Song of Solomon – Important Events, Characters, and Doctrines

Writer:

The traditional author of the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is King Solomon. The opening verse attributes the work to Solomon (Song of Solomon 1:1), who is known for his wisdom and for writing many songs (1 Kings 4:32). However, some scholars suggest that the book might have been composed by another poet during or after Solomon’s reign, either in his honor or using his name to lend authority to the work.

Date of Writing:

If Solomon is the author, the Song of Solomon would have been written during his reign in the 10th century B.C. (c. 970–931 B.C.). If the book was composed later, it could have been written anytime between the 10th and 5th centuries B.C., with some scholars proposing a date closer to the post-exilic period (5th century B.C.).

Important Events:

The Song of Solomon is a lyrical poem and does not narrate specific historical events. Instead, it is a collection of love poems that celebrate the beauty, passion, and intimacy of romantic love between a man and a woman. The “events” in the book are more symbolic, representing the different stages of a romantic relationship.

Key poetic “events” and themes include:

1. The Courtship (Chapters 1-2):

   • The poem opens with expressions of mutual admiration and desire between the lovers. They praise each other’s physical beauty and express longing for one another. The setting often shifts between the countryside and the royal palace, reflecting the different phases of their relationship.

2. The Wedding Procession (Chapter 3):

   • The imagery of a royal wedding procession is presented, with Solomon as the groom coming to meet his bride. This section celebrates the grandeur and joy of the wedding day.

3. The Consummation of Love (Chapters 4-5):

   • The central part of the poem describes the consummation of the marriage, using rich and sensual imagery to depict the physical and emotional union of the lovers. This section is often interpreted as a celebration of marital love and intimacy.

4. The Lover’s Search (Chapter 5:2-6:3):

   • The bride dreams of her beloved and searches for him when he is absent. This section reflects the pain of separation and the joy of reunion, symbolizing the ups and downs of love.

5. The Power of Love (Chapters 7-8):

   • The final chapters celebrate the enduring power of love, emphasizing its strength, intensity, and unquenchable nature. The poem concludes with the lovers reaffirming their commitment to each other, expressing the idea that true love is as strong as death and cannot be extinguished.

Key Characters:

1. The Shulammite Woman (the Bride):

   • The main female character, often referred to as the Shulammite, is celebrated for her beauty and grace. She is the beloved of the male protagonist, and her voice is prominent throughout the poem as she expresses her love and longing.

2. The Beloved (the Bridegroom):

   • The male protagonist, often identified with King Solomon, is portrayed as the lover and husband of the Shulammite woman. He praises her beauty and expresses deep affection and desire for her.

3. The Daughters of Jerusalem:

   • A chorus of women who serve as the audience and commentators within the poem. They observe and sometimes interact with the main characters, providing reflections on love and its challenges.

4. The Brothers of the Shulammite:

   • The Shulammite’s brothers make a brief appearance, reflecting the protective role of family members in ancient courtship practices.

5. The Watchmen:

   • Characters who appear in the Shulammite’s dream sequence, representing obstacles or barriers in her search for her beloved. They may symbolize societal or personal challenges in the pursuit of love.

Key Doctrines and Themes:

1. The Celebration of Romantic Love:

   • The Song of Solomon is a profound celebration of romantic love between a man and a woman. It emphasizes the beauty, passion, and joy of love, portraying it as a gift from God that should be cherished and honored within the bounds of marriage.

2. The Sacredness of Marriage:

   • The poem celebrates the physical and emotional union of husband and wife, highlighting the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage. The mutual desire, respect, and commitment of the lovers reflect the ideal of marital love as intended by God.

3. The Power of Love:

   • Love is portrayed as a powerful and enduring force that transcends all obstacles. In one of the most famous passages, love is described as being “as strong as death” and “its jealousy unyielding as the grave” (Song of Solomon 8:6-7). This reflects the intensity and unbreakable nature of true love.

4. The Beauty of Creation:

   • The natural world plays a significant role in the imagery of the Song of Solomon. The lovers frequently use metaphors from nature—such as flowers, fruits, animals, and landscapes—to describe each other’s beauty and the richness of their love. This reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty of creation as a backdrop for human love.

5. The Joy of Intimacy:

   • The poem celebrates physical intimacy within marriage as a source of joy and fulfillment. The lovers’ mutual delight in each other’s bodies and the poetic language used to describe their union underscore the importance of physical affection and tenderness in a loving relationship.

6. The Seasons of Love:

   • The Song of Solomon reflects the different seasons and stages of love, from the excitement of courtship to the deepening of affection in marriage. The changing seasons and cycles of nature mirror the evolving relationship of the lovers, suggesting that love grows and matures over time.

7. Allegorical Interpretations:

   • Throughout history, many Jewish and Christian interpreters have viewed the Song of Solomon as an allegory. In Jewish tradition, it has often been seen as a representation of the love between God and Israel. In Christian tradition, it has been interpreted as symbolizing the love between Christ and the Church or between Christ and the individual soul. While these allegorical readings offer deep spiritual insights, the poem also stands as a literal celebration of human love.

The Song of Solomon is a unique book in the Bible, offering a poetic and passionate portrayal of love, beauty, and desire. It highlights the importance of love in human relationships and provides a theological reflection on the divine gift of love in marriage. Whether read as a literal love poem or an allegory of divine love, the Song of Solomon continues to inspire and challenge readers with its rich and evocative imagery.