The Book of Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon, often referred to as the Song of Songs, stands as a remarkable and unique book within the canon of the Old Testament. Attributed to King Solomon in its opening verse—"The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s" (Song of Solomon 1:1, ESV)—this poetic masterpiece is celebrated as the pinnacle of Solomon’s 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32, ESV). The superlative title "Song of Songs" underscores its preeminence, suggesting that it is the finest expression of lyrical artistry and theological depth in Solomon’s repertoire. Likely composed around 965 B.C. during the early years of Solomon’s reign, the Song of Solomon extols the virtues of love between a husband and his wife, presenting marriage as a divine institution ordained by God. Beyond its surface celebration of human love, however, this book holds profound significance in evangelical theology as an allegory of the relationship between Christ and the Church.

The Song of Solomon is more than a poetic depiction of romantic love; it is a lens through which we glimpse the Gospel—the redemptive love of Christ for His bride, the Church. This dual significance resonates with the New Testament’s portrayal of marriage as a reflection of divine union, as seen in Ephesians 5:25-32, where the Apostle Paul declares, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32, ESV). The Song of Solomon, therefore, serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, weaving together themes of covenantal love, spiritual intimacy, and the sanctification of human relationships. This blog post will explore the Song of Solomon through an evangelical lens, offering an exegetical analysis of key passages, a theological discussion of its implications, and a reflection on its enduring relevance for the Church today.

Exegetical Analysis

To grasp the theological richness of the Song of Solomon, we must first engage in a careful exegetical analysis of its text, rooted in the Bible and informed by the original Hebrew language. This section will examine several pivotal passages, unpacking their meaning and significance within the book’s broader narrative.

Song of Solomon 2:16 – Mutual Possession and Intimacy

One of the most cherished verses in the Song of Solomon is found in chapter 2: "My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies" (Song of Solomon 2:16, ESV). This declaration by the Shulamite bride encapsulates the mutual possession and delight that define her relationship with the king. The Hebrew word for "beloved" is דּוֹד (dod), derived from a root meaning "to love" or "to caress," which conveys deep affection and relational closeness (Brown et al., 2000). The phrase "I am his" (אֲנִי לוֹ, ani lo) uses the possessive pronoun to emphasize exclusivity and devotion, a motif that recurs throughout the song. The pastoral imagery of grazing "among the lilies" evokes purity and beauty, suggesting a love that flourishes in an environment of grace and tenderness.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 – The Indomitable Nature of Love

Another cornerstone passage appears near the book’s conclusion: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised" (Song of Solomon 8:6-7, ESV). Here, the Hebrew word for "love" is אַהֲבָה (ahavah), a term frequently employed in the Old Testament to describe God’s steadfast, covenantal love for Israel (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:8). The imagery of a "seal" (חוֹתָם, chotam), rooted in the verb "to seal" or "to close up," signifies permanence and ownership, akin to a legal or royal mark (Kohlenberger & Swanson, 1998). The comparison of love to "death" and "the grave" underscores its unyielding power, while the phrase "flame of the Lord" (literally שַׁלְהֶבֶתְיָה, shalhevetyah, a compound of "flame" and a shortened form of God’s name) hints at a divine origin, linking human love to God’s eternal nature.

Song of Solomon 4:1 – Beauty as a Holistic Virtue

The king’s praise of his bride in Song of Solomon 4:1 offers further insight: "Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead" (Song of Solomon 4:1, ESV). The Hebrew word for "beautiful" is יָפָה (yapha), which extends beyond physical allure to encompass moral and spiritual excellence (Holladay, 1988). The simile of "doves" (יוֹנִים, yonim) symbolizes peace and gentleness, while the vivid imagery of goats on Gilead’s slopes highlights vitality and abundance. This holistic portrayal of beauty reflects the multifaceted nature of the love celebrated in the song.

Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4 – The Timing of Love

A recurring refrain punctuates the narrative: "I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases" (Song of Solomon 2:7; cf. 3:5; 8:4, ESV). The Hebrew verb עוּר (ur), meaning "to arouse" or "to awaken," carries a sense of caution, advising restraint in matters of love (Gesenius, 1979). This repetition reinforces the book’s wisdom that love must unfold naturally, guided by divine timing rather than human impatience.

These passages, enriched by their Hebrew roots, reveal the Song of Solomon as a tapestry of poetic artistry and theological depth. The keywords—dod, ahavah, chotam, yapha, and ur—illuminate the text’s emphasis on intimacy, permanence, beauty, and patience, providing a robust foundation for its theological interpretation.

Theological Discussion

Building on this exegetical groundwork, we now explore the Song of Solomon’s theological implications from an evangelical perspective. Central to this discussion is the book’s dual significance: it is a literal celebration of marital love and an allegory of the spiritual union between Christ and the Church.

The Allegorical Interpretation

Theology has long embraced the allegorical reading of the Song of Solomon, viewing the king (Solomon) as a type of Christ and the Shulamite bride as a symbol of the Church. This interpretation finds support in New Testament imagery, such as Revelation 19:7-9, which heralds "the marriage of the Lamb" and describes the Church as His bride, "clothed with fine linen, bright and pure" (Revelation 19:8, ESV). Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 11:2, the Apostle Paul expresses his desire to present the Church "as a pure virgin to Christ" (ESV). Within this framework, the Song of Solomon’s passionate exchanges become a metaphor for the believer’s relationship with Christ.

For instance, the mutual affirmation of Song of Solomon 2:16—"My beloved is mine, and I am his"—mirrors the security of the believer in Christ, as affirmed in John 10:28-29: "No one will snatch them out of my hand" (ESV). The unquenchable love of Song of Solomon 8:6-7 parallels Christ’s enduring commitment to the Church, resonating with Romans 8:38-39, where Paul declares that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV). Even the bride’s beauty in Song of Solomon 4:7—"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you" (ESV)—foreshadows the Church’s sanctification through Christ’s redemptive work (Ephesians 5:27).

Addressing Counterarguments

Not all interpreters agree with the allegorical approach. Some argue that the Song of Solomon should be read solely as depicting human love, cautioning against over-spiritualizing its content. While this literal perspective honors the book’s historical context, the evangelical tradition finds the allegorical lens both permissible and enriching, provided it remains anchored in scripture. As John Calvin noted, while the song celebrates earthly marriage, its imagery naturally lends itself to a higher spiritual meaning. The interplay between the literal and allegorical ensures a balanced hermeneutic that respects the text’s dual purpose.

Practical Implications for Marriage

Beyond its allegorical significance, the Song of Solomon offers practical wisdom for Christian marriages. It combats two extremes—asceticism, which denies pleasure, and hedonism, which pursues it recklessly—by presenting a model of marital love that is caring, committed, and delightful. The repeated refrain "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires" (Song of Solomon 2:7; 3:5; 8:4, ESV) underscores patience and discernment, while the mutual admiration between the king and his bride (e.g., Song of Solomon 5:1) highlights the importance of encouragement and attention. Evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem affirms this balance, noting that the song "teaches us to delight in the gift of marriage as God intended" (Grudem, 1994, p. 254).

This practical application aligns with the Gospel’s transformative power, which sanctifies human relationships. By modeling Christ’s selfless love, believers can strengthen their marriages, reflecting the divine union that the Song of Solomon foreshadows.

Conclusion

The Song of Solomon is a theological treasure that speaks to the heart and the mind. Through exegetical analysis, we have uncovered the depth of its Hebrew language and the richness of its key passages, revealing an intimate, enduring, and divinely inspired portrait of love. Theologically, the book bridges the human and the divine, offering an evangelical perspective that celebrates marriage while pointing to the greater reality of Christ’s love for the Church.

For the Church today, the Song of Solomon remains a vital resource. It challenges us to reject cultural distortions of love and marriage and embrace a Biblical vision that honors God’s design. It invites us to marvel at the Gospel, where Christ’s unquenchable love redeems and unites us to Himself. It calls us to live out this love in our relationships, fostering marriages that mirror the beauty and commitment of the divine bridegroom and His bride.

The Shulamite declares, "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave" (Song of Solomon 8:6, ESV). May this be our prayer—not only in our walk with Christ but also in our earthly unions, that we might reflect the eternal love that defines our faith.