God had a special purpose in creating humankind as male and female (Gen. 1:26-28). While each bears His image, the joining of gender opposites in the “one flesh” of marriage reflects the unity within the Godhead in a special way. The union of male and female also provides for procreation of a new life, an original … Continue reading –>
Read Song of Solomon 4:8-5:1. Song of Solomon 4:16 and Song of Sol. 5:1 form the very center of this book and describe, as it were, its climax as the marriage between Solomon and the Shulamite is consummated. To what is Solomon referring in the following passages? Song of Sol. 4:12, Song of Sol. 4:16; Song of Sol. 5:1; Song of Sol. 8:8-10. In … Continue reading –>
Many have seen a “return to Eden” theme in the Song of Solomon. Though the couple described is not the first man and woman, the poem calls to mind the earliest garden. God’s plan that they be “one flesh” (Gen. 2:24-25) is portrayed throughout in delicate metaphors and symbols. How does the Song of Solomon present a commitment … Continue reading –>
Describe various aspects of love presented in the Song of Solomon. Song of Sol. 1:2, Song of Sol. 1:13; Song of Sol. 2:10-13, Song of Sol. 2:16; Song of Sol. 3:11; Song of Sol. 4:1-7; Song of Sol. 5:16; Song of Sol. 6:6; Song of Sol. 7:1-9; Song of Sol. 8:6-7. The Song of Solomon shows how friends spend time together, communicate openly, and care about … Continue reading –>
Based on the following passages, how would you characterize the Bible’s view of the human body? Gen. 2:7; Ps. 63:1; Ps. 84:2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Thess. 5:23. Some religions believe in dualism, a philosophy that views the human body as a problem for the life of the spirit. That is, the body is deemed bad while the “spirit” is deemed … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Song of Solomon 1:1-8:14; Gen. 2:7; 1 Cor. 7:3-5; John 17:3; 1 John 1:9; Rom. 1:24-27; Gal. 5:24. Memory Text: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; Its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame” (Song of … Continue reading –>
Baby Is Coming! By Andrew McChesney A physician praying to be used by God after hearing a Sabbath sermon about mission work in the cities unexpectedly delivered a baby in the parking lot of the Seventh-day Adventist world church’s U.S. headquarters. Dr. Yvette C. Ross Hebron delivered a healthy baby boy in the car of … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Keeping the heart in heaven. “Christians should be careful that they keep the heart with all diligence. They should cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. … Continue reading –>
The book of Proverbs closes with praise for a wife of noble character. Identify the characteristics and qualities that are lauded. Prov. 31:10-31. The woman described is special, and so is the poetry. Each of the verses beginning with Proverbs 31:10 begins with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. One senses from this tribute to … Continue reading –>
In what way does the book of Proverbs sprinkle humor on some of the irritations in domestic living? Prov. 21:9, Prov. 21:19; Prov. 27:15-16. What effect does this humor have? A number of the proverbs consider the ways we treat each other in close relationships. They make their point with a light touch and a flash of wit, like … Continue reading –>
