Scripture: One Book at a Time
The whole of Sacred Scripture is a single narrative that promises and points to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the World. It is an epic story, the greatest ever told, and told "one book at a time." Each book makes it contribution to the narrative as God reveals God's self to us and his desire that all be saved.
Lesson 23: Song of Songs
Song of Songs
The Song of Songs (or Canticle of Canticles) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics, arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It presents an inspired portrayal of ideal human love, a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality that is applicable to the sacredness and the depth of married union. Although the poem is attributed to Solomon in the traditional title (1:1), the language and style of the work, among other considerations, suggest a time after the end of the Babylonian exile (538 B.C.) when an unknown poet collected extant love poems, perhaps composing new material, and arranged the whole into the masterpiece we have before us.
The Song of Songs, with its vivid and erotic language (Song of Songs 1:1-4), moves even the most casual reader to ponder the meaning and purpose of this song. Did the author intend for his poem to be an allegory, symbolizing the passionate exchange between God and his people? Or was he painting colorful depictions of intimacy between two lovers? Or is there perhaps a deeper meaning, which modern translators have largely overlooked?
Enjoy the videos, but take a moment to read:
Song of Songs Presentation
For those who would like to explore details of this book, please consider videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” program. You can find the entire playlist here.