The Strand Study Bible

SONG OF SOLOMON

Author : King Solomon (Song 1:1,5 & 3:7,9,11 & 8:11-12) Theme : The Right Romance Book’s Main Characters: King Solomon and the Shulamite girl

About the Author : Solomon, whose name means “peaceable,” was the son of King David by Bathsheba. He succeeded his father David to the throne and ruled for forty years (from 1010-970 BC). His power, wealth, wisdom, and glory are unparalleled throughout history. He wrote three books: Proverbs , Ecclesiastes , and The Song of Solomon . About the Book: The Song of Solomon , also called The Song of Songs , was written during the early years of King Solomon’s reign. It is a collection of love poems between a rich king (Solomon) and a poor Shulamite girl. Although Solomon already had over 140 wives, concubines, and virgins at the time (Song 6:8), it appears that this relationship with the Shulamite girl reflected the only good relationship Solomon ever had. It is certainly true that Solomon’s love and devotion toward this one girl (and her love in return toward him) ought to be an example to us all as to how we should conduct ourselves when entering a marital relationship (Deut 24:5, Prov 5:15-20, Eccl 9:9, Mal 2:11-16, Mt 19:8-9 and I Cor 7:1-9). Helpful Background: The Song of Solomon was written during the early years of King Solomon’s reign (c. 1007 BC). According to I Kings 4:32, Solomon wrote 1,005 songs. Yet this song is the only one that remains. The other 1,004 are lost. The Song of Solomon was written to picture the relationship between CHRIST and His Church. Notes o f Interest : 1. The Song of Solomon is not quoted in the NT. 2. There are no prophecies referred to in the Song of Solomon . 3. There is 1 inset map used in the book of the Song of Solomon . It is numbered chronologically (#307). Outline of The Song of Solomon :

1. The courtship of King Solomon and the Shulamite girl (Song 1-4) 2. The marriage of King Solomon and the Shulamite girl (Song 5-8) Song of Solomon 1

The Shulamite bride addresses Solomon 7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as 7 one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? King Solomon answers his bride to be 8 8 If thou knownot, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents. King Solomon addresses his bride in the open fields 9 I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots. 10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold. The daughters of Jerusalem (again) address the Shulamite bride 11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver. The Shulamite bride speaks out about her true love

1. or, “the most excellent or surpassing song Solomon ever penned” 2. or, “swarthy; deeply tanned” - Song 1:6 3. Note – The tents of Kedar were made out of black goat’s hair. 4. that is, “Don’t feel sorry for me” 5. or, “step-brothers” 6. that is, “mine 8. or, “Do you mean to tell me that you don’t? know where I abide” – Jn 14:8-9 9. or, “perfume” 10. or, “scent bag” 11. or, “it; the sachet of myrrh” own personal complexion” 7. or, “a veiled prostitute”

The romance of King Solomon (a picture of CHRIST ) and the Shulamite girl (Church) (Note - This event took place in the 5th year of King Solomon’s reign) Date Written - c. 1007 BC/AM 2993 1 1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. The Shulamite bride addresses herself (Three characteristics to a good relationship) 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. 3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. 4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. The Shulamite bride addresses the daughters of Jerusalem concerning herself 5 I am 2 black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the 3 tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. 6 4 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my 5 mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but 6 mine own vineyard have I not kept.

12 While the king sitteth at his table, my 9 spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. 13 A 10 bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; 11 he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts. 1:1 The Song of Songs (Song of Solomon) was a collection of love poems between King Solomon and a poor Shulamite girl. Of 1028