Song of Solomon

Background
Title
The title in Hebrew reads 'Solomon's Song of Songs'. The Latin word is 'Canticles'. The construction of 'Song of Songs' indicates that this is the greatest and highest of all songs, similar to 'King of kings and Lord of lords'. (1 Timothy 6:15)

Canon
The placement of the book in the canon of Scripture has been questioned by some on the basis that the word God is not found in the book and the New Testament does not quote from it. But the simple fact that it has always been placed among the other Old Testament books is strong reason for accepting it. The Jewish debate was resolved by the famous declaration of Rabbi Akiva where he highly regarded the book calling it the Holy of Holies and most holy of sacred writings.

Content
The book is an oriental love song between King Solomon and the Shulamite woman. Song of Solomon 6:13 Being a Shulamite meant that she was probably from the city of Shunaem, a village near the plain of Megiddo, to the north of Jezreel.

This Shulamite woman was a peasant girl whose family was responsible for the care of King Solomon's vineyard. Due to the death of her father she was responsible for the bulk of the work seeing how she was the oldest daughter. Her brothers would give her the difficult tasks to perform. All of her available time for courtship was taken up in her work. (Song of Solomon 1:6)

While tending the flocks a handsome shepherd came by and had pity on her condition. Their friendship developed into affection and then blossomed into love. He promised to return one day and make her his bride. He was gone a long time, causing her to dream of him often. Then he finally returns and makes her his bride.

Interpretation
Students of the Song of Solomon differ widely as to the interpretation of the book.

Allegory
Both Jews and Christians have put forth the idea that the book is an allegory about God’s love for Israel or the Church. In the Christian Church this was first held by Origen (A.D. 185-254). According to this interpretation the events which are described never actually took place but are a picture of God's love for Israel or Christ's dealings with the Church. But the book does have a strong historical reference to fifteen or more geographical locations. While the book certainly points to Christ and the Church this is no justification for denying its historicity and treating it simply as an allegory.

Drama
The naturalistic school of interpretation handles the book as a simple poem of human love, with no typical or figurative reference to the Church whatsoever. The emphasis according to this interpretation is on the purity and beauty of love expressed within the context of marriage and that it should not be despised. This view is supported from the frank descriptions of the physical side of love found in the book. However the expressions of love are never described in a lewd and cheep way but always with dignity and purity. This view suffers from the fact that Jesus said that He is found in all of the Old Testament Scriptures. (Luke 24:44)

Wisdom Literature
To view this book simply as a love drama is to miss the connection with the wisdom style of Solomon's day. The major characteristic of wisdom literature is its emphasis on common, everyday human experiences. Proverbs speaks of human love in a similar way. (Proverbs 5:15-19)

The Song of Solomon is a wisdom song which celebrates the beauty and glory of marital love. It teaches the blessing of purity and faithfulness in the God given institution of marriage. (Genesis 2:19-25) It reveals the dignity of sexual love and reinforces that it is God ordained and not evil. The fact that humanity is created in the image of God is central to the worth and dignity of sexual love between men and women. (Genesis 1:27)

But the fact that the Song of Solomon is found in the Scriptures points to the purpose of wisdom literature, this love must be understood in the larger sphere of God’s love for us. While the book does not appear to be an allegory or typology, it cannot help but turn our eye to the love of Christ for his Church as a bridegroom for His bride. (Jeremiah 2:2; Hosea 2:14-20; Ephesians 5:22-23) One greater than Solomon has come in the Lord Jesus Christ and will again return for His bride. (Revelation 21:2-17)