At first glance, the Song of Songs seems straightforward, but almost every detail is debated. Scholars disagree on whether Solomon wrote it. They can't decide if it's a collection of poems or a narrative. They even disagree on the number of characters in the story, even if it is a narrative. There's also debate on whether it should be interpreted allegorically or as a depiction of human romantic love.
Scholars find the Song of Songs to be one of the most perplexing books of the Old Testament for biblical interpretation. I believe it's a collection of poems that portray various phases of a couple's relationship, including longing, courtship, wedding, and marriage. It shows us the purity and power of human love and marriage.
While celebrating human love, it also reminds us of an even greater love that is purer than our own. The best marriages point to this greater love, the love between Christ and his people.
The Big Idea of the Song of Songs
S: How should we understand romantic love?
C: As a good gift from God that points to an even greater love.
BI: Romantic love is a gift and a pointer to an even greater love.
Courtship (1:1-3:5)
First Meeting (1:1-2:7)
S: What does romantic love involve?
C: Powerful longing that begs to be fulfilled.
BI: Romantic love is a powerful longing that begs to be fulfilled.
Second Meeting (2:8-3:5)
S: What does a developing romantic relationship involve?
C: Pursuit and problems.
BI: A developing romantic relationship involves both pursuit and problems.
Wedding (3:6-5:1)
Third Meeting (3:6-5:1)
S: What is a wedding?
C: A regal, passionate giving of a man and a woman to each other that's blessed by the community.
BI: A wedding is a regal, passionate giving of a man and a woman to each other that's blessed by the community.
Marriage (5:2-8:4)
Fourth Meeting (5:2-6:3)
S: What does marriage involve?
C: Disruption, arguments, and failed connections that must not be allowed to destroy a couple's bond to each other.
BI: Marriage involves disruptions that must not be allowed to break a couple's bond.
Fifth Meeting (6:4-8:4)
S: What does the Bible teach about sex?
C/BI: Sex is a beautiful and powerful gift to be enjoyed between a husband and wife.
Epilogue (8:5-14)
S: What is marital love?
C: The joining of powerful desire and unbreakable commitment.
BI: Marriage joins powerful desire and unbreakable commitment.
(adapted from Eric Ortlund)
