Scripture reading assignment – Song of Solomon
Today’s Scripture reading introduces the Song of Solomon. As its name suggests, the author is Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, and God’s chosen successor to his father’s throne.
In answer to his prayer, God blessed Solomon with wisdom that exceeded that of any man of his day. As a young king, he enjoyed wealth beyond imagination, and his fortunes grew with each successive year of his reign.
Following the custom of his day, Solomon formed alliances with heathen kings through marriage and took their daughters who brought the idols of their homelands into his palaces (1 Kings 11:1-2). Recalling his harem of 700 wives and 300 concubines, we are disappointed, but not surprised when we read,
“When Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 11:4).
The Song of Solomon is a book of romance, eight chapters long and written when he was a young king. There are various views on how the Song of Solomon should be interpreted.
Some suggest an Allegorical interpretation, stating the Song of Solomon describes God’s relationship with His people. Some Jewish rabbis believed the Song of Solomon was an allegory [story or parable] describing God’s relationship with Israel.
Some scholars suggest a Typical interpretation and believe the Song of Solomon is a love poem written by the king to a young woman he loved. Some scholars draw a parallel and suggest the book describes Christ’s love and relationship with the Church.
For the sake of our study, I suggest a Literal interpretation. In other words, I believe the Song of Solomon is a story of romance. A love story and a celebration of youthful love and romance between the king and a wife whom he loved and who adored him.
Time and space do not permit a full and detailed commentary on this book of romance; however, I trust today’s commentary will serve as a valuable outline for future studies.
Song of Solomon 1-2 – The Beginning of a Royal Courtship.
Song of Solomon 3-4 – A Portrait of Young Love
Song of Solomon 5-6 – Formula for a Happy Marriage: Two dedicated souls and a lifetime of patience and romance.
Song of Solomon 7-8 – “What Beautiful Feet You Have, My Love!”
I close with the apostle Paul’s exhortation to believers in Ephesus.
Ephesians 5:25, 33 – “ 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it… 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith