Also called Song of Songs, this book is a collection of sensual and joyful love poems between lovers. It celebrates marital love and desire, symbolically interpreted by Jews as God’s love for Israel and by Christians as Christ’s love for the Church.

Author: Traditionally King Solomon.

Date Written: Likely during Solomon’s early reign (around 965 BCE).

Context: Unique among Old Testament books for its romantic poetry, Song of Solomon reflects royal court culture. Its presence in canon suggests an acknowledgment of love and marriage as part of God’s good creation.