Exploring the Bible // Song of Solomon
Song of Solomon is a beautiful book about love and the navigation of a relationship. Some find it to be an allegory of our relationship with God and while there are certainly divine and eternal truths to be found in the book regarding a walk with God, it’s a stirring look at relationships.
In the book of Song of Solomon, Solomon is a young man who falls in love with and takes his first wife. They have this endearing courtship that leads to marriage and then wrestle with disagreements. It covers the ups and downs, best and worst, of the typical relationship. And within its pages we learn so much about loving another.
The book was written by Solomon sometime around 970 to 930 B.C. and is the account of a relationship he has with a Shulammite girl. We are not sure who this woman is but one theory is that she was Abigshag, the woman who cared for King David at the end of his life. This is a good theory because 1 Kings 1:1-4 notes her as a Shulammite. She’s also someone whom Solomon would have known. And in 1 Kings 2:13-15, at the beginning of Solomon’s reign, Adonijah requested to have Abigshag as his wife, however, Solomon refused his offer. It seems unusual he would refuse his brother this request unless perhaps he had another plan?
THE COURTSHIP (CH. 1-3)
The first three chapters share a beautiful account of two people falling in love. We learn endearing characteristics about her such as: she had great character (1:3, “your name is perfume poured out.”), and she was both a hard-worker and someone who served others (1:6).
Solomon, in return, was someone who was proud of her and protected her (2:4). They respected each other, and were open (2:14) and trusting of each other (2:16). These are attributes we should look for in a person we date, and how we should navigate the dating relationship. If character, respect, and trust aren’t there, then it’s not a healthy relationship.
MARRIAGE (CH. 3-4)
The two marry and join together as one (3:11). They have love for each other, passion, and open communication. You will find several verses regarding romantic love and physical desire, within the bonds of marriage. There is no sugar coating their desire for each other!
It’s important to note that sex is part of a healthy marriage relationship; we see this played out between Solomon and his bride. A desire for your spouse is good and sex is a key part of intimacy.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES (CH. 5-8)
In chapter five there is a fight between the couple. She fears losing him, and they experience some conflict where she locks him out of the room. After he tries to get in but can’t, he leaves and she goes out to find him.
They reconcile and unite together in their love for each other. Unfortunately, we know from other books that Solomon went on the have hundreds of wives and concubines. He got lost and strayed both from God and his wife.
In Ecclesiastes, at the end of his life, Solomon shares these stirring word,
“And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
Solomon obviously reflected on his life and realized his pursuit for pleasure was in vain.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN
Song of Solomon is perhaps the best blueprint we have for navigating relationships. From dating, to marriage, to conflict, we get incredible glimpses of God’s heart for couples. It’s valuable to know it and reference it in your relationships. Hold on to these verses, your relationship with God, and the one you love.
MEMORY VERSE
“When I found the one I love. I held on to him and would not let him go.” Song of Solomon 3:4
