Song of Songs facts for kids

The Song of Songs is a special book found in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh. It's also part of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible. This book is one of five important scrolls called the Megillot. You might also hear it called the Song of Solomon or Canticle of Canticles.

Who Wrote the Song of Songs?

The very first line of the Song of Songs says it is "Solomon's Song of Songs." This might mean that Solomon, a famous king, wrote it. However, it could also mean the song is about Solomon or for him. Because of this, people still discuss who the real author was.

If King Solomon did write it, the book was likely written around the 10th century B.C., when he was king. Some clues, like mentioning the cities of Tirzah and Jerusalem close together (6:4), suggest it was written before King Omri ruled (885-874 B.C.). But even with these clues, no one knows for sure why Tirzah was included. Also, many experts believe the way the language is used in the Song of Songs suggests it was written much later.

Most people think that one person wrote the entire Song of Songs. They point to how similar the language, writing style, mood, and repeated words are throughout the book. But others disagree. They believe different parts of the Song came from different authors, times, or places. They say the similarities are just because all the parts came from the same kind of literary tradition.

Images for kids

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  An illustration from the 15th century showing a minstrel playing music for King Solomon.

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  The full text of the Song of Songs, shaped like Solomon looking at a bookshelf (1824).

See also

In Spanish: Cantar de los Cantares para niños