Song of Solomon - Summary

Title:	The Song of Solomon gets its name in that it is a Poem / Song of love credited to King Solomon.
Author:	Hebrew/Jewish tradition claims the author of the Song of Solomon is King Solomon, son of King David.  Not all scholars believe it was written by Solomon but about him.  Knowing of Solomon's life style it can be difficult believing he is the author demonstrating so much love to one since he was the husband of 700 wives and had 300 concubines.
Date:	Whether the book was written by Solomon or about him, it is generally accepted the book was written during his reign as king between 971 and 931 BC.
Main Theme	The primary theme of The Song of Solomon is actually multi-fold.  The book is a beautiful poem of love between a man and a woman.  The infatuation each has for the other.  Many have used this relationship between Solomon and his bride to demonstrate the beauty of the sexual relationship in marriage.  This relationship is ordained by God in Genesis and re-affirmed throughout scripture.  The marriage relationship and the devotion of the groom to the bride has also been used several times to describe the love of God towards his people and Jesus and the church.  I very strongly believe this poem actually describes mostly the passion the church is to have for Jesus as the church is the Bride of Christ.  The great banquet the groom is taking the  bride to in Song of Solomon can be demonstratative of the wedding banquet being prepared for Jesus and the church.  (see Revelation 19:7)
Location:	If the book was written by Solomon, it was most likely written in Jerusalem.
History	There is not a historical purpose for the writing of Song of Solomon.  However it does appear to reference events in the life of the king.
Major Characters:	Solomon
	The Bride
	Women of Jerusalem