1. How have you loved others more like Jesus, our Bridegroom, this past week?
2. What predominant trait do you look for in friends?
Ask two people to read aloud Song of Songs 1:4b-8; 3:1-11 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passages.
3. As best as you can, discuss the conversations between the friends and the woman. (Note that 3:1-5 is probably the woman telling her friends about her dream, and 3:6-11 may be the narrator describing the scene.)
4. How would you describe the friends’ involvement in the couple’s relationship?
- How can we encourage engaged and married couples, as well as singles, in our church and other relationships?
5. In the ancient world, sun-darkened skin was typical for commoners who worked outside, while fair skin was a sign of aristocracy. What insecurities was the woman dealing with in her relationships?
- How do our insecurities affect our relationships with one another today?
- How can our insecurities affect our relationships with God?
6. How would you describe the woman’s search for and yearning to be with her husband?
7. Song of Songs illustrates the overarching biblical story of people seeking God and God seeking us. God said through the prophet Jeremiah, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13; cf., Deuteronomy 4:29; Matthew 7:7-8; Acts 17:27). How would you liken the woman’s search for her husband, King Solomon, with people’s search for the King of kings today?
8. The friends helped the woman in her search. How will you help someone in your circle of friends or family search for and find God?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. In Song of Songs 1:4, the friends say to King Solomon, “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.” End your time together by worshipping the King of kings with the same or similar words.
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Song of Songs 1:1-8; 2:4, 16-17; 8:6-7. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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