Historical context of Song of Songs

Who wrote Song of Songs, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Solomon

Date written

c. 970-930 BC

Original audience

Married lovers; the worshiping church.

Genre

Poetry / Wisdom

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

8

Background and setting

Solomonic era.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Song of Songs was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Song of Songs or jump into chapter 1.