Bible Dictionary
Solomon, Song of
The Song of Solomon, or Canticles, is a poetic book celebrating the love of bride and bridegroom. In traditional Christian interpretation, it also portrays the faithful love of Christ for his people.
Definition
The Song of Solomon, also called the Canticles, is a poetic “song of songs,” understood traditionally as the finest or noblest of its kind. The book is associated with Solomon and presents the love of bridegroom and bride.
Biblical Usage
In traditional Christian interpretation, the poem is an allegorical presentation of the mutual love of Christ and the Church, using the relationship of bridegroom and bride as its central emblem.
Historical Background
The traditional view regards the book as the work of Solomon, though that authorship has been questioned. Its Latin title, Canticles, comes through the Vulgate.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Called also, after the Vulgate, the “Canticles.” It is the “song of songs” (1:1), as being the finest and most precious of its kind; the noblest song, “das Hohelied,” as Luther calls it. The Solomonic authorship of this book has been called in question, but evidences, both internal and external, fairly establish the traditional view that it is the product of Solomon’s pen. It is an allegorical poem setting forth the mutual love of Christ and the Church, under the emblem of the bridegroom and the bride. (Compare Matt. 9:15; John 3:29; Eph. 5:23, 27, 29; Rev. 19:7-9; 21:2, 9; 22:17. Compare also Ps. 45; Isa. 54:4-6; 62:4, 5; Jer. 2:2; 3:1, 20; Ezek. 16; Hos. 2:16, 19, 20.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>See SONG OF SONGS.</p>