128 - Solomon’s Greatest Song
- Gwen Diaz
- May 8, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 21
May 8 - Nº 128 Song of Solomon
Solomon loved to be in love. He was especially attracted to foreign women (see 1 Kings 11:1). Early in his life he fell deeply in love with a young Shulamite shepherd girl, and he wrote a song about their relationship. Although King Solomon authored at least 1,005 songs (see 1 Kings 4:32), he considered this one his very best. He called it his Song of Songs.
It was written in the form of a play with four scenes. Each scene described a different stage that the couple's relationship went through. The song not only included the beauty of the physical and emotional aspects of their marriage—it honestly shared the difficulties they faced.
Although he wrote it in four different scenes, King Solomon incorporated only three roles into his play: the bride (who was the shepherd girl), the king (who was Solomon), and a chorus made up of the bride’s friends. Their dialogues filled all four scenes with imagery and symbolism.
Here is a quick summary of each scene:
Scene 1— Meeting and Falling in Love (1:1—2:17): This scene opens in a vineyard owned by King Solomon just outside of Jerusalem. A Shulamite girl is working there alongside her brothers. One day, Solomon is checking his property and he sees her. He is immediately attracted to her, so he begins to pursue her. But the farm girl is insecure about her looks—especially with how tan she is from her long hours of work in the sun. Yet, in his eyes she is the “fairest among women,” and Solomon begins to court her.
Although the Shulamite longs to be with the handsome man who is falling in love with her, she cautions her friends not to rush her. She wants to allow the relationship to develop naturally. Nevertheless, it isn’t long before the king proposes and brings the shepherd girl to his palace so that preparations can begin for their wedding.
Scene 2—The Marriage Ceremony (3:1—5:1): Before the wedding, the Shulamite has a bad dream. In it she cannot find her fiancé. She searches the streets of the city looking for him. Finally, with the help of city guards, she finds him and the dream ends with her clinging to him.
Soon the wedding procession begins. Solomon arrives in a carriage he built from exotic wood. The base is made of gold and the interior is upholstered with purple. As the carriage approaches, Solomon is seen seated inside wearing a crown that his mother, Bathsheba, gave to him for the occasion. He is overwhelmed with the beauty of his bride. He can’t wait for the wedding ceremony to end so that their marriage can begin. That night they made love for the first time.
Scene 3—The Struggles of Marriage (5:2—7:10): Sometime after the wedding, the Shulamite has another dream. She dreams that Solomon wants to spend time with her, but she has other things she feels obligated to do. So, he leaves. Overcome with regret, she once again searches all over the city for the one she loves. However, in this dream, the city guards refuse to help her. Instead, they beat her and steal her robe. Finally, her friends help her find her lover, and the couple is reunited.
Scene 4—The Security of Marriage (7:11—8:14): As the song ends, the husband and wife work together to resolve their differences and disagreements. As a result of their efforts, the marriage of King Solomon and the shepherd girl becomes deeper and stronger than it was before.
This amazing Song shares God’s goals and ideals for marriage. He designed marriage to be filled with joy and pleasure and security.
Since God wants it to be a permanent commitment, there are times it will require hard work involving patience and forgiveness.
Marriage is the only place God provides for us to safely enjoy sex.
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