Song of Solomon -- Introduction

Here is the introduction I wrote for my Ugandan friends:

Song of Solomon: This book is a series of lyric poems on the theme of the love between men and women. It is a celebration of human love. The poems are difficult to analyze and are often interpreted allegorically. The Jews saw them as an allegory for the love of God for Israel and many Christians have interpreted Song of Solomon as an allegory for the love of Christ for his Bride, the Church. Originally these may be songs that were written to be sung during the traditional week long wedding feast where the Bride and Groom are crowned king and queen. The poems, as they stand, celebrate the beauty and wonder of human love. There is rather frank and open delight in physical attraction which reminds us that even human physical love is a good gift from God when used within the laws God has given.

Song of Solomon can be outlined as follows:

·         Song 1:1-11     Opening songs of man and woman telling of their love

·         Song 1:12-2:7 The lovers together

·         Song 2:8-17     The season for love

·         Song 3:1-5       Separation and reunion

·         Song 3:6-11     Solomon’s wedding procession

·         Song 4:1-12     The lover’s description of the maiden

·         Song 4:15-5:1  Sensitive metaphors

·         Song 5:2-8       The maiden’s dream song

·         Song 5:9-7:9    Descriptions of the beloved

·         Song 7:10-8:4  Love’s fulfillment

·         Song 8:5-7       Authentic love

·         Song 8:8-12     The little sister

·         Song 8:13-14   The lovers together

Vital Lesson: This poem is a celebration of human love and especially love between husband and wife. In Genesis we learn that “two become one” in the bond of marriage. The Song of Solomon reminds us that God celebrates this love and encourages us in it.