© David Staume 2007

Song of Songs is a poem that expresses young love. It is said to be written by Solomon for his lover, a Shulammite woman whose name is not given. The attribution, however, is doubtful, as the style is very unlike the stately poetry of classic Hebrew literature.

Some quotes:

Solomon's lover: 'Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, is my lover among the young men.'

Solomon: 'Your eyes behind your veil are doves, your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead; your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing.'

Solomon's lover: Like a lily among thorns, is my darling among the maidens.'

Solomon: 'Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon, looking towardDamascus.'

Solomon's lover: 'Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.'

Solomon: 'How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than any spice.'

Solomon's lover: 'My lover is to me a sachet of myrrh, resting between my breasts.'

Song of Songs is sensuous, romantic, and delightfully silly.

Back to Ecclesiastes. Forward to Isaiah.