This course is a 4-part video lecture series provided freely by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as an excerpt of their 2-part graduate level Old Testament Introduction course. In this course, James Hamilton explains highlights of the major contours of Song of Solomon. Each lecture is an average of 20 minutes long.

James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Senior Pastor of Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He has written numerous books, including God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology and What Is Biblical Theology? A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns.

Course curated by Phil Thompson

• What does Solomon mean when he uses the phrase “song of songs”?
• How does the depiction of sexual intimacy in marriage contrast other depictions in our culture today?
• How does Hamilton suggest that this song is a form of Solomon’s repentance?

The Message of Song of Songs, pages 19–42.

• How does Hamilton connect this book to broader Messianic/Davidic themes in the Old Testament?
• How does Hamilton connect this book to themes related to the Tabernacle/Temple?
• How did weddings differ in Old Testament Hebrew culture from our own?
• What kind of characteristics does Solomon praise in the woman?
• How does Hamilton connect this book to themes related to the Garden of Eden?
• Why does Hamilton suggest that sexual themes in this book are not explicit?
• Why does Hamilton say that Christians should want to maximize our view of sex?

The Message of Song of Songs, pages 43–90.

• Why does Hamilton argue that all the actions of chapters 1 and 2 are appropriate for unmarried couples?
• What implications does Hamilton suggest the book has for how husbands should treat their wives?

The Message of Song of Songs, pages 91–175.

• How does the “desire” of Song of Solomon 7:10 speak to the curse theme in Genesis 3:16?
• How might Song of Solomon 8:6–7 indicate that Solomon believed that the love of God has the final say in the next life?
• In what way does Song of Solomon indicate the kind of relational balance between communication needs and sexual needs in the marriage relationship?

The Message of Song of Songs, pages 176–254.