Why Is Song of Solomon in the Bible?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Does God care about our sex life?

The Book of Song of Solomon indicates he does. While some have tried to say the imagery in this book is a metaphor for Christ and his bride, this interpretation creates more problems than it solves. As The Gospel Transformation Bible states, “we are on safest interpretive ground to recognize that this ‘poem’ of idealized love (probably used in ceremonies related to marriage in Solomon’s time), while representing a marriage that God approves, is more a representation of the love he values than an extended metaphor of Christ and his church (or the soul of a believer).”^[1]

Chapters 1-2 begin with a passionate expression of love between a man and a woman. The woman speaks of her deep longing for her lover, describing his kisses and the fragrance of his oils. She is deeply attracted to him and desires to be near him. The man responds with admiration for her beauty, comparing her to a lily among thorns. The couple's affection is mutual, and they celebrate their love, finding joy and delight in each other's presence. The imagery of nature, such as vineyards and flowers, emphasizes the blossoming love between them. Song of Solomon 1:2-4 says,

² Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your caresses are more delightful than wine.
³ The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating;
your name is perfume poured out.
No wonder young women adore you.
⁴ Take me with you—let’s hurry.
Oh, that the king would bring me to his chambers.

These verses reveal to us that God values intimacy. He values “a loving marriage (including its expressions of physical and emotional affection), fidelity to another, protection of another, and the valuing of another—who may even consider herself undeserving of such love.”^[2] While some believe this book is a random collection of sayings, John Balchin has a different perspective. He writes,