Author
Solomon
King
Written
c. 965–950 BC
Chapters
8
Audience
The nation of Israel
The bride and bridegroom exchange opening words of longing and admiration
Chapter 1Read in Bible
The beloved describes her lover and their springtime courtship with joyful poetry
Chapter 2Read in Bible
The bride dreams of seeking and finding her beloved, and Solomon's wedding procession is described
Chapter 3Read in Bible
Solomon lavishes praise on the beauty of his bride and she invites his love
Chapter 4Read in Bible
The bride dreams of losing her beloved and praises his appearance to the daughters of Jerusalem
Chapter 5Read in Bible
The beloved is praised for her uniqueness and beauty among all women
Chapter 6Read in Bible
Solomon offers an extended poem of admiration for his bride and she responds with desire
Chapter 7Read in Bible
The lovers celebrate the strength and permanence of their love as an unquenchable flame
Chapter 8Read in Bible
"Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love."
Song of Solomon 2:4"My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies."
Song of Solomon 2:16"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame."
Song of Solomon 8:6"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one's house for love, it would be utterly scorned."
Song of Solomon 8:7The Song of Solomon is a collection of lyric poems celebrating the intimate love between a bride and her beloved, traditionally identified as Solomon. Theologically, the book affirms the goodness of human love and marriage as designed by God, and has been interpreted allegorically as depicting God's covenant love for Israel and Christ's love for the Church. Its inclusion in the canon underscores the sanctity and beauty of marital love as a divine gift.