Name
The book is commonly referred to as either  “Song of Solomon” or in some translations “Song of Songs.” The title Song of Songs is a translation of the original Hebrew title shiyr hashiyrim. The title Song of Solomon was adopted later in recognition of Solomon as the author.
Author
Solomon is the generally accepted author of the Song of Solomon. The author identifies himself as Solomon in 1:1. The book refers to Solomon by name six times (1:5; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11-12), and as king five times (1:4, 12; 3:9, 11; 7:5).
Genre
Poetry
Literary Form
Song
Time Frame
Most scholars agree that Song of Solomon was written between 971 B.C. and 931 B.C.
Emphasis
The Song of Solomon is most often interpreted as an allegory (a story or poem that can be interpreted to reveal a “hidden” meaning). The emphasis of the book depends on how one interprets the text. Jews interpreted the book as an allegory expressing God’s love for Israel. The early church fathers interpreted the book as an allegory expressing Christ’s love for the church. With either allegorical interpretation, the book’s central theme is an expression of the joy of romantic love.
Outline
- The Courtship (1:2-3:5)
- The Wedding (3:6-5:1)
- The Marriage (4:1-16)
- The Marriage Matures (5:2-8:4)
- The Power of Love (8:5-7)
- Epilogue (8:8-14)
Structure
Because Song of Solomon is written as a poem, it has some unique structural elements worth noting. First, it follows what is known as a chiastic structure common to Hebrew poetry:
A (1:2-2:7)
   B (2:6-17)
      C (3:1-5)
        D (3:6-5:1)
      C1 (5:2-7:9)
   B1 (7:10 – 8:4)
A1 (8:3-8:14)
A and A1, B and B1, and C and C1 mirror each other, and D is the poem’s central or main point.
Second, the construction of the poem itself reflects great artistry: there are seven main sections of the book, seven praises (4:1-5), two sets of ten praises (5:10-16, and 7:1-5), and ten uses of a word that conveys love (2:4,5,7; 3:5; 5:8; 7:6; 8:4,6,7).
