Song of Songs (Solomon)

Author: Probably Solomon (date of writing: c.970-930 B.C.).

Title: In English, this book has several names, including “Song of Solomon,” “Song of Songs,” and “Canticles.” All these titles reflect the original Hebrew name: “Solomon’s Song of Songs.” “Canticles” is derived more immediately from the Latin title, Canticum Canticorum (“Song of Songs”). The title in the Septuagint is Odai (“Songs”).

Summary: This book is composed of speeches, or dialogues, in Hebrew poetry. It portrays the beauty and pure love between a man and a woman that develops into a mature undying relationship. More in-depth symbolism shows the relationship between Christ and his bride, the body of believers, which will be consummated at his return. The basic message is the purity and sacredness of love.

Breakdown:

PART 1: The bride selected from Israel: Chapter 1:1 – 5:1

• Song 1: The bride’s ardent love and becoming humility: 1:1-8
• Song 2: Love’s communion and self-sacrificing devotion: 1:9 – 2:7
• Song 3: Signs of his coming: 2:8-17
• Song 4: His sudden appearance: 3:1-5
• Song 5: The splendour of the marriage: 3:6 – 4:7
• Song 6: Entering the inheritance: 4:8 – 5:1

PART 2: The bride selected from the Gentiles: Chapter 5:2 – 8:14

• Song 7: The first advent call and espousal of bride: 5:2 – 6:10
• Song 8: Anticipating his coming: 6:11-13
• Song 9: The flowing beauty of the bride: 7:1-9
• Song 10: The bride’s longing for the groom’s return: 7:10 -8:4
• Song 11: The joy and communion of true marriage: 8:5-7
• Song 12: Love’s labour in the future: 8:8-14