An Overview of the Song of Solomon as Musical
Opening Prayer
Introduction—Did you know that there are musicals in the Bible? Long before “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” or “The King and I,” there was “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.” God inspired Solomon to include this musical love story in the Scriptures. It’s the story of Solomon’s true love, a Shulammite, whom he meets, courts, marries, and then with whom he lives committedly-ever-after. Why do you think God would want to include something like a script for a Broadway musical in the Bible? (refer to John 5:39 and Luke 24:44). So, how might a musical love story about Solomon and his fiancé/bride reveal Jesus to us? (cf. Ephesians 5:21-32)
Let’s open up our Bibles and see this Song of Songs musical of Solomon’s. Let’s have one of our young ladies take the “SHE” part (Choose a SHE), one of our young men take the “HE” part (Choose a HE), and everyone else be “OTHERS” (As long as they have the same translation). Chapter 1 begins in the middle of their wedded bliss. Let’s have you read the outlined parts in Chapter 1. Since it is recorded as a song, you’re welcome to try to sing it however you want for fun or just read it. (READ)
Explanation: After hearing chapter 1, what is this play about? Let’s look at the way they compliment each other for a second. Remember, they didn’t bathe as often back then; they didn’t always brush their teeth; they didn’t have deodorant, and most work was done outside. The most beautiful things they knew were things in nature and they weren’t ashamed to talk candidly but modestly about their sexuality.
So, what’s the big deal with anointing oils?
Why might the ancient world consider paler skin as a sign of nobility and wealth?
What connection is there between Solomon and a shepherd?
Why would comparing her to a female horse in the king of Egypt’s chariots be a compliment?
Why might someone wear fragrant stuff around their neck, on their chest?
What color are doves; in a day of not-uncommon jaundice, why would dove’s eyes be hot?
What’s so great about a husband who provides a lovely home of cedar and pine for his wife?
Throughout the Song, these kinds of poetic descriptions will come up again and again; so it’s helpful to get yourself in that not-modern mindset.
Let’s hear some more of the play; now during their engagement. . Let’s have SHE read 2:1 and then HE and SHE read [or sing if you want] your parts from 2:2 to 4:2. (READ) So what’s going on for Solomon and his fiancé?
[Helpful leading questions: What season does SHE say it is in 2:11?
What happens in that season? What do engaged couples often do in that season?
In chapter 3, why can’t SHE sleep on her bed? This is the night before her wedding. 3:6-11 describes the wedding procession and ceremony of Solomon and his Shulammite bride. What does the wedding look like?
In 4:1, why a veil?]
Moral of the Story: There’s a lot more of the two whispering sweet nothings to each other after that. But, now, let’s go to the last chapter and hear what Solomon writes as the moral of the story. Let’s have SHE, OTHERS, and HE read [again, or sing if you want] Song 8:4-14 according to your parts to finish it off for us. (READ) What, then, is the moral of the story? (cf. 8:4, 9).
Applications: Think of some popular love stories among you, your peers, and others.
What moral do other popular love stories teach? How does that compare with The Song of Solomon?
How might a story of blessed chastity, modesty, marital love, and commitment help you in your current or future relationship struggles?
What does it mean to “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases”? Why is that difficult for someone of your generation?
What is a “wall” and what is a “door”? What is the godly blessing of the one and the godly restriction of the other? Why?
Why should God care what you do with your body and your sexuality?
Sexuality is a gift from God. Sometimes we abuse that gift. If you’ve done something you shouldn’t have with God’s gift to you, there is forgiveness in the blood of Jesus, who has sanctified His Bride the Church, having cleansed her by the washing of water and the Word; your Baptism (cf Eph 5:26).
Closing Prayer
Should your group desire, we also have the whole Song of Solomon condensed for an OAFC drama. (Currently revising. Posted soon)
Introduction—Did you know that there are musicals in the Bible? Long before “Wicked,” “Hamilton,” or “The King and I,” there was “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.” God inspired Solomon to include this musical love story in the Scriptures. It’s the story of Solomon’s true love, a Shulammite, whom he meets, courts, marries, and then with whom he lives committedly-ever-after. Why do you think God would want to include something like a script for a Broadway musical in the Bible? (refer to John 5:39 and Luke 24:44). So, how might a musical love story about Solomon and his fiancé/bride reveal Jesus to us? (cf. Ephesians 5:21-32)
Let’s open up our Bibles and see this Song of Songs musical of Solomon’s. Let’s have one of our young ladies take the “SHE” part (Choose a SHE), one of our young men take the “HE” part (Choose a HE), and everyone else be “OTHERS” (As long as they have the same translation). Chapter 1 begins in the middle of their wedded bliss. Let’s have you read the outlined parts in Chapter 1. Since it is recorded as a song, you’re welcome to try to sing it however you want for fun or just read it. (READ)
Explanation: After hearing chapter 1, what is this play about? Let’s look at the way they compliment each other for a second. Remember, they didn’t bathe as often back then; they didn’t always brush their teeth; they didn’t have deodorant, and most work was done outside. The most beautiful things they knew were things in nature and they weren’t ashamed to talk candidly but modestly about their sexuality.
So, what’s the big deal with anointing oils?
Why might the ancient world consider paler skin as a sign of nobility and wealth?
What connection is there between Solomon and a shepherd?
Why would comparing her to a female horse in the king of Egypt’s chariots be a compliment?
Why might someone wear fragrant stuff around their neck, on their chest?
What color are doves; in a day of not-uncommon jaundice, why would dove’s eyes be hot?
What’s so great about a husband who provides a lovely home of cedar and pine for his wife?
Throughout the Song, these kinds of poetic descriptions will come up again and again; so it’s helpful to get yourself in that not-modern mindset.
Let’s hear some more of the play; now during their engagement. . Let’s have SHE read 2:1 and then HE and SHE read [or sing if you want] your parts from 2:2 to 4:2. (READ) So what’s going on for Solomon and his fiancé?
[Helpful leading questions: What season does SHE say it is in 2:11?
What happens in that season? What do engaged couples often do in that season?
In chapter 3, why can’t SHE sleep on her bed? This is the night before her wedding. 3:6-11 describes the wedding procession and ceremony of Solomon and his Shulammite bride. What does the wedding look like?
In 4:1, why a veil?]
Moral of the Story: There’s a lot more of the two whispering sweet nothings to each other after that. But, now, let’s go to the last chapter and hear what Solomon writes as the moral of the story. Let’s have SHE, OTHERS, and HE read [again, or sing if you want] Song 8:4-14 according to your parts to finish it off for us. (READ) What, then, is the moral of the story? (cf. 8:4, 9).
Applications: Think of some popular love stories among you, your peers, and others.
What moral do other popular love stories teach? How does that compare with The Song of Solomon?
How might a story of blessed chastity, modesty, marital love, and commitment help you in your current or future relationship struggles?
What does it mean to “not stir up or awaken love until it pleases”? Why is that difficult for someone of your generation?
What is a “wall” and what is a “door”? What is the godly blessing of the one and the godly restriction of the other? Why?
Why should God care what you do with your body and your sexuality?
Sexuality is a gift from God. Sometimes we abuse that gift. If you’ve done something you shouldn’t have with God’s gift to you, there is forgiveness in the blood of Jesus, who has sanctified His Bride the Church, having cleansed her by the washing of water and the Word; your Baptism (cf Eph 5:26).
Closing Prayer
Should your group desire, we also have the whole Song of Solomon condensed for an OAFC drama. (Currently revising. Posted soon)