Song of Solomon

And HE [Solomon] spake three thousand proverbs and his songs were a thousand and five, I Kgs.4:32

The title ‘ the Song of Songs suggests that this one recorded in Scripture is the best one of those songs.

Author & date

Solomon is its author, and the internal evidence suggest the date of writing is in the early years of Solomon’s reign.

Outline

The outline is based on the interpretation of the love of Christ for His bride. The headings show who is the party speaking.

A. First Love Ch. 1:1-2:7

1. BRIDE: that I might know Him. 1:1-7

2. BRIDEGROOM: if thou knowest not. 1:8-11

3. BRIDE: He is precious. 1:12-14

4. BRIDEGROOM: description of the bride (2) 1:15

5. BRIDE: at rest 1:16-2:1

6. BRIDEGROOM: the Lily 2:2

7. BRIDE: in His presence 2:3-6

8. THE CHARGE 2:7

B. The Winter is past Ch. 2:8-3-5

1. BRIDE: my beloved. 2:8-13

2. BRIDEGROOM :My dove:2:14-15

3. BRIDE : I sought Him. 2:15-3:4

4. THE CHARGE. 3:5

C. Heavenly places Ch.3:6-5:1

1. THIRD PARTY: concerning the king. 3:6-11

2. BRIDGEGROOM: description of the bride (3) 4:1-5

3. BRIDE: the shadows 4:6

4. BRIDEGROOM: call (2) 4:7-15

5. BRIDE: an invitation  4:16

6. BRIDEGROOM: Invitation accepted 5:1

D. Delayed obedience Ch.5:2-6:3

1. BRIDE: heart awake 5:2-8

2. DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM: what? 5:9

3. BRIDE: description of Bridegroom. 5:10-16

4. DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM: whither? 6:1

5. BRIDE: restoration. 6:2-3

E. God’s workmanship Ch.6:4–7:13

1. BRIDGEGROOM: description of bride(4) 6:4 -9

2. THIRD PARTY: who? 6:10

3. BRIDE: inspection. 6:11-13

4. BRIDEGROOM: description of bride (5) 7:1-9

5. BRIDE: co-worker with the king 7:10-13

F. Waiting for His return: Ch.8:1-14

1. BRIDE: groaning within. 8:1-3

2. THE CHARGE. 8:4

3. THIRD PARTY. 8:5a

4. BRIDEGROOM: I raised thee. 8:5b

5. BRIDE: heights and depths. 8:6-12

6. BRIDEGROOM: the voice. 8:13

7. Bride: Maranatha! 8:14

Notes

1. Scripture nowhere gives us any clue as to the Song’s interpretation. Over the centuries there have been many differing understandings of this book.
2. This outline understands the Song as a picture of the mutual love of Christ and His people.  The following quote sets out that position:
   

   The union between Christ and believers is very often represented to a marriage. This similitude is much insisted on in Scripture – how sweetly is it set forth in the Song of Songs!  Jonathan Edwards

3. This in no way makes light of any other interpretation, providing it doesn’t contradict scripture.