OUTLINE OF SONG OF SOLOMON

By Gene McCarty

    For this study I have chosen to use the name Song of Songs, instead of the name Song of Solomon. The Jewish text has always used the first name, and some of our modern translations have chosen to use this name. Not much is known about the writer or editor. Some of the songs mention Solomon while others seem to have nothing to do with him. It may be that he was the editor of this collection. This book is one of the most unusual of the whole Bible. It is a book that does not seem to say anything about the spiritual side of man, and is even offensive to some who have difficulty discussing sexual love. I believe that one of the great messages of this book is the portrayal of sexual love as normal and healthy. With the many strange attitudes that men have held and bound upon others regarding sexual matters it is important to realize that sexual love involves God's plan for man and woman, and that there is nothing sinful about it.

    Some of these songs seem to have been written for the theater or stage as first there is one party asking a question and then another giving a response. These songs often include parts for a group of friends and the man and woman who are in love. It may be that this was a book of songs collected for use in Jewish weddings.

    Some who study this book use it in total to explain the love of God for his people. While this appears to be a secondary application of the text, it is certainly one worth noting. There is no love of man that is greater than the love that God has for us. He looks to us with great hope and anticipation for the future. He does all that is in his power to cause us to respond in love to him. In fact Jesus is often referred to as the groom and the church as the bride. In Ephesians 4 and 21 the scriptures bring this symbolism to the highest point in scripture. Paul here states that it is a great mystery but in talking of married love he is speaking of Christ and the church.