Song of Solomon

Author: Solomon
Date of Writing: 10th century BC
Type of Book: Poetic
Theme: A love story

This book is one of three written by King Solomon, the son of David. We are most familiar with the book of Proverbs, which he wrote when he was a mature adult. We also have the book of Ecclesiastes, which Solomon wrote as an older man who had turned away from God for many years, and who then reflected on the meaning of life apart from God.

Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon when he was a young man, speaking about the romance and optimism of young love. Solomon wrote over 1,000 songs (1 Kgs. 4:32), but this one is “the Song of Songs” - his biggest hit. There are several different interpretations that have been applied to this book. On the surface, it is a beautiful love story describing the romantic relationship between a husband and wife. It is this literal understanding and application that makes many people uncomfortable with the book. The Jews at one time wouldn’t let their sons read it until they were thirty years old. But God created marriage, romance, and physical intimacy. So there is no reason to shy away from this element of the story.

However, there is much more to it than that. The rabbis saw Somg of Solomon as an allegory describing God’s love for Israel. As such, it is a beautiful expression of the heart of God for His chosen people. The Bible often uses this analogy, but in this book it finds it’s full expression.

Yet there is still another allegory, and that is the love that Christ had for the church, which is called the bride of Christ. Jesus draws us to Himself, preparing us as His bride. We will one day be together at the marriage supper of the Lamb, which will bring to full fruition our relationship with Him as we will then forever live with Him as His bride.

Although this book can be read and applied on these different levels, I think it is in this understanding of Christ’s relationship with His church that the Song of Solomon finds it’s deepest and greatest purpose.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith: The Word for Today Bible