Love That Reflects God’s Design
A Study Guide for Exploring Covenant, Intimacy, and Sacred Romance
1. Introduction: What Is the Song of Solomon and Why Is It in the Bible?
A collection of poetic dialogues between a bride (the Shulammite woman) and her beloved (often interpreted as Solomon).
Celebrates romantic love, desire, and devotion within marriage.
Unapologetically intimate, yet deeply respectful and sacred.
While literal in its celebration of love, many also read it symbolically—representing Christ and the Church.
Reflection: Love, passion, and intimacy are not worldly ideas—they’re God’s gifts, meant to be pure, powerful, and holy in the right context.
2. Love Pursued and Admired (Chapters 1–2)
The bride expresses desire and affection for her beloved.
She feels self-conscious but is reassured by his love (1:5–6).
He responds with tender admiration, calling her beautiful and delightful.
Chapter 2 includes the famous invitation: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away…” (2:10)
Takeaway: Mutual admiration and emotional connection are part of God’s design for love. God sees beauty in what the world dismisses.
3. Longing and Separation (Chapters 3–4)
The bride dreams of losing her beloved and seeks him (3:1–4).
A wedding is described in chapter 3—a covenant is formed.
In chapter 4, the groom describes his bride’s beauty in rich, symbolic language.
“You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride…” (4:9)
Lesson: True love longs for union, not just desire. The covenant of marriage is where passion finds its rightful place.
4. Intimacy and Security (Chapters 5–6)
There’s a moment of conflict or missed connection—she hesitates, and he departs (5:2–6).
She searches again and recounts his qualities.
Chapter 6 shows reconciliation, mutual praise, and renewed closeness.
Truth: Even in love, there are moments of tension—but real love pursues, forgives, and restores.
5. Joy, Beauty, and Lasting Love (Chapters 7–8)
The poetic descriptions become more intimate and mature.
The bride’s beauty and character are praised again.
Chapter 8 expresses unshakable love:
“Love is strong as death… its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord.” (8:6)
The book ends with the bride longing for continual closeness.
Encouragement: God’s design is for love that lasts, not love that fades. Real intimacy involves more than attraction—it involves sacrifice and depth.
6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Song 2:4 – “His banner over me was love.”
Song 2:16 – “My beloved is mine, and I am his…”
Song 4:7 – “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.”
Song 6:3 – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine…”
Song 8:6 – “Set me as a seal upon your heart… for love is strong as death.”
7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
How does Song of Solomon challenge modern views of romance and intimacy?
What does it reveal about the importance of emotional and verbal affirmation in love?
How can this book encourage purity and faithfulness in relationships?
Why do you think God included such an intimate book in the Bible?
In what ways can the love between Christ and the Church be reflected in marriage?
How can married couples grow in affection, admiration, and spiritual unity?