Solomon, Song of

called also, after the Vulgate, the "Canticles." It is the "song of songs" ( 1:1 ), as being the finest and most precious of its kind; the noblest song, "das Hohelied," as Luther calls it. The Solomonic authorship of this book has been called in question, but evidences, both internal and external, fairly establish the traditional view that it is the product of Solomon's pen. It is an allegorical poem setting forth the mutual love of Christ and the Church, under the emblem of the bridegroom and the bride. (Compare Matthew 9:15 ; John 3:29 ; Ephesians 5:23 Ephesians 5:27 Ephesians 5:29 ; Revelation 19:7-9 ; Revelation 21:2 Revelation 21:9 ; 22:17 . Compare also Psalms 45 ; Isaiah 54:4-6 ; Isaiah 62:4 Isaiah 62:5 ; Jeremiah 2:2 ; Jeremiah 3:1 Jeremiah 3:20 ; Ezek. 16; Hosea 2:16 Hosea 2:19 Hosea 2:20 .)