Bible Commentaries
Song of Solomon

XXIX

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SONG OF SOLOMON

Solomon wrote this book. It is attributed to him in the title and the internal evidence strongly supports it. He wrote it probably early in his reign as king, and its place as an integral part of the Scriptures has never been questioned. There is quite a bit of evidence of its fitting into other scriptures. There are back references to Genesis and some of the Prophets refer to it. There are also New Testament references to it, some of which cannot be explained except by this book.

This poem is an exquisite gem of literature. It is a dramatico-lyrical pastoral poem concerning love. By "dramatic" is meant a form of literature that gives idealized representations of human experience. By "lyrical" is meant that it is fitted to be sung to a lyre. Hence it is appropriate for a song. By "pastoral" is meant a poem describing the life and manners of shepherds. "It is a poem in which any action or passion is represented by its effects on a country life," – Rambler. The whole scenery of Palestine is here referred to.

Many plants and trees are named in this book, as follows: cedars, firs, thorns, apple tree, fig tree, henna, spikenard, saffron, calamus, cinnamon) aloe, wheat, palm tree, and mandrake.

Several animals are referred to in it, viz: roes, hinds, harts, foxes, goats, lions, leopards, and fawns.

The mountains referred to are Bether, Lebanon, Gilead, Amana, Senir, Hermon, and Carmel.

Many other things of interest are mentioned in this book. The cities mentioned are Jerusalem, Tirzah, and Damascus; other places are Engedi, Sharon, Zion, Mahanaim, Heshbon, Bathrabbim, and Baal-hammon; the flowers are henna flower, rose, and lily; the nations are Kedar and Israel; the perfumes are spikenard, myrrh, frankincense, oils, and spices; the birds are the dove (turtle dove) and raven; the prominent characters are Solomon, Pharaoh, and David; the heavenly bodies are the sun and moon; the precious things are jewels, silver; gold, purple, beryl, ivory, sapphires, and marble; the foods and fruits are raisins, apples, figs, pomegranates, honey, milk, and honeycomb; the name of God, mentioned one time, is Jehovah.

The speakers in this book are Solomon, the Shulammite and the Daughters of Jerusalem.

There are three methods, or ways, of interpreting this book:

1. The historical and literal, representing love between man and woman. In this it is plain, that there is no spiritual application and that the subject of love between man and woman is deserving of a place in the Bible.

2. The second method claims that the book has a historical basis and is typical of Christ and his people, showing his love for them and their love for him.

3. The third method claims it to be an allegory setting forth Christ’s love for his people and their relation to him. This is in line with all the older interpretations and is really the only one tenable. There is nothing in history to indicate that this is literal or to indicate in the least that it even has a historical basis.

The analysis of the book consists of the title, a prologue, four parts, and an epilogue, as follows:

The Title (Song of Solomon 1:1) : Name and author of the book.

The Prologue (Song of Solomon 1:2-6): The bride speaking and expressing her desire.

Part I (Song of Solomon 1:7-2:7):
The bride and the groom speak to each other.

Part II (Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5):
1. The bride tells of the bridegroom and how he serenades (Song of Solomon 2:8-14):

2. Alienation between them caused by little foxes (Song of Solomon 2:15-17);

3. How she went out to find him to be reconciled to him (Song of Solomon 3:1-5).

Part III (Song of Solomon 3:6-8:4):
1. A description of the bridegroom (Song of Solomon 3:6-11)

2. How he wooed her (Song of Solomon 4:1-15)

3. She, charmed by his wooing, gives him an invitation (Song of Solomon 4:16)

4. He accepts the invitation, comes and knocks at the door (Song of Solomon 5:1)

5. Half asleep she does not open to him (Song of Solomon 5:2-5)

6. He, wounded at her delay, went away (Song of Solomon 5:5-6)

7. She finally goes to the door and finds that he is gone and then goes out to seek for him and is maltreated by the city watchman (Song of Solomon 5:7)

8. She appeals to the daughters of Jerusalem (Song of Solomon 5:8)

9. They ask his value (Song of Solomon 5:9)

10. Her reply (Song of Solomon 5:10-16)

11. Their second inquiry (Song of Solomon 6:1)

12. Her reply (Song of Solomon 6:2-3)

13. He comes on the scene and again speaks his love (Song of Solomon 6:4-9)

14. While speaking a kind of soliloquy he sees her and exclaims (Song of Solomon 6:10)

15. The groom goes down into the garden (Song of Solomon 6:11-12)

16. He pleads for her return (Song of Solomon 6:13 a)

17. The daughters ask why he looks upon her as the dance of Mahanaim (Song of Solomon 6:13 b)

18. He describes her beauty (Song of Solomon 7:1-9)

19. She declares her love and invites him to the field (Song of Solomon 7:10 to Song of Solomon 8:4)

Part IV (Song of Solomon 8:5-10):
1. The daughters see them coming and ask who she is (Song of Solomon 8:5)

2. He speaks to her of their first acquaintance (Song of Solomon 8:5 b)

3. She speaks of love and jealousy in contrast, and also of her little sister (Song of Solomon 8:6-8)

4. He speaks in reply, of the little sister (Song of Solomon 8:9)

5. She speaks of herself as a wall (Song of Solomon 8:10)

Epilogue: She speaks and vows to do her part (Song of Solomon 8:11-14).

QUESTIONS

1. Who wrote the Song of Solomon and what the evidence?

2. When did he write it?

3. What of its place in the canon of Scripture?

4. Is there any evidence as to its fitting into other scriptures?

5. Are there any New Testament references to it?

6. What of the character of this poem?

7. What is the literary form of this book? (Explain the terms used.)

8. What plants and trees are named in the book?

9. What animals are referred to in it?

10. What mountains are referred to?

11. What other things of interest are mentioned in this book?

12. Who arethe speakers in this book?

13. What are the several methods of interpretation and which is the correct one and why?

14. What is the analysis of the book?