How to Read the Bible: Song of Songs

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Josh Kessler discuss Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs. On the one hand, it ancient Hebrew love poetry. On the other hand, it is part of Scripture and should be read in light of Christ. Doing this well will require attentive readers to read it both in its ancient context and its ultimate Christian context as well.

As always, the chapter on Song of Songs in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Two commentaries by Iain Duguid are helpful as well. The first is his entry in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series, which covers literary, historical, and cultural details, while also aiding devotional readings. The other is his entry in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, which is based on a series of sermons he preached. Also useful in that vein is Douglas Sean O'Donnell's volume in the Preaching the Word Commentary series.

In addition, there are actually two Bible Project videos on Song of Songs. The first is like the others we’ve recommended: https://youtu.be/4KC7xE4fgOw. The other is different visual overview, also worth checking out: https://youtu.be/WJgt1vRkPbI.