AUTHOR, Solomon, according to tradition. This book has been severely criticized because of its amorous language. Its right to a place in the Bible has been defended by many saintly souls in all ages. They have regarded it as a Spiritual Allegory, representing the holy affections existing between God and his Chosen People, or Christ and his church.

IT IS AN ORIENTAL POEM, the ardent expressions of which can only be properly
interpreted by a mature spiritual mind.

SYNOPSIS (the Bridegroom representing Christ,-the bride, the Church)
(1) Spiritual communion between the Bride and the heavenly Bridegroom # So 1:1 – 2:7
(2) The Bride misses her companion and seeks him # So 2:8 – 3:5
(3) The ardent discourses of the Bride and the Bridegroom on their mutual love and the graces of each other # So 3:6 – 8:14

KEY THOUGHT, “My Beloved,” the believer’s title for Christ # So 2:16

COMPANION PASSAGE, the forty-fifth Psalm # Ps 45:1

SIDE LIGHTS
The Heavenly Bridegroom
(1) His love covers all defects of the Bride # So 4:7
(2) He rejoices over her # Isa 62:5
(3) He gave his life for her # Eph 5:25
(4) He will come to claim her as his own # Mt 25:6

The Bride
(1) Loves the Bridegroom # So 2:16
(2) Feels her unworthiness # So 1:5
(3) Has been purified and dressed in spotless robes # Re 19:8
(4) Wears the jewels of Divine grace # Isa 61:10
(5) Issues the invitations to the wedding # Re 22:17

THE MARRIAGE SUPPER
(1) Prepared by the Father for the Son # Mt 22:2
(2) Costly preparations made  # Mt 22:4
(3) Invitations to, a great honour # Re 19:9
(4) Invitations scorned by many # Mt 22:5
(5) Invitations include all classes # Mt 22:10
(6) Neglect of wedding garment leads to exclusion from # Mt 22:11-13