The book Of The Bible Song of Solomon

The book Of The Bible Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon was composed by an unknown author sometime after the end of the Babylonian exile and maybe as late as the third or second century BCE. It is a collection of poems presented as a dialogue between two lovers. The poems are about the erotic love of a bridal couple, but also are understood allegorically as a depiction of God’s love for the people of Israel. In the Christian tradition, the Song of Solomon is interpreted as an allegory about the relationship between Christ and the church.

A selection from the Song of Solomon is offered as a choice for the First Reading during the liturgy every year on December21 before Christmas. A passage from the Song of Solomon also is read at the Memorial Feast of Mary Magdalene on July 22. Finally, other passages are offered as choices for Readings at the Mass of the Common of Virgins, at the Celebration of Marriage, and at the Consecration of Virgins and Religious Profession.