Summary of Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a unique book in the Bible, presented as a collection of love poems. It poetically explores the beauty, passion, and intimacy of romantic love between a man and a woman, celebrating it as a divine gift.
Song of Solomon 8:6"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD."
Start Your Study
Read Chapter 1
Overview of Song of Solomon
As part of the Bible's wisdom literature, the Song of Solomon offers a theological perspective on human love and desire. While historically interpreted allegorically as a picture of God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the Church, its most direct reading celebrates the goodness of physical and emotional intimacy within the context of a committed, covenantal relationship.
Structure of Song of Solomon
The Courtship: Longing and Praise (1:1-3:5)
Mutual Admiration (1:1-2:7) → Separation and Seeking (2:8-3:5)
This opening section introduces the lovers who express their deep admiration and longing for one another. It captures the excitement and anticipation of new love, including a dream sequence where the woman searches for her beloved in the city.
The Wedding: Union and Celebration (3:6-5:1)
The Royal Procession (3:6-11) → The Bride's Beauty (4:1-15) → The Consummation (4:16-5:1)
This central section appears to describe the wedding day. It features a grand procession, the lover's detailed praise of his bride's beauty, and a poetic depiction of their union, using rich garden imagery to symbolize intimacy and fulfillment.
The Maturing Love: Conflict and Reunion (5:2-8:4)
A Troubled Dream (5:2-6:3) → Praise and Reconciliation (6:4-8:4)
Love is tested in this section through another dream of separation, reflecting a more mature relationship that faces challenges. The subsequent reunion is marked by renewed praise and a deeper, more secure appreciation for one another.
The Climax: The Power of Love (8:5-8:14)
Journey from the Wilderness (8:5) → The Seal of Love (8:6-7) → Concluding Dialogue (8:8-14)
The book concludes with a powerful poetic statement on the nature of love. It is described as an unquenchable flame, as strong as death itself, affirming its divine origin and enduring power.
How to Read Song of Solomon
Read the Song of Solomon as a unified poetic work celebrating the gift of human love. Pay attention to the rich, sensory imagery drawn from nature - gardens, vineyards, animals - which is used to describe the lovers and their relationship. Realize that this celebration of human love gives an indirect look at the passion and joy God intended for covenant relationships.
- The recurring refrain 'Do not stir up or awaken love until it pleases' (2:7, 3:5, 8:4), which emphasizes patience and proper timing in love.
- The use of garden imagery to symbolize the beloved's body and the intimacy of the relationship.
- The cycle of presence and absence, seeking and finding, which illustrates the dynamic nature of love.
Key Takeaway
The Song of Solomon provides a divinely inspired endorsement of romantic love, desire, and marital intimacy. It sanctifies the human experience of love by presenting it as a powerful, beautiful, and sacred gift from God, meant to be cherished and celebrated within the security of a committed relationship. Its place in Scripture suggests that this dimension of human life is a vital part of God's good creation.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Start Your Study
The best way to understand Song of Solomon is to start reading. Our guide to Chapter 1 breaks down the creation story, its key themes, and its theological importance.
Start Reading Chapter 1