22 - Song of Solomon

TLDR: A love poem between a man and a woman — desire, longing, and union. Read as literal romance and as a picture of God's love for His people (and Christ for the church).

Overarching Storyline

Longing and praise (ch. 1–2). Search and finding (ch. 3). Beauty and desire (ch. 4–5). Mutual devotion (ch. 6–7). "Love is as strong as death" (ch. 8).

Bible Project: Song of Songs overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Beloved, Lover (Shulammite, King).
• Image: Garden, vineyard, seal on the heart.
• Number: 2 (lovers), 8 (chapters).
• Phrase: "Love is as strong as death" (8:6); "Many waters cannot quench love" (8:7).

Highlights

• Song of Solomon 2:4 — His banner over me is love.
• Song of Solomon 8:6–7 — Set me as a seal; love is as strong as death.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: Ecclesiastes is sober; Song is joy and desire.
• After: Isaiah opens the Major Prophets; Song closes the Writings in many orders.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Covenant love. Marriage as one-flesh union reflects God's covenant with Israel and Christ's with the church (Eph 5). The Song celebrates created desire within covenant.

Interesting Facts

• Song of Songs — Hebrew "song of songs" = best of songs.
• Allegory — Traditionally read by Jews as God and Israel; by Christians as Christ and church; also valued as Scripture's celebration of marital love.