Tonight we are taking a somewhat “deep dive”introduction into the Song of Solomon.

The Song of Solomon is among those books of scripture classified as wisdom – poetic literature. Its structure is complex and unique in all of scripture. The development of the story is NOT linear and unless you understand the literary structure you are likely to miss a great deal of what is going on in this book.

There are only 8 chapters and 5 characters. There is of course the shepherd/king who we assume to be Solomon himself. There is the object of his affections known formally only as “the shulammite”. Then there are three theatrical “choruses” who interact with the main characters throughout the narrative. These are the “daughters of Jerusalem” (the bride’s maids), Solomon’s friends (or attendants), and the Shulammite’s brothers.

Nearly the entire story actually takes place in Solomon’s Palace where “flashbacks” to their time of courtship leading to marriage takes place.

Interestingly, the overwhelming majority of the story is written from the 1st person perspective of “the Shulammite” woman, rather than from the main protagonist whom we assume is King Solomon.

All together this is a very interesting book in terms of layout, story telling, story development and spiritual imagery.

Of course, being an inspired book, the main person being revealed is actually Jesus and the Shulammite represents the church – His bride. The choruses represent the church, the angels and the ministers of the New Covenant whose job is to present the church as a chaste bride to her Bridegroom.

Other than the book of Job, this is the most detailed book introduction in our entire trek ‘Thru the Bible’ so far, but I believe it was both necessary and beneficial.