Attraction

Order of Service

• Scripture Reading — Song of Solomon 1:2–2:7
• Sermon
• Closing Prayer

---

Sermon Title: Attraction

Scripture: Song of Solomon 1:2–2:7

I. Introduction and Overview of the Passage

A. The Song of Solomon covers the full spectrum of human romance — from initial attraction through lifelong marriage, including conflict B. Speakers in the text are identified by translators based on pronoun gender; some ambiguity remains as to who is speaking at various points C. The woman speaks first and most frequently; her speech expresses desire for the man to act

II. What the Woman Notices First — His Character

A. Verse 3: Your name is oil poured out — in biblical culture, a name was inseparable from character and reputation B. Oils were associated with anointing and offerings; she begins not with physical appearance but with who he is C. Her own character is also introduced early

1. She is dark from working outdoors — not pampered, but hardworking (Song of Solomon 1:5–6)
2. Her brothers were angry with her and made her keeper of the vineyards; she obeyed rather than rebelled — a picture of submission and faithfulness
3. "My own vineyard I have not kept" — a wordplay: she has not had time to care for her own appearance

III. She Seeks His Attention with Pure Intentions

A. Verse 7: She asks where he pastures his flock at noon — she wants to be noticed, but through faithful presence, not seduction B. Prostitutes veiled themselves; she deliberately avoids coming to him in a way that is not God-honoring C. Verse 8 (speaker uncertain): the one who is faithful where God has placed them will be noticed — possibly an encouragement that obedience leads to blessing

IV. He Notices Her — Growing Mutual Attraction

A. Verse 9: He compares her to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots

1. Solomon had 40,000 horse stalls (1 Kings 4:26); for one horse to stand out among thousands is a significant compliment
2. Stallions typically pulled chariots — a mare among them would immediately stand out B. The back-and-forth dialogue of chapter 1 shows escalating attraction and growing confidence C. Verse 15: He tells her she is beautiful — the language of love is recognizable across cultures and centuries

V. Increased Knowledge Brings Increased Confidence

A. By Song of Solomon 2:1, she describes herself without qualification — a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys — common flowers, but beautiful; her insecurity has diminished B. He responds in verse 2: she is a lily among brambles — to him she stands apart from all others C. As love grows, he has eyes only for her and her beauty increases in his sight

VI. What She Sees in Him — Provision and Love

A. Verse 3: She delights to sit in his shade and eat his fruit — he provides protection, comfort, and care B. Verse 4: His banner over me was love — the banner is a military standard, a symbol of identity, purpose, and belonging

1. A military unit's standard calls individuals to sacrifice for a higher purpose
2. His leadership is defined by self-sacrificial love; this gives her confidence to submit to him

VII. The Warning — Do Not Awaken Love Before Its Time

A. Verse 5: She is lovesick — attraction has escalated to deep longing B. Verse 6: She desires physical intimacy with him C. Verse 7: A strong charge — almost an oath — to the daughters of Jerusalem: do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases (Song of Solomon 2:7)

1. The desire itself is natural and not wrong — as in the account of Esau and his birthright (Genesis 25:29–34), a legitimate desire fulfilled in an illegitimate way leads to despising what is precious
2. Sexual desire is a natural outgrowth of romantic love, but God has given clear boundaries; self-control is both expected and possible

VIII. The Biblical Order of Romance — Contrast with Culture

A. Culture says: begin with physical attraction, consider character later B. Song of Solomon says: begin with character; physical attraction is real and important, but it deepens as character is known C. Practical application for the single: do not marry someone you are not physically attracted to, but prioritize character far above appearance D. Practical application for the married: this book instructs how God designed the process — helpful for one's own marriage, for raising children, and for counseling others