Song Of Songs

The Song of Songs, likely written by King Solomon to the people of Israel around 965 BC, is set in the king's palace and the Shulammite woman's vineyard in Israel. Song of Songs celebrates romantic love and portrays the relationship between a bride and groom. Written as a poem, Solomon explores feelings of desire, intimacy, devotion, physical love, and emotional love. The Song of Songs captures the joy of love while representing the divine love between God and His people. It celebrates the sanctity of marriage and the power of love to overcome obstacles.

Chapter 1

The poem begins with a female expressing her desire to kiss her beloved and likening it to sweet wine or perfume. She desires to be taken away by him and brought into his chambers. She acknowledges that she has dark skin due to working in her family's vineyard but also asserts her beauty. She desires to know where her beloved is and yearns to be with him. The friends of the female encourage her to find her beloved among the shepherds' tents. The male praises her beauty and promises her jewelry. Both lovers exchange words of admiration and desire for each other.

Chapter 2

The lovers compare each other to beautiful things in nature like fruit, flowers, and gazelles. The female warns the daughters of Jerusalem not prematurely to find love but to let it develop naturally. The male and female anticipate being together and celebrate the renewal of life. The male praises the sweetness of her voice and appearance. He warns against the potential threats to their love, which is symbolized by foxes that ruin the vineyards. The female affirms their mutual commitment and longing for each other.

Chapter 3

Throughout the night, she seeks him and is determined to find him. She initially fails to locate him, but she continues her search through the city streets where she sees watchmen and asks them if they have seen her beloved. When she finds him, she holds onto him tightly and refuses to let him go until she brings him to her mother's house. Again, the female warns the daughters of Jerusalem not prematurely to find love but to let it develop naturally. She describes King Solomon's carriage, which is adorned with luxurious materials and the celebration of his wedding day.

Chapter 4

The male expresses how beautiful the woman is by comparing her eyes to doves, her hair to a flock of goats, her lips to a scarlet ribbon, her neck to the tower of David, and her breasts to twin fawns among lilies. He emphasizes her flawless beauty and his deep affection for her. He invites her to come away with him from Lebanon, which symbolizes a romantic journey. The female responds by inviting the wind to blow on her garden, symbolizing her desire for him to enjoy the fruits of their love.

Chapter 5

The male describes his joy in being his beloved. The female, initially asleep, becomes aware of his presence and his desire to be with her. She responds to his call but finds that he left. Distressed, she searches for him but does not find him, and she is mistreated by the watchmen of the city. She asks the daughters of Jerusalem to help her find her beloved. When they ask how he is better than other men, she describes his exceptional qualities and beauty and praises his endearing characteristics. She expresses her affection for him and declares him to be her beloved and friend.

Chapter 6

The friends of the lovers ask about the male's whereabouts. The female responds by describing how her beloved has gone to his garden. She expresses their mutual love and declares their exclusive bond, symbolized by her beloved's presence among the lilies. He praises her beauty, comparing her to the cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem. He extols her virtues, emphasizing her uniqueness and favor in his eyes compared to other women. The friends marvel at her appearance and compare her to the dawn, the moon, the sun, and the stars. The friends urge the female to return so they can admire her beauty once again, while the male questions why they would fixate on her as if she were a spectacle.

Chapter 7

The male expresses his admiration for the physical beauty of his beloved. He admires her gracefulness and allure, comparing her to a princess. He finds her captivating, unable to resist her charms, and desires to be with her intimately. The female reciprocates his affection and expresses her eagerness to share love and intimacy. She suggests they escape to the countryside, where they can enjoy each other's company. She anticipates spending time with him among the vineyards, offering her love and affection.

Chapter 8

The female expresses her longing for a deeper and more intimate relationship with him. She desires to lead him to her mother's house, symbolizing a committed and familial bond. Again, the female warns the daughters of Jerusalem not prematurely to find love but to let it develop naturally. She expresses a desire for their love to be sealed and protected, comparing it to a powerful force that cannot be extinguished. The female compares herself to a wall and her breasts to towering structures, suggesting her role in providing security and satisfaction to her beloved. She reflects on Solomon's vineyard in Baal Hamon, symbolizing worldly possessions and obligations, which is contrasted with her own vineyard, which she freely gives to her beloved, reserving only a small portion for others. The male invites those in the gardens to speak to show his desire for their company. The female responds by urging him to join her in the mountains, likening him to a graceful gazelle or young stag.