Introducing Song of Solomon
Authorship and date
The authorship of Song of Solomon is disputed. Some scholars believe that it was written by Solomon, while others believe that it was written by a later author inSolomon’s court. The date of the book is also disputed, with some scholars placing it in the 10th century BC and others in the 6th century BC.
The book itself does not give any clues about its authorship or date. However, its style and genre are similar to other works from the ancient Near East, such as the Akkadian love poetry from Mesopotamia. This suggeststhat the author was influenced by these works and was likely writing in a similar time period.
Structure
The Song of Songs is arranged as a dialogue between a man and a woman, with each alternating as the speaker in each stanza. The woman speaks first in chapter 1, verses 2-11, then the man speaks in verses 12-17. In chapter 2, the woman speaks again in verses 1-7, and the man responds in verses 8-13. This pattern of alternating speakers continues throughout the book.
There is also an alternation in the focus of each stanza. Every other stanza focuses on the woman, while the intervening stanzas focus on the man. This can be seen clearly in chapter 2, where the woman speaks in verses 1-7 and the man responds in verses 8-13. The remainder of the chapter then focuses on the man until the woman speaks again in verse 16.
This overall structure gives the book a sense of balance and symmetry. It also creates a sense of tension and intrigue, as we are never quite sure who will speak next or what they will say.
Theme
Love is the central theme in the Song of Solomon. The characters in the story express their love for each other in various ways, both physical and emotional. In addition, the book contains many symbols and metaphors that represent love. For instance, the character of the Shulamite woman is often seen as a symbol of true love.
The story starts with the man expressing his physical attraction to the woman, and it progresses to a point where they are both completely in love with each other, both physically and emotionally. The book contains many beautiful descriptions of their love for each other, as well as some sensual passages that may be seen as controversial by some readers.
Overall, the Song of Solomon is a beautiful and passionate story about the power of true love. It is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by millions of readers over the centuries.
Chapter 2
In the second chapter of Song of Solomon, we see the woman continuing to express her love for her husband. She describes his physical appearance and says that he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. She also praises his sexual prowess, saying that he is the best lover she has ever had.
The lovers’ first meeting (2:1-17)
1:2 The title of the song, “Song of Songs,” suggests that this is the best of all songs, the most excellent of all poems. Perhaps we are to understand that it is the best because it speaks of the love between a man and a woman in its purest form, without adulteration by sinful sensuality.
1:3-4 The woman begins by noting that her lover is pleasant and exhilarating like perfume. In other words, he brings her great delight. At the same time, she realizes that his love for her is strong and constant like the finest quality of wine—never getting old or boring. In fact, she says, his love for her is even better than wine!
1:5-7 She goes on to express her physical attraction to him, noting in particular his dark eyes and black hair (v. 5). In verses 6-7 she compares him to a flock of goats coming down from Mount Gilead (an area east of the Jordan River), with their leader in front and the rest following behind. This was apparently a very attractive sight in those days (as it would be today if we saw such a scene in our modern cities!).
2:8-10 When he comes near her, she feels as if she has been carried away to an exquisite banquet hall—a place with luxurious carpets, fine furnishings, and delicious food and drink (vv. 4-5). This compares very favorably with her own humble dwelling place among the vines (v. 15). Surely this man must be special indeed!
2:11-13 She now speaks of their lovingunion as something that fills her with happiness and causes her to blossom like a luscious vineyard (v. 15). And as they enjoy each other’s company more and more, they find increasing delight in each other’s physical appearance (v. 14). Their relationship is one characterized by mutual admiration and physical satisfaction.
2:14-17 The woman now turns to address the daughtersof Jerusalem again (vv. 7; 3:5; 8:4), urging them not to awaken love until it is ready—that is, not to try too hard or force things when it comes to romance. Love will develop naturally when it is meant to be—so just let things happen in their own good time!
The woman’s invitation (2:18-23)
The woman’s invitation (2:18-23)
The woman extends an invitation to her lover to come and spend time with her in the countryside, where they will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and the company of each other. This rural setting is often used in ancient love poetry as a symbol for paradise, and it may be that the woman is inviting her lover to elope with her.