26 Aug Song of Songs – A love story Bible Book Review

The name ‘Song of Songs’ is a literal translation of the Hebrew title which means ‘the best or the greatest song.’ Interestingly, we find seven references to King Solomon in the Song of Songs (1:1,1:4,1:5,3:7,3:9,3:11,8:12). It could mean that it was ‘for’ or about Solomon. His two names, which symbolize peace (Solomon) and love (Jedidiah) apply to the Song (2 Sam 12:24-25). His kingdom rule from 970-930 BC was a restoration of the Garden of Eden with temple and palace in the Promised Land (I Kings 4:20-34 & 6:7). Solomon stands as a personified blessing of covenant love (1:2-4, 5:10-16).

Song of Songs is love poetry depicting the love story of the shepherd-stranger and a “Shulamite-Cindrella” celebrating the joyous potential of marriage in the light of sworn covenant principles. The basis for all human love should be covenant love, which is also the basis of the relationship between God and man. Therefore, this song applies to both marriage (Gen 2:24) and God’s covenant of love and its blessings (Deut. 33:13-17). The Shulamite personifies ‘the wife’ in an ideal marriage and ‘covenant people’ in the Promised Land. The whole Song of Songs can be divided into three parts.

The first part of the story, talks about Solomon owning a vineyard in the hill country of Ephraim, in the little town of Shunem (8:11) which is rented to a farmer family having 2 sons and 2 daughters. The Shulamite girl is one among the daughters. She is endowed with natural beauty and since her brothers have made her work very hard in the field it has resulted in her dark skin. She has little opportunity to take care of her appearance (1:6, 1:8).

The second part of the story includes a shepherd-stranger who is very handsome and wins the heart of the Shulamite girl. He leaves her and promises to return someday to her.

The Shulamite girl dreams of her lover, the shepherd-stranger, on two occasions. The first dream is about a time when they are married and one night she awakens to find him missing. She then goes out in search of him. (3:2-4). The second dream is of her beloved returning to her and trying to open the door. But she refuses to get dressed and admit him in. When she finally decides to let him in, to her great disappointment he is gone (5:3-6). After a frantic search and mistreatment by the guards, with the help of the women of Jerusalem she is finally able to trace him (5:8-16; 6:2-3).

The third part of the story is about King Solomon himself approaching their city, and this news reaches the maiden. Initially she is disinterested until she is brought into the presence of the King and finds that her beloved shepherd-lover is none other than the King himself. She is his choice bride (3:7-11; 6:8) and is carried off to the royal palace in Jerusalem (3:7-8).

The Song of Songs is basically love poetry celebrating an exciting love relationship. It has powerful and expressive language. Though there is no mention of God in the Song, it is widely accepted as the book which is meant to portray God’s love for man. God’s love for us is real and deep. He considers us of great value and also longs for our love in return.

The inclusion of physical expressions of love suggests that there is no clash between physical intimacy and holiness when expressed within the legitimate bond of marriage. It is beautiful, pure and precious.

Bibliography
The Wiersbe Bible Commentary
The Bible in the Outline
Willmington’s Guide to the Bible

Mr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, UESI Training Secretary, UESI, has M.A in family life education from Martin Luther University. He is married to Shirley and they live in Jaipur, Rajasthan. They are blessed with two daughters.