One-sentence summary:
A lyrical, often intimate exchange between a bride and groom celebrating romantic desire, marital love, and deep mutual devotion.
Key themes & takeaways:
- The Beauty of God-Designed Love — Romantic and physical love, in its proper context, is good and holy.
- Mutual Desire and Delight — Both voices express longing, admiration, and joy in each other without shame.
- Exclusive Commitment — Love is portrayed as fiercely loyal: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.”
- Love as Powerful and Unyielding — “Love is as strong as death… many waters cannot quench love.”
- Allegorical Depth — Often interpreted as a picture of God’s love for His people or Christ’s love for the Church.
Historical/cultural context:
Shows that Scripture affirms both the spiritual and physical dimensions of love.
Traditionally attributed to Solomon, possibly early in his reign.
Rich in Hebrew parallelism, nature imagery, and Middle Eastern wedding customs.
Explicit in its affection, which has led to varied interpretations through history.