Title and Author: The book of Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs, is traditionally attributed to King Solomon. The title "Song of Songs" suggests it is the greatest of all songs, indicating its significance and beauty. Solomon, known for his wisdom and poetic prowess, is believed to have composed this work, although some scholars debate his authorship due to stylistic and linguistic considerations.

Historical Context: The Song of Solomon is set in the ancient Near Eastern context, likely during the 10th century BC, when Solomon reigned over Israel. This was a period of peace and prosperity, allowing for cultural and artistic expression. The book reflects the customs and traditions of ancient Israelite courtship and marriage.

Audience: The primary audience of the Song of Solomon would have been the Israelites, who would have understood the cultural and historical nuances of the text. It was likely used in both public and private settings, possibly even in wedding ceremonies.

Purpose: The purpose of the Song of Solomon is to celebrate the beauty of love and marriage as God intended. It provides a poetic exploration of romantic love, emphasizing its purity, passion, and sanctity within the bounds of marriage.

Genre and Style: The Song of Solomon is a poetic book, characterized by its lyrical and allegorical style. It uses rich imagery and metaphor to convey its themes.1. The Beloved (the Shulammite woman) (Song of Solomon 1:2)
- The primary female character in the Song of Solomon, often interpreted as a bride or lover. She expresses deep love and desire for her beloved, and her voice is prominent throughout the book.

2. The Lover (the Shepherd/King Solomon) (Song of Solomon 1:9)
- The primary male character, often interpreted as King Solomon or a shepherd. He expresses admiration and love for the Shulammite woman, engaging in a romantic and poetic dialogue with her.

3. The Daughters of Jerusalem (Song of Solomon 1:5)
- A group of women who serve as a chorus or audience to the exchanges between the Beloved and the Lover. They occasionally interact with the Beloved, offering advice or commentary.

4. The Mother of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 3:4)
- Mentioned briefly in the context of the Beloved's search for her lover, she represents familial ties and the approval of the relationship.

5. The Brothers of the Beloved (Song of Solomon 1:6)
- They are mentioned in passing as having made the Beloved work in the vineyards, which has affected her appearance. They represent familial authority and influence.1. Jerusalem (Song of Solomon 1:5)
- Jerusalem is the capital city of ancient Israel and holds significant cultural and religious importance. In the Song of Solomon, it serves as a backdrop for the expressions of love and is often mentioned in the context of the daughters of Jerusalem, who are witnesses to the love story.

2. Kedar (Song of Solomon 1:5)
- Kedar refers to a region inhabited by nomadic tribes known for their dark tents. The bride compares her complexion to the tents of Kedar, indicating her sun-darkened skin.

3. En Gedi (Song of Solomon 1:14)
- En Gedi is an oasis located near the Dead Sea, known for its lush vegetation and natural beauty. It is used metaphorically to describe the beloved's beauty and refreshing presence.

4. Lebanon (Song of Solomon 3:9)
- Lebanon is a mountainous region known for its majestic cedar trees. In the Song of Solomon, it symbolizes grandeur and beauty, often associated with the bride's allure.

5. Tirzah (Song of Solomon 6:4)
- Tirzah was a city in ancient Israel, known for its beauty. The bride is compared to Tirzah, highlighting her captivating and enchanting presence.

6. Mount Gilead (Song of Solomon 4:1)
- Mount Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and pastoral beauty. The bride's hair is likened to a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead, emphasizing its beauty and abundance.

7. Heshbon (Song of Solomon 7:4)
- Heshbon was a city in the territory of the tribe of Reuben, known for its pools. The bride's eyes are compared to the pools of Heshbon, suggesting depth and clarity.

8. Carmel (Song of Solomon 7:5)
- Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel, known for its lush vegetation and beauty. The bride's stature is compared to Carmel, indicating her grace and elegance.

9. Sharon (Song of Solomon 2:1)
- Sharon is a fertile plain in Israel, known for its flowers and beauty. The bride refers to herself as a "rose of Sharon," symbolizing her beauty and uniqueness.

10. Hermon (Song of Solomon 4:8)
- Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain in the northern part of Israel, known for its height and snow-capped peaks. It is mentioned in the context of the bridegroom inviting the bride to come with him from the heights of Hermon, symbolizing a call to adventure and intimacy.1. The Bride's Longing for Her Beloved (1:2-4)
The book opens with the bride expressing her deep desire and love for her beloved. She speaks of the sweetness of his love and wishes to be drawn closer to him.
"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine." (1:2)

2. The Bride's Self-Perception and Request (1:5-7)
The bride describes herself as dark but lovely, acknowledging her appearance and asking where her beloved pastures his flock so she can find him.
"I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." (1:5)

3. The Beloved's Praise of the Bride (1:9-11)
The beloved praises the beauty of the bride, comparing her to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots and promising to adorn her with jewelry.
"I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots." (1:9)

4. The Bride's Dream of Her Beloved (3:1-4)
The bride recounts a dream where she searches for her beloved throughout the city, eventually finding him and bringing him to her mother's house.
"On my bed at night I sought the one I love; I sought him but did not find him." (3:1)

5. The Wedding Procession (3:6-11)
A grand procession is described, with Solomon arriving in splendor, escorted by sixty warriors, to meet his bride.
"Who is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the spices of the merchant?" (3:6)

6. The Beloved's Detailed Praise of the Bride (4:1-7)
The beloved extols the beauty of the bride in detail, from her eyes to her hair, and declares her flawless.
"How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil." (4:1)

7. The Bride Invites the Beloved to Her Garden (4:16-5:1)
The bride invites her beloved to come into her garden, symbolizing their union and intimacy. The beloved responds by coming to the garden and enjoying its fruits.
"Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind. Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad." (4:16)

8. The Bride's Search and Reunion (5:2-8)
The bride recounts another dream where she searches for her beloved after he has left, facing challenges and mistreatment, but remains determined to find him.
"I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking." (5:2)

9. The Bride's Description of Her Beloved (5:10-16)
The bride describes her beloved in vivid and affectionate terms, highlighting his physical and personal attributes.
"My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand." (5:10)

10. The Beloved's Return and Praise (6:4-10)
The beloved returns and praises the bride once more, comparing her to cities and celestial bodies, emphasizing her uniqueness and beauty.
"You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners." (6:4)

11. The Bride's Invitation to the Countryside (7:11-13)
The bride invites her beloved to go with her to the countryside, expressing her desire to spend intimate time together in nature.
"Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside; let us spend the night among the wildflowers." (7:11)

12. The Bride's Final Affirmation of Love (8:6-7)
The bride declares the strength and unyielding nature of love, comparing it to death and fire, and affirming that it cannot be quenched by any means.
"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave." (8:6)1. Romantic Love (Song of Solomon 1:2)
- The book opens with expressions of deep romantic love and admiration between the lovers. This theme is central throughout the text, highlighting the beauty and intensity of romantic attraction. "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine."

2. Desire and Longing (Song of Solomon 1:4)
- The theme of desire and longing is prevalent, as the lovers express their yearning for each other’s presence and affection. "Draw me away; let us run! The king has brought me into his chambers."

3. Beauty and Physical Attraction (Song of Solomon 1:15)
- The lovers frequently praise each other’s physical appearance, celebrating beauty and attraction. "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves."

4. Mutual Admiration (Song of Solomon 2:2)
- There is a strong sense of mutual admiration and respect between the lovers, as they appreciate each other’s qualities and virtues. "Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens."

5. Nature and Imagery (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)
- The book uses rich imagery from nature to describe love and its effects, often drawing parallels between the natural world and human emotions. "For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come."

6. Intimacy and Union (Song of Solomon 4:16)
- Intimacy and the desire for union are expressed through metaphors and poetic language, emphasizing the closeness and connection between the lovers. "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind. Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread abroad. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choicest fruits."

7. Separation and Reunion (Song of Solomon 3:1)
- The theme of separation and the joy of reunion is explored, reflecting the emotional highs and lows of love. "On my bed at night I sought the one I love; I sought him, but did not find him."

8. Commitment and Exclusivity (Song of Solomon 6:3)
- The lovers express a commitment to each other, emphasizing the exclusivity and fidelity of their relationship. "I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine; he grazes among the lilies."

9. Celebration of Marriage (Song of Solomon 3:11)
- The book celebrates the joy and sanctity of marriage, often interpreted as a metaphor for the covenantal relationship. "Go out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding—the day of his heart’s rejoicing."

10. Love as Powerful and Unyielding (Song of Solomon 8:6)
- Love is depicted as a powerful, unyielding force, often compared to death in its intensity and permanence. "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unyielding as the grave."1. The Beloved
- Description: The term "Beloved" is used throughout the Song of Solomon to describe the bridegroom, who is deeply loved and desired by the bride. In Christian allegory, this represents Jesus as the one who is deeply loved by the Church.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 1:13-14) "My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts. My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En-gedi."

2. The Shepherd
- Description: The bridegroom is depicted as a shepherd, which is a common biblical metaphor for Jesus, who is often referred to as the Good Shepherd, caring for and guiding His flock.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 1:7) "Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon."

3. The King
- Description: The bridegroom is also portrayed as a king, symbolizing Jesus' royal authority and majesty. This reflects His sovereignty and the honor given to Him by His followers.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 1:4) "Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers."

4. The Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys
- Description: These floral metaphors are used to describe the beauty and purity of the bridegroom, which can be seen as a representation of Jesus' perfect nature and His role as the source of spiritual beauty and life.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 2:1) "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys."

5. The Stag or Gazelle
- Description: The bridegroom is likened to a swift and graceful stag or gazelle, symbolizing Jesus' vitality, strength, and the eagerness with which He comes to His people.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 2:9) "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice."

6. The Lover
- Description: The bridegroom is depicted as a passionate lover, emphasizing the deep, personal, and intimate relationship that Jesus seeks with His followers.
- Reference: (Song of Solomon 7:10) "I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me."

1. The Courtship  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3:5 )

a. The Bride Confesses Her Love  ( 1:1⁠–⁠17 )

b. The Bride’s Admiration  ( 2:1⁠–⁠17 )

c. The Bride’s Dream  ( 3:1⁠–⁠5 )

2. The Wedding  ( 3:6⁠–⁠4:16 )

a. Solomon Arrives on His Wedding Day  ( 3:6⁠–⁠11 )

b. Solomon Admires His Bride  ( 4:1⁠–⁠16 )

3. The Marriage  ( 5:1⁠–⁠8:14 )

a. The Bride and Her Beloved  ( 5:1⁠–⁠16 )

b. Together in the Garden  ( 6:1⁠–⁠13 )

c. Admiration by the Bridegroom  ( 7:1⁠–⁠13 )

d. Longing for Her Beloved  ( 8:1⁠–⁠14 )