Welcome back to Bible Gateway’s weekly Look at the Book series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The Song of Songs, also known as the Song of Solomon, is the third of Solomon’s wisdom trilogy, a love poem that has been interpreted in various ways throughout church and rabbinic history.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Provides lyrical insight into the depth of human love and desire. The emphasis is on the marriage relationship: the beauty of the marriage union seen in the passionate pursuit of the lover and his beloved.
- Category: Wisdom
- Theme: Love
- Timeline: Around 970-930 BC
- Written: Traditionally attributed to Solomon
Key Verse
“My beloved is mine and I am his.” — Song of Songs 2:16 (NIV)
Love, Sexual and Spiritual
Provides wisdom for lovers on how to pursue one another and love each other well. Using poetic imagery, the book models how couples can speak words of affirmation, seek the fulfillment of their spouse, and find delight in sexual intimacy.
Allegorical interpretations compare God’s love for his people, shown in the work of Jesus, to the bridegroom and the church as the bride. The pursuit, love, and faithfulness seen in the book are emblematic of the way God loves his people.
7 Day Reading Guide
(See 30-day guide below.)
- Day 1: Ecclesiastes 1-3
- Day 2: Ecclesiastes 4-6
- Day 3: Ecclesiastes 7-9
- Day 4: Ecclesiastes 10-12
- Day 5: Song of Song 1-3
- Day 6: Song of Song 4-6
- Day 7: Song of Song 7-8
A Model Marriage
Song of Songs was given by God to demonstrate His intention for the romance and loveliness of marriage, the most precious of human relationships and the grace of life.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
