Song of Solomon

The 22nd book of the Old Testament: Remember read the actual book of the Bible, then come here and recap, and participate in the discussion.

• Nature of the Book:

  The Song of Solomon is a collection of poems, often interpreted as a love song between a man and woman, with some suggesting it's an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church. 

   
• Main Themes:

  • Love and Intimacy: The book celebrates the beauty and joy of romantic love and intimacy within the context of a marriage. 
     
  • Commitment and Loyalty: It emphasizes the importance of commitment and loyalty in a loving relationship. 
     
  • Beauty and Desire: The poems are filled with vivid descriptions of the lovers' beauty and the intensity of their desire for each other. 
     
• Structure:

  The book is structured as a series of dialogues and poems, with the lovers expressing their feelings and desires for one another. 

   
• Interpreted in Different Ways:

  • Literal Interpretation: Some view the book as a straightforward depiction of human love, while others interpret it allegorically. 
     
  • Allegorical Interpretation: Christians often interpret the Song of Solomon as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church, with Christ as the lover and the Church as the beloved. 
     
• Key Verses:

  • "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). 
     
  • "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).