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An introduction to the Song of Solomon,
also known as Canticles.
King Solomon wrote
this poetic book in Jerusalem.
It was composed sometime
after the temple was built.
Of the many songs composed by Solomon,
this is considered his greatest.
The main character is the Shulammite girl.
Other characters included in this drama
are the Shulammite’s brothers;
the shepherd; Solomon;
the daughters of Jerusalem,
or ladies of Solomon’s court;
and the daughters of Zion,
or women of Jerusalem.
The song is presented
through a series of conversations
in which the speakers
are constantly changing.
Although the characters speaking
are not named,
they can be identified by what they say
or what is said to them.
The Song of Solomon
consists of eight chapters.
Chapters 1 and 2 contain events
that take place near the town of Shunem,
which was also called Shulem.
The Shulammite girl
is brought into Solomon’s camp,
but she resists his advances
and declares that she can love
only her dear shepherd.
Did you know?
Shunem was the birthplace
of David’s nurse, Abishag,
and the place where the prophet Elisha
often stayed with a family.
Chapters 3 to 8 describe events
that take place in Jerusalem.
Solomon returns to his court,
taking the Shulammite with him
in an effort to impress her.
The Shulammite tells
the daughters of Jerusalem,
or ladies of Solomon’s court,
not to arouse love in her for Solomon.
The shepherd follows
the Shulammite to Jerusalem
and strengthens her
with warm expressions of endearment.
We should keep in mind
the ancient Eastern setting of this song
in order to appreciate
the poetic expressions of endearment
that may seem unusual today.
The shepherd compares
the Shulammite’s eyes to those of a dove,
her hair to a flock of goats,
and her cheeks to a segment of pomegranate.
Solomon approaches
her again with flattering words,
but she continues to reject his advances.
In chapter 8,
the Shulammite girl returns to her home.
Having proved her exclusive devotion,
she is reunited with her dear shepherd.
Their unfailing love
is described as “the flame of Jah”
because Jehovah
is the Originator of true love.
As you read this book,
note the chasteness of the Shulammite girl,
her loyalty to the shepherd,
and how true love originates with Jehovah,
whose sovereignty is based on love.

Introduction to the Song of Solomon