Song of Solomon 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Song of Solomon 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The bride seeks her beloved at night, stating, 'I sought him whom my soul loves' (vv. 1-2). She goes through the city, asking the watchmen if they have seen him. After passing them, she finally finds him and takes him to her mother's house (vv. 3-4).

Key verse

“I had scarcely passed from them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, into the room of her who conceived me.”
Song of Solomon 3:4 (WEB)

Outline

Song of Solomon 3:1–2 The Bride's Search
Song of Solomon 3:3–4 Encounter with the Watchmen
Song of Solomon 3:5 Admonition to the Daughters
Song of Solomon 3:6–10 Solomon's Splendor
Song of Solomon 3:11 Celebration of Marriage

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the bride seek on her bed by night?
In v10, what materials are mentioned as part of Solomon's carriage?
The phrase 'daughters of Jerusalem' in v5: why does the bride make this appeal regarding love?
In v6, who is described as coming 'up from the wilderness' and what imagery is presented?
When have you felt a deep longing similar to the bride's expression in v1?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Song of Solomon 3: Song of Solomon 8, Song of Solomon 1, Song of Solomon 5.

Before next time: read Song of Solomon 4.