
Song of Solomon Introduction
The Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is a poetic dialogue that celebrates love, intimacy, and the beauty of marriage. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon, it portrays the romantic relationship between a bride (the Shulamite woman) and her beloved (often understood to be Solomon). This book is interpreted both as a literal love poem and as an allegory of God's love for His people or Christ’s love for the church.
A recurring phrase, “Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4), emphasizes patience, timing, and spiritual wisdom in relationships. It advises waiting for love to unfold naturally, aligning with God’s purpose instead of rushing into relationships driven by desire or societal pressure. This wisdom underscores the importance of spiritual and emotional growth before deep commitment, allowing each person to mature individually to contribute fully to a lasting relationship. Waiting cultivates trust in God’s timing, teaching us that His plan surpasses our impulses and leads to true fulfillment.
In marriage, patience ensures that both partners are prepared to uphold a divine covenant, reinforcing its sacredness. The longing depicted in the book also reflects the Christian anticipation of Christ’s return, where waiting deepens love and commitment. Song of Solomon’s counsel against prematurely “awakening love” extends beyond romance, reminding us to rely on God’s timing in all aspects of life. True fulfillment comes when we wait on His perfect plan for our lives and relationships.
Chapter 1:
The Shulamite woman speaks of her love for her beloved, expressing her longing and desire to be near him. She praises his attractiveness and reflects on how she feels unworthy due to her appearance, yet desires his affection. The beloved responds by complimenting her beauty. This chapter captures the early stage of love, full of admiration and yearning for each other.
Chapter 2:
The Shulamite compares herself to a rose and expresses joy in her relationship, describing her beloved as a fruitful apple tree. She recalls a moment of celebration under the banner of love. The beloved calls her to join him, and they both admire the beauty of springtime. The chapter highlights mutual love, desire, and the invitation to deepen the relationship.
Chapter 3:
The Shulamite recounts a dream where she searches for her beloved at night. She looks for him in the city but cannot find him until she finally locates him and brings him to her mother’s house. The chapter then shifts to a procession of Solomon's royal entourage, emphasizing the grandeur of his appearance and the safety he provides. The themes include love’s search and the joy of reunion.
Chapter 4:
The beloved speaks in admiration of the Shulamite’s beauty, using vivid and poetic imagery to describe her features. He invites her to come with him and expresses how captivated he is by her love. The chapter ends with her willingness to surrender herself to him, symbolizing the consummation of their love. It portrays deep affection and the celebration of physical attraction within love.
Chapter 5:
The Shulamite dreams of her beloved knocking at her door, but she hesitates to open it. When she finally opens, he has gone, and she searches for him desperately. She encounters watchmen who mistreat her. She then asks the women of Jerusalem to help her find him, praising his incomparable beauty and character. The chapter explores themes of love’s absence, longing, and admiration.
Chapter 6:
The women of Jerusalem ask the Shulamite where her beloved has gone. She responds by affirming their love is mutual and that he is in his garden, tending his flocks. The beloved once again praises her beauty and compares her to great cities, emphasizing her uniqueness among women. The chapter focuses on reconciliation and the reaffirmation of love after separation.
Chapter 7:
The beloved continues to describe the Shulamite’s beauty in intimate detail. His admiration reflects deep passion, and he invites her to come away with him to enjoy the fruits of their love. The Shulamite responds with desire, expressing her eagerness to be with him. This chapter highlights the physical and emotional intimacy between the lovers.
Chapter 8:
The Shulamite wishes for more freedom to express her love in public, without fear of judgment. She reflects on the strength of love, comparing it to death and fire—intense and unquenchable. The book ends with a mutual longing for one another, as the Shulamite desires to see her beloved swiftly return. The chapter concludes with the power of love and its enduring nature.