love of God is so sweet that his only desire
is to please his Father.
6. These
proverbs are made up of three principle types.
a.
Contrastive. The key word in these
proverbs is “but” (See: Proverbs 10:3; 14:11, 18). The second statement
contrasts directly with the first statement. The house of the wicked will be
overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. Proverbs 14:11
b.
Completive. The key word in these
proverbs is “and” (See: Proverbs 14:10, 17; 17:6). The second statement
completes the first statement. Children’ s children are the crown of old
men, and the glory of children is their father. Proverbs 17:6
c.
Comparative. The key word in these
proverbs is “as...so” “better...than” or “like” (See: Proverbs 15:16-17;
25:25). The second statement demonstrates similarities with the first
statement. As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far
country. Proverbs 25:25
B.
Ecclesiastes—The Book of Vanity and Human Wisdom
This is a strange
book in many ways. It seems to be written from a worldly rather than a
spiritual point of view. It seems to have little place for God. The key phrase
is “under the sun” (29 times). This book has, therefore, been called the Book
of Human Wisdom. It describes life on earth from a very human point of view;
such life is vanity (“Vanity of vanities” occurs 34 times).
1. The theme
of this book answers the question, “Is life worth living?”
The answer
from a backslidden king is given in the first chapter, verses 2-4.
“Vanity of
vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” 3 What
profit has a
man from all
his labor in which he toils under the sun? 4 One generation passes away, and
another
generation comes; but the earth abides forever.
2. The
purpose of the book is to demonstrate the uselessness of living a life of mere
human enjoyment; the fulfilled life is one which gives God His proper place.
3. The Book
of Ecclesiastes refers to eight “vanities.”
1.
Human wisdom and knowledge (1:17)
2.
Human labor and works (1:14)
3.
Human pleasure bought by wealth
(2:4-11; 5:10; 6:1-2)
4.
Human enjoyment that comes from
work well-done (2:17-19)
5.
Human rivalry in work (4:4)
6.
Human fame or popularity (4:13-16)
7.
Large family and long life (6:3-6)
8.
Human frivolity (7:6). It only
camouflages the inevitable sad end.
4. The Book
of Ecclesiastes can be summarized as follows:
The king
found that great wisdom, as good as it is, could not bring true happiness
(1:12-18), nor could the pleasure of the wealth (2:4-11; 5:8-6:12), nor
enjoyment that comes from work well done (2:17- 3:13), nor human rivalry (4:4),
nor popularity which is fleeting (4:13-16), nor a large family, nor long life
(6:1-6). The king was further frustrated as he recognized that wickedness and
oppression were prevalent on the earth (3:16-4:6), that there seemed to be no
advantage in being righteousness (7:13-21), that life is full of uncertainties
about which nothing absolute can be known and even death is a puzzle (8:1- 9:18).
Finally, recognizing the futility of life apart from God, the king comes down
to the grand conclusion: Reverence God, keep His precepts and live in the light
of eternity (12:9-14), because only God can satisfy.
C. Song of
Solomon—The Book of Love
Solomon is
said to have composed 1005 songs (I Kgs. 4:32). If he is indeed the author,
these songs would be a part of that body of work.
1. The
Purpose of the Book The purpose is to express the ideal love relationship in
two arenas:
a.
The greatest human love
relationship provided by God is a man for a woman inside of the pursuit and
context of marriage.
b.
The greatest divine or spiritual
love relationship is that expressed by Christ for His bride—
c.
the Church.
2. The
Methods of Interpretation There are several ways to look at the Song of
Solomon.
1.
Literal or Historical
Interpretation. This interpretation says that this song is simply a description
of marital love which celebrates the marriage of Solomon to a young Shulamite
woman. It has no meaning beyond that.
2.
Symbolic, Spiritual or Devotional
Interpretation This interpretation says that this song has nothing to do with a
literal woman with whom Solomon had a relationship, the story is strictly
symbolic of a spiritual relationship that we have with the lover of our soul.
3.
Typical Interpretation This
interpretation recognizes a literal, historical setting relating a real
relationship of Solomon to the Shulamite woman, but it is also presented to us
as a type of the love that Christ has for His bride—the Church (See: Ephesians
5:21-33).
3. The
Analysis of the Book
While it is
difficult to analyze this book, the following will give some idea of its
contents:
1.
The lovers sing of their mutual
affection (1:1-2:7).
2.
The Shulamite speaks of her lover
and recounts her first dream of him (2:8-3:5).
3.
As the drama heightens, Shelomah
(most likely Solomon) comes in all his glory from
4.
Jerusalem to take his bride back
to the palace and once more praises her beauty (3:6-5:1).
5.
Next the bride has a dream of
being separated from her bridegroom which only heightens
6.
her realization of her love for
him (5:2-6:3).
7.
The book closes with the bride and
bridegroom expressing their ardent love for each other
8.
(6:4-8:14).
4. Sexual
Relationship in Song of Solomon. Many have criticized this book because of its
rather explicit references to the sexual relationship between a man and a
woman. There is no question that it is a challenging book in this area and perhaps
not the best book to be read by young children. However, on the positive side,
we can learn something of God’s attitude toward sex in the marriage
relationship. Song of Solomon gives us four characteristics about sexuality as
it was established by God.
1.
It is good. When God created Adam
and Eve, He created them as sexual beings. He saw all that He created as good.
2.
It is to be mutual. The Song of
Solomon emphasizes, “I am my beloved’s and he is mine” (6:3). In the marriage
relationship the man belongs to the woman and the woman to the man (I Cor.
7:3-5).
3.
It is meant to be pleasurable. God
created the human body in such a way as to enjoy this part of the marriage
relationship. The sexual relationship is not just for procreation (Heb. 13:4).
4.
It was intended to be beautiful. Just
as Adam and Eve prior to sin where fully exposed to each other and were not
ashamed, in a godly relationship the sexual aspect of the relationship is not something
about which to be ashamed. It is sin that has perverted what God intended to be
pure.
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