The Book of Song of Songs
Song of Songs |ˌsôNG əv ˈsôNGz| (also Song of Solomon) a book of the Bible containing an anthology of Hebrew love poems traditionally ascribed to Solomon but in fact dating from a much later period. Jewish and Christian writers have interpreted the book allegorically as representing God's relationship with his people, or with the soul.
The book of Song of Songs is a poetic book written by King Solomon written sometime between 970-931 BC while he was the king over Israel.
Because this is a poetic book, there are differing beliefs about the meaning of its contents. Many theologians and biblical scholars view the Song of Songs as a clear representation of Christ and his bride (the church) presented in deeply symbolic and allegorical teaching. For others, this book is a beautiful and poetic love story between a husband and a wife. But whatever you believe Solomon’s intentions were—we can all read it, reminded of how Jesus makes His bride beautiful and holy by casting out her fear with perfect love.
Solomon gave us a passionate and symbolic picture of the love of God for His people. Allow the words in this short book to deepen your understanding of God’s love for you—as you imagine your own face as the face of His bride. Allow the words to wash over the places of your heart that have been hurt, rejected, abandoned, or shamed...
“You are beautiful, my darling, beautiful beyond words…
You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride…
Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride.”
Song of Songs 4:1-10
This book allows the perfect Love of Jesus to wash over our hearts so we can know just how deeply and truly loved we are to Him. It’s an interpretation of His divine love for His church.
“I have already laid aside my own garments for you. How could I take them up again since I’ve yielded my righteousness to yours? You have cleansed my life and taken me so far. Isn’t that enough? My beloved reached into me to unlock my heart. The core of my very being trembled at His touch. How my soul melted when He spoke to me!” Song of Songs 5:3-4 (TPT)
Garments in the Bible are often used as a symbol of righteousness. Filthy garments are a symbol of unrighteousness and clean white garments portray the righteousness of Christ. When he writes of laying aside her garments (above) it is a picture of what happens to us when we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This is what happens when we trade our self-righteousness for His garments of true and lasting righteousness!
“But now I have grown and become a bride, and my love for Him has made me a tower of passion and contentment for my Beloved. I am now a firm wall of protection for others, guarding them from harm. This is how He sees me—I am the one who brings Him bliss, finding favor in His eyes.” Song of Songs Ch. 8:9-10 (TPT)
However you choose to read and interpret this story, know one thing: You are part of the Church, the beautiful Bride of Christ. Let these words wash over you as you understand the Love of God for you. Be reminded that Jesus came to make us beautiful and holy by casting out our fear with perfect love.
He loves you more than you will ever know!
XO-
Sabrina