Read Song of Solomon 1.1-8. In verse 1: Superscription. Like many Psalms, the book begins with background information. Song of Songs: Hebrew for "best song." Which is Solomon's is more likely the editor's attempt to link the book with Solomon rather than proof of its authorship. In verses 2-8: The woman speaks of love. Ancient Near Eastern cultures used many sweet, strong scents on the body as well as in religious ceremonies. Throughout the book,such aromas are compared to the scent of the lover's bodies.. In verse 4: The king: The lovers call each other royal names, indicating their majesty in one another's eyes. In verses 5-6: Black and beauthiful:The woman maintains that her sun-darkened skin is beautiful. The verse imply an expectation that women have fair skin, perhaps reflecting an urban perspective. Kedar: a mountain range of which means "black." Mother's sons: Mothers rather than fathers are mentioned in the book, suggesting a strong female perspective. Vineyards throught thebook are connected with sexulality. The first mention is literal: Her brothers required her to work outside. The second reference is metaphorical: She has not been chaste. In verse 7: Veiled: Veiling practices in ancient Israel are difficult to reconstruct. In Gen 38, a prostitute wears a veil, and Gen 29.21-25 may imply that brides wore face coverings. The reference here may be metaphorical: Why should she have difficulty seeing him? In verse 8: Another voice, the male or chorus, tells her to follow the sheep to find her lover. Comments or Questions..
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