Analysis of the Book of Songs

Songs
Authors: Salomon, according to tradition.

This book has been severely criticized for its sensual language. Its right to
being in the Bible has been defended by many religious people from all
ages. Many have regarded it as a spiritual allegory that represents the
affection that exists between God and his chosen people or between Christ and his Church.

Fiery expressions can only be properly interpreted by a

mature spiritual mind.

Key Thought: My beloved, a term for believers to refer to Christ.

The book

The title Song of Songs (=Cnt) commonly given to this brief but
beautiful book, it is an expression that literally corresponds to the initial of the
Hebrew text of the Bible: Song of Songs. It is a very idiomatic formula.
condensed, which can be explained properly as: "the most
"beautiful of the songs" or "the most sublime poem". Cantares is a poem
distributed in stanzas, in which, alternately, two lovers express
their reciprocal feelings in a passionate language, of high literary level and
brilliant colorful. Everything in this poem filled with similes and splendid metaphors
it is oriented towards the exaltation of love between man and woman, that irresistible and
mutual attraction that inspires words and determines the attitudes of the
in love. InSongs, the husband looks at the wife as a model of
perfections, he contemplates them through the glass of all that he holds most dear
appetizing, whether vineyard or fountain, garden or "spikenard and saffron" (1.6; 2.15; 4.12–14; 5.1;
The beauty of lovers and the delights of love are like the fruits of
the earth, the lilies, the wine, the milk or the honeycomb
8.2). Also, from the highest peaks of lyricism, the poem sometimes expresses
the anguish of the absence of the loved one (1.7; 3.1–3; 5.8), the happiness of
encounter (2.8–14; 3.4) and, above all, the longing for mutual surrender (1.2–4; 8.1–
3).

The interpretation

Throughout history, the meaning of the metaphors proposed by the Song of

the Songs have been rejected despite their evidence. Many interpreters,
Both Jews and Christians have found it unthinkable that, among others
books of the Bible, one of a secular nature could figure, whose purpose was nothing other than
to celebrate the happiness of spouses united by a truly human love.

That is why, from very early on, an attempt has been made to find a second in the book.
sense, of strictly religious nature and hidden beneath what appears to
at first glance. Thus, Judaism interpreted it as an allegorical exaltation of
the covenant of Jehovah with Israel; later, the church saw its relationship with Christ
prefigured in the lovers who are the protagonists of the poem; and, lastly, the mysticism
Cristiana discovered in them the most perfect reference to the union of the soul with
God. But all these criteria, conditioned by one's own religious feeling
of those who supported them, have obscured for centuries the interpretation more
simple and immediate of Cantares, and its literary and intellectual connections with
ancient wedding hymns of the Israeli society. They were songs sung
some for the bride and groom and others for family and guests (Jer 25:10; 33:11), all
they danced and sang for the seven days that the festivities lasted
wedding festivities (Gen 29:27–28; Judg 14:10, 17).

What should be emphasized, however, is that the figure of marital union, so

beautifully loaded by Cantares, is often used in the OT as a symbol
excellent of God's alliance with Israel (Hosea 1–3; Jeremiah 2:1–3; Ezekiel 16) and, in the NT,
the relationship of Christ with the church (Eph 5:23–32; Rev 21:2, 9).

The author

The mention of Solomon (1.1) leads one to think that this king, son of David and wise
Among the wise, it was the inspired poet to whom we owe the Song of the
songs. But in this regard, it should be noted that the Hebrew phrase translated by
"of Solomon," it can mean that he was the author of the poem, as well as that the
the poem was dedicated to, or simply, that Solomon is the character to whom the
the poem makes reference. In one way or another, the undeniable fact is that the name
the king definitely weighed in favor of that Cantaresse would be included among the
sapiential books of the people of Israel.

Composition of the poem

At present, the vast majority of specialists agree that

that the Song of Songs, as it has come down to us, is not the work of
a single and defined poet. Rather, it is a collection of songs from
the 5th and 4th centuries BC, composed by unknown people for the people
cantara, and probably compiled around the beginning of the 3rd century BC. Therefore, not
it is safe to assume no kind of established structure beforehand like
preparation of the poetic work. The literary unity of Songs and the coherence of
his thought does not come from any prior plan, but from the general idea that in
he presided over the collection of the songs.
Outline of the Content:

1. Title (1.1)

Singing

First (1.2–2.7)

Second (2.8–3.5)

Third (3.6–5.1)

Fourth (5.2–6.3)

Fifth (6.4–8.4)

Sixth (8.5–14)

Reina-Valera 1995—Study Edition, (United States of America: Bible Societies

United) 1998.

The Thompson Reference Bible, Reina-Valera Version 1960, Thematic Reference # 4229

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The Word of Jehovah is alive

Highlights of the book of The Song of Songs

As a lily among thorns, so is my companion among the daughters.

apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons.” “Who is this
woman who is looking down like dawn, beautiful like the full moon, pure like the
shining sun[?]Song of Songs 2:2, 3;6:10What beautiful verses from the book
biblical from the Song of Songs! This whole book is a poem, and it has so much meaning
and beauty that does not miss being called "the most beautiful song (by excellence)"The
The Song of Songs 1:1, note).

This song was composed by King Solomon of ancient Israel at the beginning of his reign.
about forty years (probably around 1020 BCE) and tells the story
of love between a shepherd and a Sulamite peasant woman. In this story, it also mentions
the mother and the brothers of the young Shulammite, to the 'daughters of Jerusalem' —the ladies of the
cut—and to the 'daughters of Zion'—the women of Jerusalem—(Song of Songs 1:5;
3:11The reader may find it somewhat difficult to distinguish the different characters.
from this account. However, they can be recognized by what they say or by what is said to them.

The Song of Songs, which is part of the Word of God, is very valuable for two reasons.
reasons (For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.. First of all, it teaches us what true love consists of.
between a man and a woman. And secondly, it gives us an idea of the kind of love that
Jesus Christ feels for his congregation of anointed Christians.For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.Ephesians 5:25
31).

‘DO NOT TRY TO AWAKEN LOVE IN ME’

(The Song of Songs 1:1–3:5)

Kiss me, he lives with the kisses from your mouth, because your expressions of affection are better than the
wine.Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.) With these words from a humble peasant, to
who takes to Solomon's store, begins the dialogue of this song. But how was it
which young woman arrived before the king?

My own mother's children became angry with me —she explains—; they named me
"guardian of the vineyards." Her brothers are upset because a shepherd —the young man of whom
she is in love—he has invited her to stroll on that beautiful spring day, but they
they don't want me to go. For this reason, they have sent her to protect the vines from 'the foxes'
little ones that are being ruined." This task brings the young girl close to the
Salomon's camp. When he goes down 'to the garden of the walnut trees', her beauty does not go unnoticed
unnoticed and, for that reason, they introduce her into the campThe Song of Songs 1:6;
2:10-15;6:11).

When the young woman tells the ladies of the court how much she misses her beloved shepherd, they
they tell her to 'go out and walk herself in the footsteps of the flock' until she finds him. Without
embargo, Salomón does not allow it. Admiring her beauty, he promises her "circular adornments"
of gold [...] along with silver strikethroughs.” But the young woman remains unimpressed. While
So, the pastor, who has been searching for her, manages to enter Solomon's camp and,
when he finds her, he exclaims: "Look! You are beautiful, oh my companion. Look! You are
beautiful.” The young Shulammite, for her part, asks the ladies of the court: “Do not try to
to awaken or excite love in me unless it feels inclinedThe Song of the
Cantares 1:8-11, 152:7;3:5).

Answers to biblical questions:

1:2Why are the expressions of affection from the shepherd compared to wine, and their
name, with the oil? Just as wine gladdens the heart of man and the oil
poured over the head has a calming effect, to remember the love and the name of the
the pastor strengthened and consoled the ShulammitePsalm 23:5;104:15). Likewise, the
true Christians —and especially the anointed— gain strength and courage when
meditate on the love that Jesus Christ has shown you.
1:5Why does the young peasant woman with a dark complexion compare herself to 'the stores of
"To stay"? The fur of goats, once woven, had many uses (Numbers 31:20) For
example, 'the store that [went] over the tabernacle' was made of 'hair fabrics'
goatExodus 26:7And just like the shops of today's Bedouins, it is possible that the
the tents of Quedar were made of black goat hair.

1:15What does the pastor mean with the words: 'Your eyes are like doves'? It is his
a way of saying that your companion's eyes look sweet and tender like those of the
doves.

2:73:5Why are the ladies of the court made to swear 'by the gazelles or by the
Field deer”? The gazelles and deer are characterized by their grace and beauty. So
Well, the young Shulammite is asking the court ladies to swear by everything that
It is beautiful and graceful that they will not try to awaken love in her.

Lessons for us:

1:22:6It is not bad for a couple of lovers to show clean expressions of affection.
However, they should try to ensure that those expressions are a product of sincere affection, and not of
an base passion, which can lead them to sexual immoralityGalatians 5:19).

1:6;2:10-15The brothers of the Shulammite did not allow her to go with her beloved to a place.
isolated in the mountains. They did not take this precaution because she was immoral, nor because
they will distrust her motives. Rather, they did it to avoid a situation in which she
would be tempted to fall into immorality. The lesson that all engaged couples can
Learning is clear: they must avoid lonely places.

2:1-3,8, 9Despite her beauty, the young Shulammite was modest and saw herself
like a common flower, like "a simple saffron from the coastal plain." But her shepherd
considered as "a lily among thorny weeds" due to its beauty and its faithfulness to
Jehovah. And the young shepherd? What was he like? Probably very attractive, for she...
he compared to "a gazelle." He also had to be a loyal man to Jehovah and with inclinations
spiritual. She described it like this: 'Like an apple tree [that provides shade and fruit] among the
"trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the sons." Indeed, faith and loyalty to God are
magnificent qualities that single people should look for in their future spouse.

2:73:5The Sulamite peasant felt no romantic interest in Solomon. In fact,

she made the ladies of the court swear that they would not try to awaken in her love for anyone who
if he weren't your pastor. Thus, one cannot and should not have romantic feelings for
any person. Single Christians who wish to marry should only look at servants
loyal to JehovahA wife is bound as long as her husband lives; but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.).

WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE SULAMITE?

(The Song of Songs 3:6–8:4)

In the distance, something is seen that 'is rising from the desert like columns of smoke.'The
Song of Songs 3:6What could it be? The women of Jerusalem go out to see and then it
They are discovered. It is Solomon and his servants returning to the city! And what is more, the king
bring the Shulammite maiden with him.

The shepherd has followed the young woman and soon finds a way to see her and confirm his love.
Then, she expresses her desire to leave the city: 'Until the day breathes and there are
I have fled the shadows, I will proceed to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense." Then he invites
to 'enter my garden and eat the most select fruits'. 'I have entered my garden,
Oh my sister, my bride,” he replies. And the women of Jerusalem say to them, “Eat,
Oh companions! Drink and get drunk with expressions of affection!The Song of the
Song of Solomon 4:6165:1).

After telling the ladies of the court about a dream she had, the young Shulammite...
she confesses that she is 'sick of love'. Then they ask her: 'In what way is your
loved more than any other loved[?]". "My beloved is dazzling and colorful, the most
conspicuous of ten thousand,” responds the Shulammite.El Cantar de los Cantares 5:2-10Even
when Solomon praises her, she humbly asks: 'What do they contemplate'
You in the Shulammite?The Song of Songs 6:4-13Seeing the opportunity here to
to win her heart, the king dedicates another long list of compliments. Nevertheless, the love of the
young man does not waver for a moment for his shepherd. And in the end, Solomon lets her return to
your home.

Answers to biblical questions:

4:1;6:5Why is the maiden's hair compared to a 'herd of goats'?

the comparison makes it clear that her hair was shiny, beautiful, and abundant like the fur
black of the goats.

4:11What does it mean that the lips of the Shulammite 'dripped honey from the honeycomb' and that
‘There is milk and honey under his tongue’? The honey from the hive has a more intense flavor and
sweet as honey that has been exposed to the air. That is why this comparison, as well as the
the idea that there is milk and honey under her tongue, emphasizes that the Shulammite expressed herself with
kind and pleasant words.

5:12What is the idea behind the expression 'her eyes are like doves next to the'
water channels, that are bathing in milk"? With these words, the young woman describes
poetically the beautiful eyes of her beloved. His dark irises against the white background of the
eyes might remind you of dark gray doves bathing in milk.

5:14, 15Why are the hands and legs of the shepherd described this way? It seems
that the Shulammite is comparing the fingers of the shepherd to cylinders of gold, and his nails to
chrysotile. Likewise, since her legs are strong and beautiful, he likens them to 'columns of
marble

6:4note. Is Jerusalem the "Pleasant City" mentioned in this verse? No, it

it deals with Tirzah. This Canaanite city was conquered by Joshua and, in later times,
Solomon became the first capital of the kingdom of Israel, that is, of the ten tribes.
from the north (Joshua 12:7,24The rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?815Certain reference work explains: "It is
It is evident that the city must have been beautiful, which is evident from its mention here.

6:13, note. What does “the dance of two camps” allude to? Another possible translation of
this expression is 'dance of Mahanaim'. There was a city with this name east of the river
Jordan, near the torrential valley of JaboqGenesis 32:222And the battle went on quite fiercely that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.. When talking about
"the dance of two camps," perhaps alluding to a dance that was celebrated in
that city during a certain festival.

7:4Why does Solomon compare the neck of the Shulammite to an 'ivory tower'?
shortly before, the young woman had received the following compliment: "Your neck is like the tower of
DavidYour neck is like the tower of David, built for an armory, on which hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of mighty men.The towers are usually long and slender, and the ivory,
smooth. Thus, it seems that Solomon was impressed by the slender and smooth neck of the
sulamita.

Lessons for us:

4:7By being able to resist the charms of Solomon, the Sulamite demonstrated that, despite
being imperfect, could remain pure in a moral sense. Their firm moral principles
they still enhanced their physical beauty even more. The same is true in the case of women
Christians.

4:12The young Shulammite is likened to a beautiful garden surrounded by a fence or a

wall, which can only be accessed through a locked door. Why? Because it was reserved
your displays of affection solely for your future husband. What a magnificent example for
all single Christians, both men and women!

THE FLAME OF JAH

(El Cantar de los Cantares 8:5-14)

Who is this woman coming up from the desert, leaning on her beloved?
the brothers of the Shulammite when they see her return home. A little while before, one of them
he had said: "If she is a wall, we will build upon her a battlement of silver; but if she is
a door, we will barricade it with a cedar plank." Now, when he has already demonstrated the
the sulamite declares: "I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers."
In this case, I have come to be in his eyes like the one who is finding peace.The Song of
Song of Songs 8:5,9, 10).

True love is 'the flame of Jah.' Why? Because Jehovah was the one who originated that.
Love by granting us the ability to love. Moreover, it is a flame that never goes out.
As magnificently illustrated in The Song of Songs, the love between a man and
a woman can be unbreakable, "as strong as death"The Song of Songs
8:6).
The superlative song of Solomon also gives us a clearer idea of the bond that
exists between Jesus Christ and those who are part of his celestial "bride" (Revelation
Revelation 21:29The love of Jesus for the anointed Christians surpasses any
possible love between a man and a woman. At the same time, the members of the bride's class
they are totally faithful to him. On the other hand, the love of Jesus extends to the 'other sheep',
for whom he also gave his lifeJohn 10:16). Thus, all true servants of
God, we do well to imitate the constant love and unconditional devotion that was demonstrated by the
Shulammite.

[Illustration of pages 18 and 19]

As illustrated in The Song of Songs, what qualities should we seek in a

spouse?