The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s (Song of Songs 1:1).

The first verse of the book is its title. The two most common names of the book, “Song of Songs” and “Song of Solomon,” both derive from this title. The book is sometimes referred to as “Canticles,” a name that derives from the Latin Vulgate (meaning “song”). This artwork is an illustration of Song of Songs by Ze’ev Raban. It gives the text of the entire verse (only four words in Hebrew). This artwork was photographed at a special Menorah Exhibit at the Vatican Museums. Ze’ev Raban was a Polish Jew and one of the founders of the Israeli art world.

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth (Song of Songs 1:2)

Depictions of kissing, or most other displays of romantic affection, are rare in ancient art prior to the Greco-Roman period. This clay plaque is an exception, portraying a man and woman embracing and kissing one another. It was photographed at the Israel Museum.

For your love is better than wine (Song of Songs 1:2).

This expensive bronze drinking set includes a large bowl for mixing and smaller bowls for dipping, pouring, and drinking. Tell es-Saidiyeh is located in the Jordan Valley, north of Jericho. These vessels, which date to the Late Bronze IIB (13th c. BC), were photographed at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania.

The fragrance of your cologne is intoxicating (Song of Songs 1:3).

Olive oil was the base for perfumes at this time (cf. Exod 30:23-25), and the context in this case indicates that scented oil is the referent. Many English versions use the word “perfume” here, but the context indicates that the woman is speaking (cf. Song 1:2,4), and in modern English, the term “cologne” is more commonly used for fragrances used by men, whereas “perfume” is usually associated with fragrances worn by women. This Egyptian relief of a woman smelling a lily was photographed at the Louvre Museum.

The king has brought me into his chambers (Song of Songs 1:4).

The term “chamber” (Heb. heder) refers to an inner room. The word often refers to a bedroom (so NLT; cf. Gen 43:40; 2 Sam 4:7; 2 Sam 13:10), but it can also refer to an inner, private room more generally (e.g., Judg 3:24; 1 Kgs 22:25; 1 Chr 28:11). The implication seems to be that it is not an open, public area such as a courtyard or throne room, but a private area with limited access, which could include a bedroom. This relief from Amarna depicts a royal bedroom.