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Song
of Songs
Introduction to the Song
of Songs
by Jack Zavada
The Song of Songs, sometimes
called the Song of Solomon, is one of two books in the Bible that do not mention God.
The other is the book of Esther.
King Solomon is generally
acknowledged as the author, though some scholars say that is uncertain.
Written approximately 940-960
B.C., the Song of Songs was intended for married couples and singles
contemplating marriage.
About the Song
In short, the plot is about the
courtship and marriage of a maiden referred to as the Shulammite and takes
place in ancient Israel, in the woman's garden and the king's palace.
Some interpreters think this
young woman may have been Abishag, who nursed King David in the last days of his life.
Although she slept with David to
keep him warm, she remained a virgin.
After David's death, his son
Adonijah wanted Abishag for his wife, which would have implied he had a claim
to be king.
Solomon, the true heir to the
throne, had Adonijah killed (1 Kings 2:23-25) and took
Abishag for himself.
Early in his reign, King Solomon
found love a thrilling experience, as reflected in this poem.
Later, however, he ruined the
mystique by taking hundreds of wives and concubines. His despair is a
central theme of the book of Ecclesiastes.
The Song of Songs is one of
the Poetry and Wisdom books of the Bible, a sensuous love poem about the spiritual and sexual
love between a husband and wife.
While some of its metaphors and
descriptions may seem odd to us today, in ancient times they were considered
elegant.
Because of the passionate
allusions in this poem, ancient interpreters insisted it contained a deeper,
symbolic meaning, such as God's love for Old Testament Israel or Christ's love for the church.
It's true the reader can find
verses in Song of Songs to support those ideas, but modern Bible scholars say
the book has a simpler, practical application: how a husband and wife should
treat each other.
That makes the Song of Songs
remarkably relevant today.
With secular society trying
to redefine marriage, God commands that it be between one man and one woman.
Further, God commands that sex be limited to within marriage.
Sexuality is God's gift to
married couples, and the Song of Songs celebrates that gift.
Its undisguised frankness may
seem shocking, but God encourages both spiritual and physical tenderness
between husband and wife.
As Wisdom literature, the Song is
a poignant instruction manual on the type of mutual compassion every couple
should strive for in marriage.
Themes in the Song of Songs
· Sex is a godly
expression of love within marriage.
· Husbands and
wives should appreciate each other's good points and compliment them.
· Constant
communication is important in maintaining a strong, loving marriage.
· Love grows
deeper over the years when both partners are loyal and committed to the
relationship.
Key Verses
Song of Songs 3:4
“Scarcely had I passed them
when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I
had brought him to my mother’s house, to the room of the one who conceived me.” (NIV)
Song of Songs 6:3
“I am my lover’s and my lover
is mine; he browses among the lilies.” (NIV)
Song of Songs 8:7
“Many waters cannot quench
love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his
house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” (NIV)
Outline of the Song of Songs
· The bride
thinks about Solomon in the palace — Song of Songs 1:1-3:5.
· The bride accepts
the betrothal and looks forward to the joys of marriage — Song of Songs 3:6-5:1.
· The bride
dreams of losing the groom then finds him - Song of Songs 5:2—6:3.
· The bride and
groom praise each other in passionate love — Song of Songs 6:4-8:14.
Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other
Christianity topics. He is the author of "Hope for Hurting Singles: A
Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges."
Introduction
Former newspaper reporter,
technical editor for the U.S. Department of Defense, and public relations
director.
Author of Hope for
Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.
Owner of Christian
website inspiration-for-singles.com.
Experience
Jack is a freelance writer who
concentrates on Christian topics. During his 45 year career, he has written
thousands of newspaper and magazine articles covering areas from sports and
business to the Bible and theology. His Christian website for singles, founded
in 2005, receives thousands of visitors every month from over 150 countries.
Jack worked as a newspaper
reporter and Associated Press wire editor, then served as a technical editor at
the United States Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL),
operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. He also worked as publications editor
for an Illinois utility company and as communications director for a national
nonprofit organization. He has written about Christianity for the
Dotdash/About.com network since 2008.
Education
Jack earned his master's
degree in English Composition at Illinois State University in 1982. He
concentrated on teaching writing in the community college and served an
internship teaching technical writing. He also received a B.Sc. in English
Literature from ISU in 1973.
Publications
Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming
Life's Challenges, (2017, Pine Cone Press).
Single and Sure, (2008, ebook).
How to Master Your Money, (2009, ebook).
Outsmarting Loneliness, (2010, ebook).
Mr. Lincoln for the Defense,
(2011, ebook).
Killers on my Trail, (2012,
ebook).
The Jesus Comic Book, writer and illustrator,
(2016, ebook).
Rebel Town, (1976, Ace Books).
The Wolfer, (1978, Ace Books).
Penwhistle's Prize,
(1980, Ace Books)
West of the Pecos, pen name
James Calder Boone, (1988, Ballantine Books).
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