The hesitancy to study the Song is understandable. As a collection of poetic exclamations and exchanges between two lovers, the intimate nature of the material causes some to shy away. As Hebrew poetry, the Song employs parallelism with images and metaphors that are not always easy to grasp. And, some are not sure how to read the Song. 

Where to Begin

Confusion about love, sexuality, and marriage abound in our culture. We need the whole counsel of God to teach us. The Song of Solomon is God’s gift to the church for such a time as this. And yet, while the Song of Solomon has garnered more attention in recent years, it is still rarely taught, preached, or studied.

The hesitancy to study the Song is understandable. As a collection of poetic exclamations and exchanges between two lovers, the intimate nature of the material causes some to shy away. As Hebrew poetry, the Song employs parallelism with images and metaphors that are not always easy to grasp. And, some are not sure how to read the Song. Should this book be read primarily as an allegory of Christ’s love for the church? Or, should it be read as wisdom literature that teaches us about romantic love on a course to full sexual expression and cultivation in marriage?

If these are reservations and questions that you have about studying the Song of Solomon, consider that studying the book is the best way to address them. It is Scripture, “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Studying the Song as part of the whole counsel of God is good for our souls. As with any other portion of God’s Word, we neglect it to our peril.

If you venture out to study this short but challenging book, you will become a better student of Scripture. The Song is filled with rich Hebrew poetry: images, metaphors, and literary devices. Studying the book will force you to slow down and ponder the text, and you will be blessed as a result. Of the many insights to be gained from studying this book, there are four that seem especially important for our cultural moment.

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