Introducing the Characters (1:1-6): The opening verses of the Song give the title and introduce the characters. The central woman (identified in the NIV as “Beloved”) and a group (NIV “Friends”) both speak. The central man (NIV “Lover”) is addressed in the second person and mentioned in the third person. He does not speak here, although admiration of him by both the individual woman and the group forms the core of this section. Both sensory images and royal language are used to describe him.

1:1  The first verse is a superscription for the entire Song, no doubt affixed to the otherwise completed work. Within both Jewish and Christian traditions, Solomon’s has been understood to ascribe authorship, although it could also indicate dedication or association (see “Dating and Authorship” in intr…