1. Survey of the Old Testament
Chapter 25
Song of Songs

2. Historical Background
The Writing of the Book
Inconclusive reference to Solomon
Uncertain date
Historical Background
Uncertain historical background
Photo: The Amarna period art (14th century BC) is characterized by loving scenes between husband, wife, and children. This painting shows a couple in a garden scene reminiscent of some of the descriptions in Song of Songs.

3. Interpretation of the Book
Difficulties based on subject matter, genre, and ambiguous setting
Interpretative approaches used over the years
Dramatic
Typological
Cultic
Wedding cycle
Didactic
Allegorical
Literal
Photo: Perfume was very appealing in a culture without deodorant or frequent baths. These Egyptians could wear cones of perfume on their heads, and the cones would gradually melt, with the perfume giving continual aroma to the hair.

4. Structure and Organization
Entirely poetic
Pastoral Setting influences similes and metaphors
Discerning structure based on textual division and analysis of content
Difficult to determine the number of characters to assign speeches
Purpose and Message
Instruction on and celebration of sexual love

5. Major Themes Chastity outside and within marriage
Positive dimensions of human love
Goodness and rightness of physical love
Photo: "You are a garden locked up, my sister, by bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain" (Song 4:12). Garden terminology was common both as metaphor and as venue for trysts.