Song of Songs 1

1:1Solomon, a son of King David, became king and was chosen by God to build the Temple in Jerusalem. God gave him extraordinary wisdom. Much of Solomon's reign was characterized by wisdom and reverence for God although, toward the end of his life, he became proud and turned from God. Read about Solomon in 1 Kings 1-11 and 1 Chronicles 28— 2 Chronicles 9. Solomon wrote and collected more than 3,000 proverbs (see the book of Proverbs) and over 1,000 songs, one of which is this book, Song of Songs. His Profile is found in 1 Kings 4, p. 519. 1:1tf Solomon frequently visited the various parts of his kingdom. One day, as he was visiting some royal vineyards in the north, his royal entourage came by surprise upon a beautiful peasant woman tending the vines. Embarrassed, she ran from them. But Solomon could not farget her. Later, disguised as a shepherd, he returned to the vineyards and won her love. Then he revealed his true identity and asked her to return to Jerusalem with him. Solomon and his beloved are being married in the palace as this book begins. The Song of Songs is a Series of seven poems, not necessarily in chronological order, describing the first meeting of Solomon and the peasant woman, their engagement, their wedding, their wedding night, and the growth of their marriage after the wedding.

1:1ffThis book features three characters or groups of characters: the girl (the “young woman”), Solomon (the “young man”), and “young women of Jerusalem.” The girl who caught Solomon’s attention may have been from Shunem, a farming community about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. Her tanned skin indicates that she probably worked outside in the vineyards (1:6); thus, she may not have been from the upper class. The young women of Jerusalem include either members of Solomon’s harem or workers in the palace.

1:6The vineyard mentioned here was apparently owned by Solomon (because he came to visit it) and leased to the girl's brothers, who made her take care of the vineyards in the hot sun. Thus, she could not take care of her own skin. When she was brought to Jerusalem, the young girl was embarrassed about her tanned complexion because the girls in the city had fair, delicate skin that was considered much more beautiful. But Solomon loved her dark skin.

1:7The girl felt insecure at being different from the women of Jerusalem (1:6) and at being alone while her lover was away (1:7). She longed for the security of his presence. The basis of true love is commitment; so in a relationship built on genuine love, there is never any fear of deceit, manipulation, or exploitation.

1:14En-gedi was an oasis hidden at the base of rugged limestone cliffs west of the Dead Sea. It was known for its fruitful palm trees and fragrant balsam oil. The terrain surrounding En-gedi was some of the most desolate in Palestine and had an extremely hot desert climate. The henna blossoms in En-gedi would have appeared all the more beautiful because of their stark surroundings; thus, the girl was complimenting Solomon’s looks, saying that he stood out among all the men.

1:16,17The lover and his beloved describe their woodland surroundings as a wedding bedroom.