Outline of the Book of the Song of Songs

I. Title 1:1

II. Prelude She: Love's Desire 1:2-4

III. Dialogue of Affection 1:5-2:7

A. She Self-Introduction to Daughters of Jerusalem 1:5-7

B. Chorus Advice to the Young Woman 1:8

C. He Initial Thoughts about His Beloved 1:9-11

D. He and She Conversation 1:12-2:7

• She 1:12-14
• He 1:15
• She 1:16-17
• She 2:1
• He 2:2
• She 2:3-6

E. He Admonition to the Daughters of Jerusalem 2:7

IV. Courtship in Springtime 2:8-3:5

A. She Anticipation of Being Together 2:8-17

B. She Searching for Him in the City Streets 3:1-4

C. He Admonition to the Daughters of Jerusalem 3:5

V. Poet Solomon's Wedding Procession 3:6-11

VI. The Fairest of Maidens 4:1-5:1

A. He An Ode to Her Beauty 4:1-15

B. She An Invitation and He A Response 4:16-5:1

C. Poet Exhortation to Celebrate the Wedding Feast (5:1c)

VII. Her Search for Him 5:2-6:3

A. She A Missed Opportunity, A Frustrated Search 5:2-7

B. She Admonition to the Daughters of Jerusalem 5:8

C. Chorus A Question about His Stature 5:9

D. She An Ode to His Handsome Bearing 5:10-16

E. Chorus A Question to Help Her Search for Him 6:1

F. She The Place of His Domain 6:2-3

VIII. The Union of Spouses 6:4-8:4

A. He An Ode to Her Beauty and a Commitment 6:4-12

B. Chorus Calling for the Young Woman of Shulam 7:1

C. He An Ode to Her Beauty 7:2-10

D. She Commitment to a Union of Life and Love 7:10-8:3

E. He Admonition to the Daughters of Jerusalem 8:4

IX. Summation: The Strength of Committed Love 8:5-7

A. Chorus Question Inaugurating His Arrival 8:5a

B. He (She?) Awakening the Other to New Life 8:5b

C. She The Seal of Their Love 8:6-7

X. Appendices 8:8-14

A. Chorus The People Protect Their Sister 8:8-9

B. She The Attainment of Peace 8:10

C. He Summons to the Companions 8:13

D. She Exhortation to Departure 8:14