Read the Passage: Song of Solomon 1–4
Authorship and Date – While this book is technically anonymous, Solomon’s name appears seven times in this book (cf. Song. 1:1, 5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11, 12). In all likelihood, the Song of Solomon was written by Solomon during the early part of his 40-year reign (ca. 971–931 BC). This book constitutes one of the 1005 songs that Solomon penned (cf. 1 Kings 4:32). Since cities in both the north and the south of Israel are mentioned, it is certain that this book was written before the nation was divided. Note that some Bibles title this book the “Song of Songs” (NIV, CSB) while others label it, the “Song of Solomon” (ESV, NKJV). This relates to how different versions view the opening verse, which reads, “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s” (Song 1:1). Observe that the Song of Solomon is unique among Old Testament books, for God is not mentioned by name in this book, nor is this book explicitly quoted in the New Testament.
Theme and Purpose – Taken at face value, which seems to be the best way to read the Song of Solomon, this book is a personal song written by Solomon about an unnamed Shulamite, who may have been his first wife. She was likely from the town of Shunem in southern Galilee. Some have identified this girl with Abishag the Shunammite who cared for King David at the end of his life (cf. 1 Kings 1:1–4). The setting for the Song of Solomon is Jerusalem, as well as the hill country north of Jerusalem where Solomon kept a vineyard and flocks (cf. Eccl. 2:4–7). Note that this book covers about 12 months of time. Some readers have suggested an allegorical interpretation of this book, teaching that the book is about Christ and the church and not about human marriage. Yet, it seems better to read this book literally, and then to apply the concept of marriage to the Christ-church relationship (cf. Eph. 5:25–26). A good summary of the Song of Solomon is Heb. 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
Structure and Outline – Given the poetic style of this book, Song of Solomon is notoriously difficult to outline. A suggested outline is as follows:
- Story (Song. 1:1–2:7)
- Courtship (Song. 2:8–3:5)
- Ceremony (Song. 3:6–5:1)
- Misunderstanding (Song. 5:2–9)
- Restoration (Song. 5:10–8:4)
- Reaffirmation (Song. 8:5–14)
Story (Song. 1:1–2:7)
The majority of the verses in Song of Solomon are spoken by the Shulamite, whose name is never disclosed. In Song. 1:1–2:7 the Shulamite reveals the setting for this narrative, as she recounts her memories of and desire for Solomon, who is referred to as “my beloved” twenty-four times in this book, but never directly by name. Several observations about this passage are appropriate. First, note the Shunamite’s concern for her appearance (cf. Song. 1:5–6), but comfort in presenting herself as she is (cf. Song. 1:7). Second, note the Shunamite’s sexual purity, as she identifies herself as a “virgin” (Song. 1:3) and exhorts others not to “awaken love until it pleases” (Song. 2:7). Third, note the expressive, poetic language that is used, as the couple states their love for one another using word pictures and terms of endearment. This pattern of language will continue throughout the book.
Courtship (Song. 2:8–3:5)
In Song. 2:8–3:5 the Shunamite continues her expression and recounting of her love for Solomon. In the opening verses of this section the Shunamite imagines Solomon either coming to get her at the beginning of their relationship, or she is imagining him coming for her before their wedding. Note that in Jewish culture, after a period of betrothal that lasted about 12 months, the bride and bridesmaids would retreat to the bride’s home and await the arrival of the bridegroom. The bridegroom would arrive, the wedding would occur at the bride’s home, and then the bridegroom would lead the bride to his home for the honeymoon (cf. Matt. 25:1–13). Next, in Song. 3:1–4 the Shunamite seems to recall a bad dream when Solomon did not come for her. As with Song. 2:7, so here in Song. 3:5 the Shunamite proclaims her sexual purity and encourages others to remain pure, as well.
Ceremony (Song. 3:6–5:1)
Song. 3:6–5:1 describes Solomon’s coming for the Shunamite (cf. Song. 3:6–11), the wedding vows (cf. Song. 4:1–7), and the couple’s consummation of their marriage (cf. Song. 4:8–5:1). Unlike the previous two chapters, this section of the Song of Solomon consists mostly of Solomon’s own words. Observe that some of the most intimate and well-known language in this book appears in Song. 4:1–5:1. Several observations about this section are in order. First, note the change in vocabulary in this part of the book. Here new terms appear such as “wedding” (Song. 3:11) and “bride” (Song. 4:8). Second, note that whereas prior to this section the Shunamite was concerned with sexual restraint (cf. Song. 1:3; 2:7; 3:5), here she changes from referring to herself as a closed garden (cf. Song. 4:12) to an “open garden” (Song. 4:16a) and even as “his garden” (Song. 4:16b).
Application Questions:
- What do you know about the book Song of Solomon? Have you ever read this book before?
- What are the biblical purpose(s) of marriage? Is marriage a Christian institution or a human institution?
- How has marriage been devalued by our culture? How can believers uphold the biblical ideal of marriage?
- In what ways does the institution of marriage reflect the union between Christ and the church?
- Given the practical nature of this book, why is it placed with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament?
