Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Continuation of series on Themes of OT

Was rather long last week, so focus is on intro and not depth

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Use of terms that might be considered crass/blunt - use is not as humour tactic, but rather to dispel the awkwardness

Creation

When God created man, decreed that man needed companionship

When God created man, decreed that man needed companionship

We thus get God’s pic of marriage

It is good

It is understood in context of ministry and work

It is for procreation

It is NOT primarily for romance

Sex is the consummation of marriage

Gen 2.18-25

There is a process of separation and formation of a new communal unit

It is understood as a covenant - see also

Sin entered and corrupted

Gen 3.16

Gen 6.1-

Gen 19.4-

Concept of adultery is introduced

Job

Job

Job 31.

View of marriage in ANE

Productivity

Inheritance - Levirite marriage

Honour

Exodus

Mount Sinai formulation of nation - included sexual laws

Laws prohibiting certain forms of sex

Adultery -

Promiscuity

Prostitution

Homosexuality

Bestiality

Laws for pre-marital sex

Laws for divorce - see

If we understand the culture, we can see that the laws did offer a degree of protection for females

Importance of progeny and inheritance

Command to not marry foreigners - VERY NB

Deut 7.3-4

Numbers 25.1

Numbers 31.15-16

Numbers 31.15-

Kingship

The beauty and delight in sex promoted - Song of Solomon

Their visual feast includes descriptions of both male and female bodies (; ; ), incorporating each of the five senses and culminating in an extended gaze on the woman’s nude figure from her feet to her head (Davidson, Flame, 582; ).

The mention of her “navel” (שֹׁר‎, shor) in this sequential context may be “a euphemism for the female genitals” and the wine a reference to the moisture of sexual arousal (Davidson, Flame, 612).

This gaze concludes with the Lover stating his intention to “take hold of” (אָחַז‎, achaz) the Beloved’s breasts ().

The Song concludes comparing the power of this romantic bond to death, fire, and flood, and upholding its immeasurable value ().

LEXHAM BIBLE DICTIONARY

Pictures of bad kings - denial of ;

David

Solomon

Ahaz - see

Ravi quote

Exile

Exile framed in terms of marriage relationship between Israel and God - and

Martial relationship

Adultery by Israel

Divorce by God

Yet God promises restoration

Return

Upon return, still married to foreigners

Ezra

Still guilty of divorce

Mal 2.

Application

See that marriage and sex are glorious gifts given by God, and are good

Understand that marriage is not about sex and romance first - happy marriages come from living according to God’s purposes

Marriage points to God

Marriage conveys intimacy with God

Notice the seriousness of the relationship we have with God - it is covenantal

Acknowledge the vulnerabilities that sex provides for spiritual warfare

Seek healing in terms of sexual sins and hurts

Understand the divorce is not an option, so work on marriage continously