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Summary The Song of Songs is a book in poetic form that sings of the love between a bridegroom and a bride. Through a relationship in which they seek, love, and delight in each other, it shows the beauty and intimacy of love. This relationship of love calls to mind the relationship between God and His people, and it leads us to consider the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church, to which Scripture ultimately bears witness.
- Date written
- c. 10th century BC tradition, or later editing
- Historical period
- Wisdom/poetic tradition
Background
The Song of Songs begins with the title “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s,” and it has traditionally been understood as a song associated with Solomon. The exact date of writing cannot be known, but it is generally understood in connection with the time of Solomon. This book was written in the form of Hebrew poetry and consists of dialogues and songs between the bridegroom and the bride. It has the characteristics of poetic literature expressing the beauty of love and relationship.
Content
Song of Songs 1–2 is the section in which the bridegroom and the bride express their love and longing for each other. They sing of each other’s beauty and show the joy they share in love. This picture calls to mind the relationship in which God loves His people and His people long for God. Song of Songs 3–5 shows a relationship of love that deepens as the lover is sought and found. Seeking and finding, joy and waiting are repeated, and the intimacy of love is emphasized. This flow leads us to consider the relationship between God and His people, and ultimately calls to mind the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. Song of Songs 6–8 concludes by emphasizing the beauty and steadfastness of love. It says that love does not easily fade away and has great strength. This song of love does not stop at mere human love but leads us to consider the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church, to which Scripture ultimately bears witness. In this sense, through the language of love, the Song of Songs reflects the relationship in which Christ loves His people.