***
Introduction
The Song of Solomon is sometimes called “The Song of Songs,” an expression which is found in the first verse. In fact, one could argue that “The Song of Solomon” is just an abbreviated version of “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.” The oldest traditions attribute authorship of the book to Solomon.
Jews use this love poem in marriage celebrations. It’s also useful as an allegory, serving to describe the Lord’s love for Israel in the Old Testament, His love for the church in the New Testament, and His love for humanity in the kingdom of God ever since. Certainly, the metaphorical relationship between bride and bridegroom is used from one end of the New Testament to the other – and in the rest of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament as well.
Whether read literally or allegorically, readers should keep in mind that the sentiments expressed between the parties in this song are being expressed in a spirit of celebration – in other words, when the relationship is going really well. Allowances have to be made for adjustments in emotion, if not in commitment, when times are not so good. For example, the Lord cannot be feeling great affection for us when we are being unfaithful to Him. Though He will not forsake us, He can feel great pain from our sins. We must remember this so that we do not bring pain to the one we love.
This book is not easy for us to read. For one thing, it employs metaphors from ancient agrarian times that don’t seem as romantic to us as they did in their original setting. For another, the song is constructed with the bride saying this, the bridegroom saying that, and a chorus chiming in here and there. It would be a lot easier to follow in the original Hebrew. A few English translations provide indicators of who is saying what, but that involves some guesswork so they don’t always agree. For example, I compared two that I have. In the case of Song 1:4, one translation divided the verse with the first two lines being spoken to the Bride and the rest by the Chorus. The other gave the first line to the Bride, the next two to the Chorus, the next to the Bride, and the rest to the Chorus. Therefore, there’s no simple way to make reading this book easier. However, when it comes to the Bible, there’s always gold to be found among the dust. This book just requires more digging than most.
***
Song of Solomon 1
The Young Shulammite Bride and Jerusalem’s Daughters
Song 1:1-7
Song 1:1 – “The Song of Songs” is a biblical figure of speech claiming that it is the best of all songs – like “king of kings” or “holy of holies.” ***** “Solomon’s“
Song 1:3 – The King James Version renders “Your name is like purified oil” this way:
Song 1:3 KJV “thy name is as ointment poured forth”
The name of Jesus is like an ointment poured forth. In fact, His name “Christ” implies oil or ointment because it means “anointed.” (Anointed/Messiah/Christ/King) Oil has both general health and medicinal implications. Jesus Christ came to be poured out on the planet for its healing. That healing starts with the human soul.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon speaks similarly – and even more to the point made above:
Eccl 7:1 A good name is better than a good ointment…
Song 1:5 – “Jerusalem“ ***** “Solomon“
Song 1:7 – “soul“
Solomon, the Lover, Speaks
Song 1:8-17
***
Song of Solomon 2
The Bride’s Admiration
Song 2:1-17
Song 2:7 – “Jerusalem“
***
Song of Solomon 3
The Bride’s Troubled Dream
Song 3:1-5
Song 3:1 – “soul“
Song 3:2 – “soul
Song 3:3 – “soul
Song 3:4 – “soul
Song 3:5 – “Jerusalem“
Solomon’s Wedding Day
Song 3:6-11
Song 3:7 – “Solomon“
Song 3:9 – “Solomon“
Song 3:10 – “Jerusalem“
Song 3:11 – “Solomon“
***
Song of Solomon 4
Solomon’s Love Expressed
Song 4:1-16
***
Song of Solomon 5
The Torment of Separation
Song 5:1-9
Song 5:8 – “Jerusalem“
Admiration by the Bride
Song 5:10-16
Song 5:16 – “Jerusalem“
***
Song of Solomon 6
Mutual Delight in Each Other
Song 6:1-13
Song 6:4 – “Jerusalem“
Song 6:12 – “soul“
***
Song of Solomon 7
Admiration by the Bridegroom
Song 7:1-9
The Union of Love
Song 7:10-13
***
Song of Solomon 8
The Lovers Speak
Song 8:1-14
Song 8:4 – “Jerusalem“
Song 8:11 – “Solomon“
Song 8:12 – “Solomon“
A Bible Reader's Website 