The Bride (Shulammite Woman)
Category: Endurance in love & loyalty
Could avoid: Yield to Solomon’s harem, compromise her devotion.
“My own vineyard is mine to give.” (Song of Songs 8:12)
Cross-Refs: Hosea 2:19–20; 2 Corinthians 11:2.
Chose: Stayed faithful to her beloved.
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Songs 6:3)
Cross-Refs: John 10:28–29; Revelation 19:7.
Endured: Separation, longing, ridicule from others.
“Daughters of Jerusalem, I am dark, yet lovely… do not stare at me.” (Song of Songs 1:5–6)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 42:1–2; Isaiah 62:4.
Why: Love stronger than death compelled her.
“Place me like a seal over your heart… for love is as strong as death.” (Song of Songs 8:6)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:38–39.
Result: Joyful union with her beloved.
“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.” (Song of Songs 7:10)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 62:5; Ephesians 5:25–27.
The Bridegroom (Beloved)
Category: Endurance in pursuit & covenant devotion
Could avoid: Treat love casually, like other kings did.
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.” (Song of Songs 4:7)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 5:18–19; Ephesians 5:28–29.
Chose: Cherished his bride with steadfast love.
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride.” (Song of Songs 4:9)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 62:5; John 15:9.
Endured: Separation, searching, yearning for her presence.
“I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had left; he was gone. My heart sank at his departure.” (Song of Songs 5:6)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 29:13; Luke 15:4.
Why: Saw his bride as unique and precious.
“My dove, my perfect one, is unique.” (Song of Songs 6:9)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 3:17; 1 Peter 2:9.
Result: Love fulfilled in mutual delight.
“Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside… there I will give you my love.” (Song of Songs 7:11–12)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 2:24; Revelation 21:2.
The Daughters of Jerusalem (Witnesses)
Category: Learning endurance in love’s purity
Could avoid: Follow worldly desire.
“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” (Song of Songs 2:7)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 4:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–4.
Chose: Listened to the bride’s testimony of true love.
“How is your beloved better than others…?” (Song of Songs 5:9)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 3:16; John 13:34–35.
Endured: Curiosity, waiting for love’s time.
“Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” (Song of Songs 8:4)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 29:20; Galatians 5:22–23.
Why: Saw love’s beauty as covenantal and divine.
“We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine.” (Song of Songs 1:4)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:7.
Result: Became witnesses of love’s endurance.
“Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?” (Song of Songs 8:5)
Cross-Refs: Hosea 2:14–16; Revelation 21:9.