Song of Solomon
A Celebration of Love and Desire
Summary | About | Why You Should Read it | Author | When Written | Context | Timeline | Location | Outline | Observations | Resources
Summary
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic book in the Old Testament that celebrates love and desire. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, it features a dialogue between two lovers, often interpreted as an allegory of the relationship between God and Israel, or Christ and the Church.
The poems express themes of beauty, longing, and sensuality, using rich imagery from nature to depict the lovers’ admiration for each other. The text emphasizes the joys of love and the physical and emotional connection between partners. Its lyrical style and exploration of romantic love have made it a unique and cherished piece of biblical literature.
The following table provides a high-level look at the structure and contents of the book of Song of Songs.
About
Song of Songs is the 22nd book of the Bible and fifth and final book of Poetry in the Old Testament.
Why You Should Read It
Here is a list of good reasons to read the Song of Songs:
- Understanding Love: It offers a deep exploration of romantic love, helping readers appreciate the beauty of intimate relationships as part of God’s design.
- Allegorical Interpretation: Many Christians interpret the text as an allegory of God’s love for His people, providing insight into the divine relationship and fostering a deeper understanding of God’s passionate love and desire for connection.
- Celebration of Creation: The imagery in the Song celebrates nature and the physical world, reminding readers of God’s goodness in creation.
- Encouragement for Marriages: The poems highlight the joys and intimacy of love, serving as encouragement for couples to nurture their relationships.
- Literary Beauty: The poetic form and rich imagery provide an appreciation for biblical literature, enriching one’s understanding of scripture.
Overall, it’s a book that encourages reflection on love, desire, and the nature of relationships in a spiritual context.
Author
King Solomon was offered a gift by God and he chose Wisdom. He was the wisest man on earth and had God’s blessing. He compiled the Song of Songs towards the end of his years as king through all the lessons he learned, especially the hardships and failures.
When Written
Solomon likely wrote the book of Song of Songs during his reign as king from 970 to 930 B.C. probably closer to the end of his reign.
Context
The Song of Songs was likely written in a context of ancient Israelite culture, during a time when love, marriage, and sexuality were important aspects of life. Its poetic structure suggests it was meant to be read or performed, possibly during celebrations or festivals.
Historically, scholars suggest it may have been composed around the 10th century BCE, during or after Solomon’s reign, reflecting the cultural and social norms of that period. The text is characterized by its rich imagery, symbolism, and sensual language, which contrast with more formal or legalistic parts of the Bible.
Thematically, the Song explores both romantic and physical love, celebrating desire in a way that may have been radical for its time, especially given the subsequent emphasis on purity and restraint in later biblical texts. This context makes the book both a reflection of its time and a timeless exploration of love and relationships.
Timeline
The timeline below shows from the first king to the start of the Exile. The Book of Song of Songs was written during the reign of King Solomon.
Location
Solomon reigned and wrote Song of Songs from Jerusalem, in Judah, of Israel.
Outline
| I. Title (1:1) |
| II. The First Meeting (1:2;2:7) |
| III. The Second Meeting (2:8;3:5) |
| IV. The Third Meeting (3:6;5:1) |
| V. The Fourth Meeting (5:2;6:3) |
| VI. The Fifth Meeting (6:4;8:4) |
| VII. The Literary Climax (8:5-7) |
| VIII. The Conclusion (8:8-14) |
Observations
- Solomon is mentioned 7 times in the book.
- Song of Solomon:
- Is a love song.
- Abounds in:
- Metaphors
- Oriental imagery.
- The book is arranged like scenes in a drama.
- There are three main speakers in the book.
- The bride (a Shulamite girl)
- The king (Solomon)
- A chorus (daughters of Jerusalem)
- By the time of Song of Solomon, Solomon’s harem had:
- 700 queens
- 300 concubines
- 640 more queens to be chosen
- 220 more concubines to be chosen
- Song of Solomon depicts:
- The wooing and wedding of a shepherdess by King Solomon.
- The joys and heartaches of a shepherdess by King Solomon.
- Although Solomon knew 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32), song of Solomon is considered the greatest.
- Song of Solomon alludes to:
- 21 species of plants
- 15 species of animals
- Song of Solomon refers to 15 geographical locations from Lebanon in the north to Egypt in the south.
- Kedar (1:5)
- Egypt (1:9)
- En Gedi (1:14)
- Sharon (2:1)
- Senir (4:8)
- Hermon (4:8)
- Tizrah (6:4)
- Heshbon (7:4)
- Jerusalem (2:7)
- Damascus (7:4)
- Lebanon (3:9)
- Carmel (7:5)
- Mount Gilead (4:1)
- Baal-Hamon (8:11)
- Amana (4:8)
- “Shulamite” may have been derived from the town of Shunem, located southwest of the Sea of Galilee in the land assigned to Issachar.
- 49 words appear in Song of Solomon that are not to be found anywhere else in the Bible.
- Song of Solomon is a book about the love of a man and a woman and its dimensions of:
- Attraction
- Desire
- Union
- Separation
- Companionship
- Faithfulness
- Pleasure
- Praise
Old Testament
New Testament
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