Purpose

To celebrate the beauty of love and marriage as God designed it, and possibly to picture God's love for His people.

Author

Solomon, at the height of his wisdom and poetic ability. As a king who had 700 wives and 300 concubines, Solomon knew about love, but this poem celebrates pure, devoted love between one man and one woman.

Historical Context

Written: 965-935 BC. A love poem celebrating the relationship between Solomon and his beloved bride.

Significance

Shows that physical love in marriage is beautiful and blessed by God, and may picture Christ's love for the church.

Key Themes

Love, Marriage, Beauty, Devotion, Intimacy

Interesting Facts

• The only book in the Bible that never mentions God by name
• Contains some of the most beautiful love poetry ever written
• Has been interpreted as both literal (about marriage) and allegorical (about God's love)

Prophecies

• The love between bridegroom and bride (allegorically) Fulfilled: Christ's love for His church (Ephesians 5:25-32) (1000 years later)

In Chapter 2 of the Song of Solomon, the poetic dialogue continues to explore the deep affection and intimacy shared between the beloved and her lover. The chapter opens with the beloved identifying herself as a 'rose of Sharon' and 'lily of the valleys,' symbolizing her beauty and uniqueness among women (verse 1). This self-identification sets a tone of humility and admiration for the lover's affection. The beloved expresses the sweetness of love, comparing her beloved to an apple tree among the trees of the forest, where she finds comfort and delight in his shade (verse 3). The imagery employed throughout this chapter illustrates the joy and nourishment that love brings, as she requests to be sustained with fruits and refreshment, indicating both physical and emotional needs (verse 5). The chapter also emphasizes the urgency and power of love, as the beloved instructs the daughters of Jerusalem not to awaken love until the right time (verse 7). This suggests the sacredness of love and the importance of patience in relationships. The arrival of her beloved is portrayed with enthusiasm, as she describes him leaping over mountains, indicating both his energy and his commitment to her (verse 8). As he calls her to come away, the beloved responds to the changing seasons, noting that winter has passed, symbolizing a time of renewal and hope (verses 10-11). The blossoming of flowers and the sweet sounds of nature serve to reinforce the theme of love flourishing in a beautiful, vibrant environment (verses 12-13). The beloved expresses a desire for closeness with her lover, yearning for his gaze and voice, which she finds delightful (verse 14). The mention of 'little foxes' that spoil the vineyards serves as a metaphor for potential threats to their love, urging them to protect their relationship from distractions and challenges (verse 15). The chapter concludes with a declaration of mutual belonging, highlighting the desire for everlasting connection until the coming of dawn (verses 16-17). Overall, this chapter beautifully encapsulates the tenderness and joy of romantic love, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth.