A Bible study and Devotion on the Shulamite woman

The Shulamite woman is the heroine of the Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs), a book of lyric poetry focused on romantic love. Her identity is not explicitly revealed, but she is described as a country girl who works in the vineyards and is in love with a shepherd. The story, told largely from her perspective, follows her courtship, marriage, and ongoing love with her beloved. The Song of Solomon can be read as a celebration of marital intimacy and also as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and his church.

Context: The Shulamite is a country girl who works in her family's vineyards. Despite her rustic background, she captivates King Solomon. However, the Song of Solomon presents an apparent conflict: Is the Shulamite pursued by the shepherd she loves or by King Solomon? Some interpreters argue that Solomon and the shepherd are the same person. Another popular view is that the book features three characters: King Solomon, the Shulamite woman, and her true love, the shepherd. This study focuses on the latter interpretation, where the Shulamite's faithful love for her shepherd stands in contrast to the worldly temptations of Solomon's court.

Scripture reading

Read the book of Song of Solomon, paying close attention to the woman's voice. The entire book is a dialogue of love, so reading it through will give you the full context of her story. For this study, focus on key sections:

• Song of Solomon 1:5-6: The Shulamite's self-image.
• Song of Solomon 2:1-7: The mutual delight of the lovers.
• Song of Solomon 6:13: The request for the "Shulamite" to return.
• Song of Solomon 8:6-7: The famous summary of the power of love.

Study and reflection

1. A healthy self-image (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)

• The Shulamite describes herself as "dark, but lovely." She explains that her dark skin is from working in the sun, tending her family's vineyards. She does not apologize for her appearance but presents herself confidently.
• Reflection question: The Shulamite recognized her value beyond physical perfection or social status. What does this teach us about our own insecurities? How can we see ourselves as "altogether beautiful" in God's eyes, regardless of our perceived flaws or circumstances (Psalm 139:14)?

2. A steadfast and pure love (Song of Solomon 2:7; 8:6-7)

• Three times in the Song, the Shulamite warns the "daughters of Jerusalem" not to "stir up or awaken love until it pleases". She demonstrates self-control and patience, waiting for the right time for her love to reach its fulfillment in marriage. She was a "wall" protecting her purity, not an open "door" (Song of Solomon 8:9-10).
• Reflection question: In a world that often rushes or devalues intimacy, what can we learn from the Shulamite's intentional and patient approach to love? How can her example of guarding her heart, even in the midst of intense desire, inspire us in our own relationships and walk with God?

3. A love that chooses (Song of Solomon 6:4-10)

• As a simple country girl, the Shulamite is surrounded by the opulence of Solomon's court and the influence of his queens and concubines. Yet, she remains devoted to her beloved shepherd. Her love for him is unwavering, built on character, not wealth.
• Reflection question: The Shulamite made a conscious choice to love her shepherd, rejecting the potential prestige of the king's palace. What does her choice reveal about the nature of true love? Consider the allure of the world and how we can, like the Shulamite, choose constant and trustworthy love over fleeting, worldly attractions.

4. A picture of the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27)

• Many Christian traditions interpret the Song of Solomon as an allegory for the deep, intimate love between Christ and his church. The Shulamite represents the church—Christ's chosen and cherished bride.
• Reflection question: When you see the Shulamite's deep longing for her beloved, her confident purity, and her unwavering devotion, how does it help you understand Christ's love for you? How can we, as members of the church, more fully embody the characteristics of the Shulamite in our relationship with Jesus?

Devotion: altogether beautiful

Key Scripture:

"I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies" (Song of Solomon 6:3).
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you" (Song of Solomon 4:7).

In His presence
 The Shulamite woman began her story feeling inadequate. Her brothers had made her work in the sun, darkening her skin, while the refined women of Jerusalem had soft, fair complexions. She felt different, maybe even less worthy. But her beloved's perspective changed everything. He saw past her sun-darkened skin and called her "beautiful" and "lovely". His words of affection quieted her insecurities, reminding her that his love was not based on worldly standards, but on who she was to him.

This is a picture of how God sees you. You may feel that your past left you with scars, that you are worn down by your daily tasks, or just not good enough by the world's standards. But when God looks at you, His beloved, He doesn't see your flaws or your mistakes. He sees you through the lens of His love and the redemptive work of Christ. He calls you "altogether beautiful."

Going deeper
 The Shulamite's confidence grew not because her outward appearance changed, but because she was secure in her beloved's affection. This security allowed her to be patient and self-controlled, waiting for love in its proper time. She knew she was treasured, and that knowledge protected her heart from temptations and worldly distractions.

In the same way, as the bride of Christ, our security is found in His unwavering, unconditional love. We don't have to strive for perfection or perform for His approval. He simply loves us. This profound truth empowers us to live with confident purity, patiently waiting for our eternal union with Him. The more we lean into the reality of His love, the more we embody the pure and confident spirit of the Shulamite.

Prayer
 Lord, thank you for loving me and calling me your own. I confess my struggles with insecurity and my fleshly tendency to believe the world's standards over your truth. Help me to truly grasp that I am "altogether beautiful" in your eyes. Guard my heart and mind so that I may live with confidence and purity, resting in your deep and unwavering love. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.