This is a parable of marital love which is also a picture of Christ’s love for His church. Solomon has given us one of the truly great and inspiring songs in the Bible. While the interpretation of this song is hotly contested, my understanding is that there are two aspects of the song: it is a parable of marital love between two real people, and it is also a picture of Christ’s love for His church.
In Song of Solomon, God is glorifying Himself through marriage, so that He might demonstrate His superior goodness in the salvation sinners, the damnation of the wicked, and for the preservation of His people for His eternal glory, and their eternal joy.
The book names Solomon as its author.
The Song of Solomon was written sometime during Solomon’s reign as king (971–931 B.C.).
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—
For your love is better than wine.
Because of the fragrance of your good ointments,
Your name is ointment poured forth;
Therefore the virgins love you.
Draw me away!”
Song of Solomon 1:2–4a
“I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
By the gazelles or by the does of the field,
Do not stir up nor awaken love
Until it pleases.”
Song of Solomon 3:5
“I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse;
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice;
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey;
I have drunk my wine with my milk.”
Song of Solomon 5:1a
In this song, the husband’s love for his wife is a picture of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church (see Eph. 5:22–33).
What is the theme of the Song of Solomon?
The marital love between a husband and his wife.
What is the marriage relationship a picture of?
Christ’s love for the church (Eph. 5:22–33).
Why was the Shulamite attracted to Solomon?
Because he was a man of good reputation (Song 1:2–4).
What was the Shulamite’s first dream about?
Searching for the one she loved (Song 3:1–5).
How does Solomon describe the beauty of his wife?
He uses a wide range of imagery: goats, sheep, pomegranates, towers, honeycombs, gardens, and many other things (Song 4:1–15).
What was the Shulamite’s response when Solomon knocked on her door?
She was hesitant to get up and open the door (Song 5:2–3).
What does the Shulamite say about awakening love?
“Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases” (Song 2:7; 3:5; 8:4).