Solomon (also called Song of Songs) Overview

I am sorry this wasn’t posted earlier…New Book Tomorrow!  I call it Song of Songs, some call it Solomon.

There is much debate over this book.  Actually, when the council of Jamnia in 90 A.D. was affirming the Old Testament books as inspired by God they questioned 5 of them:

1. The book of Esther does not contain the name God at all
2. Some passages in Proverbs appeared controversial (hmm wonder if it was 31..haha, just kidding, a little!)
3. Ezekiel chapters 40-48 appears to conflict with Moses Law
4. Ecclesiastes was too pessimistic
5. Song of Solomon for its sexual nature

Song of Songs: Think about the name, it is like the saying: the King of Kings or the best of the best!  Solomon wrote 1,005 songs and this is the one that God chose to put in the Bible as the “best”.   This book can be read as an allegory of God’s love for His church. It can also be read as poetic drama explaining:

1. Engagement (1:1-3:5)
2. Wedding (including the wedding night) 3:6-5:1
3. Marriage (5:2-8:14)

(Some say it is both.)

This book is about Sex, Love, Commitment, Beauty, and Problems.

There are 3 Characters in this book.

• Beloved (Shulamite girl)
• Lover (Solomon)
• Friends (Friends)

This Poem was written probably while Solomon was still young.  He fell in love with the most beautiful woman in the land (in his eyes).   Some say it is Abishag the Shulammite (the woman who cared for David on his deathbed),  but we truly do not know.

Solomon eventually will have over 700 wives and 300 concubines. (Bless their hearts). But we assume this poem is about his first wedding.

Poetry is a language of imagery, using similes and metaphors.  I will post a blog tomorrow trying to break down some of them, but if you don’t need it-just go on with your day.   I will be reading in NIV (creature of habit), but just like we did for Job, feel free to pick another version if you think it might help.  I am not strong on poetry and I make no bones about it.