The Shulamite

Song of Solomon 6:8

There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

According to the Apostolic Study Bible; pg 1041, subheading 'Author and Date': the book 'Song of Solomon' was written in the height of Solomon's reign as King of Judah.

Song of Solomon 6:8 adds a great deal of substance to that claim for we see at the time of this writing, Solomon only had 60 wives and 80 concubines. Later in Solomon's life this is recorded concerning his fleeeting devotion to the one true God:

1 Kings 11:3-4

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4  For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.

The above Study Bible reference also gives credit to a member of Solomon's court for the writing of this romantic tribute concerning Solomon's affection for one wife in particular, the Shulamite.

Is it possible that this individual, who obviously admired the King for all his accomplishments, was also concerned about the handwriting on the wall, so to speak! The author was focused on one relationship alone. It's as if he was speaking in quiet terms to the King, "Take delight in what you have in hand, don't look outside the garden for more!"

What a sad ordeal to witness, Solomon was set up as a beacon to the world. The Kings of the world came to see Solomon and hear his wisdom for themselves, and left Jerusalem with a taste of a man that was rich beyond measure with a house full of wives that added no beauty of holiness to his reign. Solomon had the opportunity to turn the world's heart to the one true God and failed.

Song of Solomon 6:13

Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies.