OT Survey II Song of Solomon

Author and Date 1 Kings 4:31-32 states that Solomon’s “fame was known in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.” 1 Kings 4:31-32 states that Solomon’s “fame was known in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005.” This song was the “Song of Songs,” meaning the best one of all he wrote. This song was the “Song of Songs,” meaning the best one of all he wrote. It must have been written sometime between, 970 and 931 B.C., probably earlier rather than later in Solomon’s reign. It must have been written sometime between, 970 and 931 B.C., probably earlier rather than later in Solomon’s reign.

Major Interpretive Approaches Allegorical Allegorical OT: Husband = Yahweh, Bride = Israel OT: Husband = Yahweh, Bride = Israel NT: Husband = Christ, Bride = Church NT: Husband = Christ, Bride = Church Typological – a historical story which foreshadowed Christ and His bride, the Church. Typological – a historical story which foreshadowed Christ and His bride, the Church. Problem: nothing in the NT ties Solomon and his wife with Christ and the church. Problem: nothing in the NT ties Solomon and his wife with Christ and the church. Natural or Literal – takes this song in its natural, normal sense and sees it as celebrating the joy of God-ordained, marital love (cf. Proverbs 5:18- 19; Ecclesiastes 9:9). Natural or Literal – takes this song in its natural, normal sense and sees it as celebrating the joy of God-ordained, marital love (cf. Proverbs 5:18- 19; Ecclesiastes 9:9).

But How Literal?

The Story Behind the Song

Structure Title1:1 Title1:1 Beginning of Love1:2 – 5:1 Beginning of Love1:2 – 5:1 Opening Dialogue between the Lovers1:2 – 2:7 Opening Dialogue between the Lovers1:2 – 2:7 Courtship Period Reflections2:8 – 3:5 Courtship Period Reflections2:8 – 3:5 A springtime visit2:8-17 A springtime visit2:8-17 Dream of separation 3:1-5 Dream of separation 3:1-5 Marital Union Reflections3:6 – 5:1 Marital Union Reflections3:6 – 5:1 The wedding procession 3:6-11 The wedding procession 3:6-11 The wedding night4:1 – 5:1 The wedding night4:1 – 5:1

Sedan Chair

Structure Broadening of Love5:2 – 8:14 Broadening of Love5:2 – 8:14 Struggling in Love5:2 – 7:10 Struggling in Love5:2 – 7:10 Shulamite’s dream of love refused5:2-7 Shulamite’s dream of love refused5:2-7 Bridegroom’s handsomeness is praised 5:8 – 6:3 Bridegroom’s handsomeness is praised 5:8 – 6:3 Bride’s beauty is praised6:4 – 7:10 Bride’s beauty is praised6:4 – 7:10 Growing in Love7:11 – 8:14 Growing in Love7:11 – 8:14 Shulamite’s desire to visit her home 7:11 – 8:4 Shulamite’s desire to visit her home 7:11 – 8:4 Journey to the country8:5-7 Journey to the country8:5-7 At Shulamite’s country home8:8-14 At Shulamite’s country home8:8-14

Major Themes Three main characters Three main characters The Bride (Shulamite) The Bride (Shulamite) The King (Solomon) The King (Solomon) A Chorus (Daughters of Jerusalem) A Chorus (Daughters of Jerusalem) Physical attraction and love Physical attraction and love Joy Joy Sexual purity Sexual purity Commitment in marriage Commitment in marriage

Purpose Statement Solomon writes to extol the joys of love in courtship and marriage, without overlooking the difficulties. Solomon writes to extol the joys of love in courtship and marriage, without overlooking the difficulties. “This lengthy poem elevates human, sexual love to the place that God intended. Although the Bible often warns of the negative consequences of immorality, it also extols the blessings that come from moral behavior. This book records the reminiscences of a bridegroom and his bride. In so doing, this Scripture shows the joys of physical love within the boundaries of marital commitment” (Benware, p. 181). “This lengthy poem elevates human, sexual love to the place that God intended. Although the Bible often warns of the negative consequences of immorality, it also extols the blessings that come from moral behavior. This book records the reminiscences of a bridegroom and his bride. In so doing, this Scripture shows the joys of physical love within the boundaries of marital commitment” (Benware, p. 181).

Next Week: Isaiah Matt Neal