Guide to Song of Solomon
Summary
The Song of Solomon is also known as the Song of Songs, with both titles being taken from the first line in the book. Throughout history, this book has been understood in a variety of ways. The most common allegorical reading used by Jewish and Christian audiences relates this song to the love that God has for His covenant people. Love poetry using similar imagery has been found in Egypt and other lands, which has caused some scholars today to view the Song of Solomon as a simple collection of love poetry written in Israel or a sacred marriage liturgy similar to those found in Mesopotamia. Although Solomon is attributed at the beginning of the Song, it may be an honorary attribution based on Solomon’s great wisdom. The Joseph Smith Translation contains a statement that “The Songs of Solomon are not inspired writings,” but statements from the Song are included in some revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Videos
Watch selected videos on this book of the Bible to enhance your study. Note: Not all videos included come from a Latter-day Saint perspective. Inclusion on this list should not imply endorsement for all content.
Historical Settings
Time
*All Dates Are Approximate, according to the narrative of the Bible. These dates may reflect literary significance as opposed to the precise dates of history.
See Biblical Chronology- 950 BC*
Further Reading
Dana M. Pike, “Reading the Song of Solomon as a Latter-day Saint,” Religious Educator 15, no. 2 (2014): 91–113
Dana M. Pike and Eric A. Eliason, “Is the Song of Solomon Scripture?” BYU Studies Quarterly 60, no. 3 (2021): 183–192.
David Rolph Seely, “The Song of Solomon,” in Studies in Scripture, vol. 4: 1 Kings to Malachi, ed. Kent P. Jackson (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 1993), 467–470.