An empty stony lane of ancient Jerusalem at night, one clay lamp burning in a wall niche, flat roofs under deep blue sky.

Longing

Song of Solomon 3

She wakes and he’s gone. Then, far out in the wilderness, a column of smoke.

11 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

1–3:5LongingTwo lovers find each otherChapter 3
3:6–5:1The weddingThe king comes; the garden is opened
5:2–6:3Lost and foundShe seeks him through the night
6:4–8:4Love deepensPraise, and a walk in the country
8:5–14Strong as deathThe seal, and the vineyard not for sale

The Bride’s Dream

The bride

On my bed at night

I sought the one I love;

I sought him,

but did not find him.

I will arise now and go about the city,

through the streets and squares.

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The bride

I will seek the one I love.

Song of Solomon 3:2

The bride

So I sought him but did not find him.

The bride

The bride

I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city:

“Have you seen the one I love?”

The bride

I had just passed them when I found the one I love.

I held him and would not let go

until I had brought him to my mother’s house,

to the chamber of the one who conceived me.

The bride

Two slender wild gazelle does graze in a quiet field at the foot of a rocky ridge in low clear light.

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you

by the gazelles and does of the field:

Do not arouse or awaken love

until the time is right.

Reflect

Sit with this

She got up and went looking. When someone you love feels far away, what do you do?

Solomon Arrives on His Wedding Day

The friends

A pale desert road climbing toward the hills, a tall column of dust and smoke rising around a tiny carried litter far off.

Who is this coming up from the wilderness

like a column of smoke,

scented with myrrh and frankincense

from all the spices of the merchant?

0:08

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

The friends

The friends

Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage,

escorted by sixty of the mightiest men of Israel.

All are skilled with the sword,

experienced in warfare.

Each has his sword at his side

prepared for the terror of the night.

The friends

From behind, three women in long robes at a plain stone gateway, looking out at a carried litter on the road below.

Come out, O daughters of Zion,

and gaze at King Solomon,

wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him

on the day of his wedding—

the day of his heart’s rejoicing.

Question

Quick question

Look back at verses 6 and 7.

What was the column of smoke in verse 6?

You’ve experienced

Song of Solomon 3

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A verse to carry with you

I will seek the one I love.

Song of Solomon 3:2

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