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1Oh that thou wert as my brother,
That sucked the breasts of my mother!
When I should find thee without, I would kiss thee;
Yea, and none would despise me.
2I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house,
Who would instruct me;
I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine,
Of the juice of my pomegranate.
3His left hand should be under my head,
And his right hand should embrace me.
4I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
That ye stir not up, nor awake my love,
Until he please.
5Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness,
Leaning upon her beloved?
Under the apple-tree I awakened thee:
There thy mother was in travail with thee,
There was she in travail that brought thee forth.
6Set me as a seal upon thy heart,
As a seal upon thine arm:
For love is strong as death;
Jealousy is cruel as Sheol;
The flashes thereof are flashes of fire,
A very flame of Jehovah.
7Many waters cannot quench love,
Neither can floods drown it:
If a man would give all the substance of his house for love,
He would utterly be contemned.
8We have a little sister,
And she hath no breasts:
What shall we do for our sister
In the day when she shall be spoken for?
9If she be a wall,
We will build upon her a turret of silver:
And if she be a door,
We will inclose her with boards of cedar.
10I am a wall, and my breasts like the towers thereof
Then was I in his eyes as one that found peace.
11Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon;
He let out the vineyard unto keepers;
Every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver.
12My vineyard, which is mine, is before me:
Thou, O Solomon, shalt have the thousand,
And those that keep the fruit thereof two hundred.
13Thou that dwellest in the gardens,
The companions hearken for thy voice:
Cause me to hear it.
14Make haste, my beloved,
And be thou like to a roe or to a young hart
Upon the mountains of spices.
3-Fold Anointing to Love
By Mike Bickle6256:18Anointing to LoveDivine LoveLoveSNG 8:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the transformative power of divine love and jealousy in the believer's life, describing it as a consuming fire that can dominate every area of opposition. He illustrates that no temptation or challenge can extinguish this divine love if one is yielded to it, and that the anointing to love is the ultimate reward for believers. Bickle encourages a lifestyle of intentional encounters with God to cultivate this love, which not only beautifies and energizes but also protects believers from compromise. He stresses the importance of feeling loved by God and reciprocating that love, as this twofold love is essential for spiritual vitality and endurance in the face of trials. Ultimately, he calls the church to awaken to this reality, as it is crucial for the end-time church to thrive amidst increasing darkness.
Called to Song of Solomon, Hephzibah, and Jesus in Red (Isa. 62-63)
By Mike Bickle271:18:26Jesus as Bridegroomand JudgeKingForerunner MessageSNG 8:6ISA 62:4ISA 63:1REV 2:17REV 3:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge, highlighting the need for a holistic view of Christ in the context of the forerunner message. He discusses the prophetic history of IHOP and the divine mandates received through dreams and visions, which call for a deeper intimacy with God and a commitment to prayer. Bickle stresses that the church must embrace the fullness of Jesus' identity to prepare for His return, integrating the messages of love, power, and judgment. He shares personal encounters that shaped this understanding, urging believers to recognize the beauty of God and the importance of being forerunners in faith.
08 the Seal of Fiery Love (Song 8:5-7)
By Mike Bickle271:12:02Overcoming FearThe Power of LoveSNG 8:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound love of God as depicted in Song of Solomon 8:5-7, illustrating the church's journey from the wilderness into victory through love that is stronger than death. He explains that this love empowers believers to overcome fear, persecution, and temptation, especially in the end times, where the church will face unprecedented challenges. Bickle highlights the importance of the first commandment to love God with all our heart, which is foundational for spiritual growth and resilience. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to seal their hearts with His fiery love, which transforms and sustains them through trials. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a commitment to prioritize love for God above all else, assuring that this love will prevail against all adversities.
24 the Bride's Final Intercession and Revelation (Song 8:8-14)
By Mike Bickle2646:19Spiritual GrowthIntercessionSNG 8:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Bride's final intercession in the Song of Solomon, illustrating her growth from immaturity to a deep, fiery love for the Lord. He highlights her heartfelt prayers for her little sister, showcasing her identification with God's concerns and the importance of nurturing others in the body of Christ. Bickle also discusses the eternal relevance of the Song of Solomon, urging believers to remain engaged in serving God's people throughout their lives. He concludes with the Bride's passionate cry for the Lord's return, reflecting her enduring love and desire for intimacy with Him.
Song of Solomon Part 1 (With Korean Translation)
By Mike Bickle231:02:21God's LoveEmotional HealingSNG 8:6ROM 8:37Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Song of Solomon, explaining that it reveals God's emotions and desires for His people, which transforms our relationship with Him. He contrasts the legal aspects of redemption with the emotional depth expressed in this book, highlighting that God desires a loving relationship with us rather than a mere transactional one. Bickle encourages believers to engage with the text personally, turning its poetic language into heartfelt dialogue with Jesus. He believes that understanding the emotional side of Jesus' love will heal emotional and sexual brokenness in the church. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper exploration of the Song of Solomon to uncover its treasures and truths about God's love.
23 the Bridal Seal of Mature Love (Song 8:5-7)
By Mike Bickle2352:56Divine LoveSpiritual PursuitSNG 8:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound invitation from Jesus in Song of Solomon 8:5-7, where He urges the bride to set Him as a seal upon her heart, symbolizing a deep, mature love that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. This seal of fire represents a progressive impartation of God's love that begins at the new birth and continues throughout life, culminating in eternal intimacy with God. Bickle highlights that this divine love is as strong as death and cannot be extinguished by any trials or tribulations, encouraging believers to earnestly seek this supernatural love through prayer and faith. He calls for a passionate pursuit of God's presence, asserting that true love for God will overflow into love for others. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's love in the life of the believer.
The Bridal Seal of Mature Love
By Mike Bickle2352:27Mature LoveThe Holy Spirit's GuidanceSNG 8:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Song of Solomon 8:5-7, portraying it as a journey of the bride towards mature love, where she leans on her beloved amidst the wilderness of life. He highlights the Holy Spirit's role in guiding believers to cultivate a heart that is sealed with God's fiery love, which is as strong and encompassing as death. Bickle encourages the church to be intentional in their relationship with God, recognizing that true victory comes from leaning on Him and allowing His love to transform their lives. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's love, urging believers to invite the Holy Spirit to seal their hearts and empower their ministries. Ultimately, Bickle presents the message that God's love is powerful enough to conquer all struggles and that the journey of love is progressive and ongoing.
Called to Proclaim Song 8:6, Hephzibah, and Jesus in Red
By Mike Bickle211:26:57Jesus as Bridegroomand JudgeKingForerunner MessageSNG 8:6ISA 62:4ISA 63:1REV 2:17REV 3:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge, highlighting the need for a forerunner message that prepares the church for His return. He shares personal experiences and prophetic encounters that shaped this revelation, stressing that the church must embrace all three aspects of Christ's nature to fully comprehend His love and authority. Bickle encourages believers to engage in prayer and intercession, aligning their hearts with God's desires and judgments, as they prepare for the coming of the Lord.
The Forerunner Message: Jesus as Bridegroom, King, and Judge
By Mike Bickle201:59:23Jesus as BridegroomThe Forerunner MessageDEU 6:5PSA 27:4SNG 8:6ISA 62:4ISA 63:1MAT 25:1JHN 3:29REV 2:17REV 3:12REV 19:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus as the Bridegroom, King, and Judge in his sermon 'The Forerunner Message.' He reflects on the 15 years of prayer meetings that laid the foundation for the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and expresses a vision for the next 15 years, anticipating greater impact and challenges. Bickle shares personal encounters with God that shaped his understanding of the beauty of Jesus and the importance of the first commandment, urging the congregation to embrace a deeper relationship with Christ. He calls for a recommitment to the forerunner message, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith amidst the complexities of the world.
Seal of Divine Love
By Mike Bickle1852:40Divine LoveIntimacy With GodSNG 8:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound nature of God's love as depicted in the Song of Solomon, particularly in chapter 8, verses 5-7. He describes the journey of the bride, who longs for a deep, intimate relationship with the Lord, culminating in a passionate love that mirrors God's own jealous love for her. Bickle shares a personal revelation from the Lord about the coming anointing of love in the church, urging believers to embrace this divine love that empowers them to love God wholeheartedly. He highlights the importance of leaning on the Holy Spirit and the transformative power of love in overcoming the challenges of life. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a deeper commitment to experiencing God's love, which is as strong and demanding as death itself.
Studying the Song: Why and How?
By Mike Bickle1643:57God's LoveSpiritual PreparationSNG 8:6Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of studying the Song of Solomon, revealing it as a profound expression of Jesus's love for His people. He shares his initial reluctance to engage with the book but later discovers its deep emotional truths and the importance of understanding God's feelings towards humanity. Bickle highlights two main themes: God's emotions for His people and the call to prioritize the first commandment of love. He encourages believers to engage in a personal dialogue with God through the scriptures, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. Ultimately, Bickle asserts that knowing God's love is essential for spiritual preparation in a world increasingly marked by emotional and sexual brokenness.
The Love That Passes Knowledge.
By Horatius Bonar0Unconditional LoveThe Love of ChristSNG 8:7JER 31:3HOS 11:4ROM 8:35EPH 5:25Horatius Bonar emphasizes the unquenchable and unpurchasable nature of Christ's love, illustrating that no amount of suffering, shame, or unworthiness can extinguish it. He draws parallels between the love of Christ and the love of a mother, highlighting its everlasting and immeasurable qualities. Bonar asserts that this divine love cannot be bought or earned, as it is freely given and transcends all human understanding. He encourages believers to recognize the depth of Christ's love, which remains steadfast despite our inconsistencies and failures. Ultimately, Bonar reminds us that this love is the source of true joy and liberation in our lives.
Rev. 20:14. Death and the Grave
By Horatius Bonar0Hope of ResurrectionVictory over DeathPSA 6:5SNG 8:6ISA 38:18HOS 13:14JHN 11:25ROM 5:121CO 15:551TH 4:142TI 1:10REV 20:14Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:14, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over death and the grave, which are personified as twin enemies of humanity. He explains that death and the grave, having caused immense suffering and sorrow, will be cast into the lake of fire, symbolizing God's abhorrence of these forces and His determination to abolish them forever. Bonar highlights that God shares our disdain for death, viewing it as a criminal that disrupts His creation and inflicts pain upon His people. The sermon reassures believers of the hope of resurrection and eternal life, affirming that through Christ's victory, death will be rendered powerless. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a celebration of life and the promise of resurrection, as God will redeem His people from the clutches of death.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
By St. John Chrysostom0EXO 32:32SNG 8:5ROM 11:141CO 13:4PHP 1:291TH 5:14John Chrysostom preaches about the transformative power of love, emphasizing how love can change individuals, making the timid brave, the fierce moderate, and the wanton chaste. He highlights that love is the root of all virtues, leading to self-denial, long-suffering, kindness, and humility. Chrysostom explains that love seeks not its own, is not easily provoked, and does not rejoice in unrighteousness but in truth. He illustrates how love bears all things, hopes, believes, and endures all things, never failing. The preacher urges believers to cultivate love in their hearts to experience its profound impact on their lives and relationships.
(A Heavenly Home) 1. a Heavenly Home on Earth
By Zac Poonen0Heavenly HomeLove in MarriageDEU 11:18SNG 8:6ISA 49:15MAT 22:37Zac Poonen shares a heartfelt message at the wedding of his eldest son Sanjay and Kathy, emphasizing the importance of building a heavenly home on earth through love and God's guidance. He highlights that a home can reflect the peace and joy of heaven when it is founded on God's unconditional love and the Maker's instructions found in the Bible. Poonen illustrates that true love involves appreciation, forgiveness, and partnership, urging the couple to prioritize their relationship with God to strengthen their marriage. He concludes by encouraging them to seek God's love as the foundation for their life together, ensuring their days can be like heaven on earth.
Leaning on the Beloved.
By Andrew Bonar0Trust in GodFaithGEN 22:5PSA 27:8SNG 8:5MAT 15:28MRK 11:24LUK 7:9JHN 14:13ROM 4:20HEB 11:1JAS 1:6Andrew Bonar emphasizes the importance of leaning on Christ through faith, distinguishing it from self-reliance. He illustrates that faith can thrive even in the absence of explicit promises, as seen in the examples of the Syro-Phoenician woman and the centurion, whose confidence in Jesus led to miraculous outcomes. Bonar encourages believers to trust in God's graciousness rather than solely His faithfulness, highlighting that such faith brings joy to Christ. He reminds us that while we may not always have a specific promise to claim, our faith can still be effective in prayer for ourselves and others. Ultimately, Bonar calls believers to actively engage their faith, trusting in God's character and His ability to respond to our needs.
Why I Wanted My Wife to Be My Wife
By Samuel Logan Brengle0MarriageSacrificial LoveGEN 2:18PRO 18:22PRO 31:10ECC 4:9SNG 8:61CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 4:19Samuel Logan Brengle shares a heartfelt reflection on the qualities he sought in a wife, inspired by the loving example of his mother and the sacrificial love he witnessed in a Swedish family's marriage. He emphasizes the importance of character, spiritual devotion, and the willingness to nurture and support one another in a marriage. Brengle recounts his journey of seeking a partner who embodies sweet womanly virtues, education, and a deep love for God, ultimately leading him to the woman who became his wife. He highlights that true love is selfless and sacrificial, and that a divine connection is essential for a lasting marriage. Through prayer and faith, he found the woman who fulfilled his vision of a loving and devoted partner.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Introduction
The love of the bride to her spouse, and the nature of that love, Sol 8:1-7. The younger sister, Sol 8:8-10. Solomon's vineyard, Sol 8:11, Sol 8:12. The confidence of the bride and bridegroom in each other, Sol 8:13, Sol 8:14.
Introduction
He had been a brother already. Why, then, this prayer here? It refers to the time after His resurrection, when the previous outward intimacy with Him was no longer allowed, but it was implied it should be renewed at the second coming (Joh 20:17). For this the Church here prays; meanwhile she enjoys inward spiritual communion with Him. The last who ever "kissed" Jesus Christ on earth was the traitor Judas. The bride's return with the King to her mother's house answers to Act 8:25, after the mission to Samaria. The rest spoken of (Sol 8:4) answers to Act 9:31. that sucked . . . mother--a brother born of the same mother; the closest tie.
Introduction
INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON 8 This chapter begins with an ardent wish of the church for a free and intimate converse with Christ; declaring what she would do to him, and for him, should she have such an interview with him, Sol 8:1; what familiarity should be between them, Sol 8:3; charging the daughters of Jerusalem not to give him any disturbance, Sol 8:4. Upon which they inquire who she was that was in such a posture they saw her in, Sol 8:5; when the church, instead of giving them an answer, says some things concerning her beloved, on whom they saw her leaning; and makes some requests to him for more nearness to him, and manifestations of his love to her; urged from the strength her love and affections to him, which was invincible, Sol 8:6. Next follows a speech of the church about her little sister; expressing a concern for her, and what she would do to her and with her, Sol 8:8; and the answer of the little sister, declaring what she, was, and what she enjoyed, Sol 8:10; then the words of the church again, concerning her husband's vineyard; the place, keepers, and profit of it, Sol 8:11. And the chapter, and with it the Song, is concluded with a request of Christ to the church, that he might hear her voice, Sol 8:13; and with a petition of hers to him, that he would come quickly to her, Sol 8:14.
Verse 1
8:1-4 The woman expresses her desire to be with the man and in his embrace.
8:1 If he were her brother she could kiss him publicly; romantic kisses were not appropriate in public, but kisses between blood relatives were acceptable.
Verse 2
8:2-3 bring you to my childhood home (literally to my mother’s house): Cp. 3:4.
Verse 4
8:4 Promise me: For the third time, the woman encourages the young women of Jerusalem to retain their virginity (see 2:7; 3:5). The virtue of virginity is confirmed in 8:8-9.
Verse 5
8:5 I aroused you under the apple tree: The apple tree is a symbol of fertility because it is fruit-bearing (see 2:3, 5; 7:8). • where your mother gave you birth: Mentioning his mother may be a subtle way of suggesting procreation as a fruit of sexual love (cp. 8:2).
Verse 6
8:6 seal over your heart . . . on your arm: In ancient Israel a seal was used for identification or to show ownership by pressing the face of a ring into soft wax. The wife wants her husband to mark her with his identity, privately upon her heart, and publicly upon her arm as well. • love is as strong as death: Though death is inevitable, the bond of love is resolute, unshakable, and broken only in death. • The energy of jealousy moves to protect an exclusive relationship such as that of husband and wife or between God and his people (Nah 1:2; Zech 1:14-17). • as the grave: Hebrew as Sheol. In the Old Testament, Sheol is the abode of the dead. It is not necessarily associated with punishment.
Verse 8
8:8-10 In the midst of a passionate exchange of romantic compliments and commitments, here again is strong praise for sexual abstinence until marriage.
8:8 We have a little sister: The wife’s brothers express concern for their sister’s chastity. According to ancient Near Eastern custom, they are the protectors of their sister’s sexuality until her marriage.
Verse 9
8:9 wall: There appear to be two metaphorical meanings for this term: (1) The prepubescent girl’s chest is like a wall (see 8:10); and (2) until she is married, she should be abstinent, impenetrable like a wall. • protect her with a silver tower: Towers were used as lookouts for protecting the city; a silver one would be more prominent and impregnable. If the woman is already a wall, having kept her virginity, they will honor and reinforce her resolve. • On the other hand, a swinging door indicates promiscuity. The brothers will force her to restrain herself.
Verse 10
8:10 I was a virgin, like a wall: The woman affirms that she was chaste in preparation for marriage. • now . . . like towers: The woman describes herself in the language of desirability (cp. 4:4; 7:4, 8) and challenges her brothers’ perception of her as immature.
Verse 11
8:11-14 In the dramatic view, the wife’s dilemma concerning the vineyard of 1:6 is finally resolved: She has managed to bring in the lease money from her vineyard in Baal-hamon, so she can pay Solomon and her hired harvesters. • If the passage is purely poetic, its main message is that love may not be bought, even by a powerful king like Solomon.
8:11 Baal-hamon is not otherwise mentioned in the Bible. However “Balamon” occurs in later literature as a place in northern Israel; it may be the same place. • a thousand pieces of silver (Hebrew 1,000 [shekels] of silver): There are different denominations of shekels in the Old Testament, so the exact price cannot be determined, but the vineyard was a large one.
Verse 13
8:13 The scene has changed from that of the lease payment to the more familiar and pleasant gardens. • your companions: It appears that the wife may be talking with her friends. Her man is gently jealous and wants her to himself.
Verse 14
8:14 Come away, my love! She invites him to follow her, and he chases her with all the robust and exhilarating speed of a gazelle (see 2:8-10). • mountains of spices: Cp. 4:6.