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The Songs of Songs
The Song of Solomon is one of the finest love poems ever written. But why is this tender love poem included in the Scripture? How should we interpret it? In this devotional commentary, Watchmen Nee explores the love relationship between the individual believer and the Lord. His insights are for all who long to intensify their love and by so doing find overwhelming joy and complete satisfaction.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1945
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About the author
Watchman Nee
594 books629 followersWatchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"
Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.
Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 29, 2012
There are four primary ways to interpret the Song of Songs - Allegorical (expression of God's love for His people), Dramatic (the story of Solomon's love for the Shulamite woman), Parable (a parable of Christ and His Church), and Literal (Solomon's description of the virtues of human love). Watchman Nee clearly viewed the book as the Parable and did an outstanding job exploring the meaning of it. After reading this book, it is pretty hard to imagine that the other interpretations would have as much impact on a reader.
Every verse is examined in-depth on the subject of believers' relationship with Christ and spiritual growth and development. A lot of words of the Song of Songs, which at initial reading have no meaning or application to daily life, are brought to bright light, showing the path to a deeper understanding and knowledge of Christ and His heart.
A special consideration is given to the trend in the Church to pursue private faith, keeping Christ hidden from the outside world. Instead, Christians, having experienced the depths of Christ's grace, presence, and holiness, are challenged to take their faith to the world around them. Mr. Nee even argues that it is impossible to fully experience God's presence in private, as that is just a small part of God's plan for His people.
This is not a book to be read in one sitting. I found it helpful to read it over several weeks as a devotional, going over each section of the Scripture prior to reading the next portion of the book.
I would highly recommend this book for any Christian seeking to develop a deeper walk with Christ.
Every verse is examined in-depth on the subject of believers' relationship with Christ and spiritual growth and development. A lot of words of the Song of Songs, which at initial reading have no meaning or application to daily life, are brought to bright light, showing the path to a deeper understanding and knowledge of Christ and His heart.
A special consideration is given to the trend in the Church to pursue private faith, keeping Christ hidden from the outside world. Instead, Christians, having experienced the depths of Christ's grace, presence, and holiness, are challenged to take their faith to the world around them. Mr. Nee even argues that it is impossible to fully experience God's presence in private, as that is just a small part of God's plan for His people.
This is not a book to be read in one sitting. I found it helpful to read it over several weeks as a devotional, going over each section of the Scripture prior to reading the next portion of the book.
I would highly recommend this book for any Christian seeking to develop a deeper walk with Christ.
July 11, 2022
The Song of Solomon has always been incredibly mysterious to me. I think it’s meant to be in a way, because the truths within the song are so sacred and beautiful, they deserve the veil of poetry to protect them and give way for a quest to be undertaken by those seeking to learn more. This book really helped me to understand the poetry and the deeper meanings within the song. I just absolutely loved it. It testifies beautifully of Christ’s love not only for the world as a whole, but also for each of us as individuals.🤍 love love loved it.
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May 24, 2024It feel strange to rate a commentary. So, I'll leave this unrated.
But this was such a deeply encouraging book to read alongside reading through The Song of Songs text. It helped me to view it in a way I hadn't fully been able to before and as all good commentaries provided deeper insight to things I might have glazed over, not understanding what might have been the intended reason behind certain word choices, metaphors, and similes.
Again, it feels strange to even write a review for this book, but I do think this is a beneficial read in that it provides the opportunity for one to see this particular book of the Bible in a new light.
But this was such a deeply encouraging book to read alongside reading through The Song of Songs text. It helped me to view it in a way I hadn't fully been able to before and as all good commentaries provided deeper insight to things I might have glazed over, not understanding what might have been the intended reason behind certain word choices, metaphors, and similes.
Again, it feels strange to even write a review for this book, but I do think this is a beneficial read in that it provides the opportunity for one to see this particular book of the Bible in a new light.
October 21, 2010
The Song of Solomon is, by far, the hardest book of the bible for me to comprehend. This is the best commentary (granted: I haven't read that many) I've come across. It is a thinking man's book. Much wisdom and insight contained in these pages. I've read it twice and will probably read it again.
January 6, 2025
Nee's explanation on symbolic content of Song of Solomon is a new and very different perspective for me. This books represents your relationship to Christ. Absolutely amazing read! Definitely will read, review and study this many times for future reference.
December 27, 2021
I found the book started well "May the Lord, by this sweet Word of His Spirit, stir up many believers to become dissatisfied with a mere legal union with the Lord Jesus" however as it went on I found it a hard read as the author did not showing his workings.
October 21, 2022
Muy profundo, traté de escucharlo en audio libro pero es demasiado complejo como para no leerlo en físico. Necesita toda nuestra atención para comprender un análisis tan completo. Sin duda lo releeré en algún momento
April 17, 2024
a very allegorical interpretation of Song of Songs, where Solomon’s love for the Shulamite woman is likened to Jesus’ love for us (the church), analyzed line-by-line in a structure reminiscent of IB lang lit essays LOL
summary of stages:
1. the bride’s infatuation for her husband: it’s like when we first discover Jesus and we’re head over heels, all emotion.
2. the husband pursues the bride: Jesus does all the romancing towards us, revealing Himself and meeting us exactly where we’re at
3. the bride is challenged to follow the husband: now, Jesus invites us to leave our comforts and go follow Him where He leads
4. the bride follows her husband but loses her way: the reality and challenges of following Jesus is introduced. she is even beaten (persecuted) by guards.
5. the bride returns to her husband: still, she continues to search and remain faithful to Jesus. her faith matures because it is not based on the earlier heady emotions but rather a deeper trust and knowledge of Jesus. the bride is able to find him in the garden when she praises Him and recounts His admirable qualities. this then inspires the women around her to also search for this Lover and experience the fullness that this bride has clearly seen!
6. the husband delights in the bride: he witnesses how she is being transformed and delights in this. the bride is now no longer focused on herself and receiving from the husband. rather, she wants to give to and please her husband. likewise, this is when we wean off selfishly conforming Jesus to our needs but start to think of how we can serve/honor/love Him.
7. the bride is concerned with His affairs and what concerns Him: she is checking the fruits of the vineyard, whether the pomegranates have bloomed. in doing so, she is swept away by her Lover! as we too focus on doing good work for God & others, we find that Jesus captivates us in every moment
8. the bride and the husband co-labor together, in complete union and in step with each other. their love is no longer about either of them, but rather being a blessing to everyone around them, restoring all sheep back to the Shepherd. the bride says “we” now because she knows her husband and his will so well, that she can speak as if they are one.
song of songs ends beautifully with, “Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.” (8:14 ESV) which Nee interprets as foreshadowing of Christ’s second coming, and the reminder go eagerly await the bridegroom’s return.
also: it’s interesting how he points out that in SOS there are “two wildernesses” – a spiritual poverty (worldly/materialistic) and physical one (dark night of soul/testing), and a corresponding “two returns” – a restoration of fellowship by the Holy Spirit, then the foreshadowed one, which is when our work will be revealed on the day of judgement.)
summary of stages:
1. the bride’s infatuation for her husband: it’s like when we first discover Jesus and we’re head over heels, all emotion.
2. the husband pursues the bride: Jesus does all the romancing towards us, revealing Himself and meeting us exactly where we’re at
3. the bride is challenged to follow the husband: now, Jesus invites us to leave our comforts and go follow Him where He leads
4. the bride follows her husband but loses her way: the reality and challenges of following Jesus is introduced. she is even beaten (persecuted) by guards.
5. the bride returns to her husband: still, she continues to search and remain faithful to Jesus. her faith matures because it is not based on the earlier heady emotions but rather a deeper trust and knowledge of Jesus. the bride is able to find him in the garden when she praises Him and recounts His admirable qualities. this then inspires the women around her to also search for this Lover and experience the fullness that this bride has clearly seen!
6. the husband delights in the bride: he witnesses how she is being transformed and delights in this. the bride is now no longer focused on herself and receiving from the husband. rather, she wants to give to and please her husband. likewise, this is when we wean off selfishly conforming Jesus to our needs but start to think of how we can serve/honor/love Him.
7. the bride is concerned with His affairs and what concerns Him: she is checking the fruits of the vineyard, whether the pomegranates have bloomed. in doing so, she is swept away by her Lover! as we too focus on doing good work for God & others, we find that Jesus captivates us in every moment
8. the bride and the husband co-labor together, in complete union and in step with each other. their love is no longer about either of them, but rather being a blessing to everyone around them, restoring all sheep back to the Shepherd. the bride says “we” now because she knows her husband and his will so well, that she can speak as if they are one.
song of songs ends beautifully with, “Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.” (8:14 ESV) which Nee interprets as foreshadowing of Christ’s second coming, and the reminder go eagerly await the bridegroom’s return.
also: it’s interesting how he points out that in SOS there are “two wildernesses” – a spiritual poverty (worldly/materialistic) and physical one (dark night of soul/testing), and a corresponding “two returns” – a restoration of fellowship by the Holy Spirit, then the foreshadowed one, which is when our work will be revealed on the day of judgement.)
June 16, 2020
After reading this, all I can really say is "Lord, I want to be there!"
A few points in the book are reassuring because they describe our Christian life pretty well in terms of our relationship with the Lord. For instance, the author expounded a part of Song of Songs that as a young Christian we tend to want the Lord's love for ourselves, but as we progress we will learn to love the Lord selflessly.
Read this prayerfully and let the Lord woo you.
A few points in the book are reassuring because they describe our Christian life pretty well in terms of our relationship with the Lord. For instance, the author expounded a part of Song of Songs that as a young Christian we tend to want the Lord's love for ourselves, but as we progress we will learn to love the Lord selflessly.
Read this prayerfully and let the Lord woo you.
February 18, 2021
I felt that Watchman was overextending and overexplaining himself again in this. He had some good points, but many points, perhaps not so indicative of Song of Solomon. Some good paralells are included, I am aware. He did too much expounding on the text, versus letting the Word speak, and respecting in silence what was more obscure and creating evident lessons for bulk. Writers of Christian Living have a choice in this often. He writes unwisely often.
August 9, 2024
A nice commentary on a beautiful book
This is practically a verse-by-verse comment on the Song of Songs. The author follows a spiritual-symbolic interpretation of the book, that is the relationship of the bride with her Groom, the Lord Jesus Christ. The commentary is helpful in many ways.
This is practically a verse-by-verse comment on the Song of Songs. The author follows a spiritual-symbolic interpretation of the book, that is the relationship of the bride with her Groom, the Lord Jesus Christ. The commentary is helpful in many ways.
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August 27, 2019ZvH!
Äs passt perfekt!
Äs passt perfekt!
August 11, 2024
Beautiful!
Such a beautiful and pure capture of God’s heart for all of mankind! Grateful for the influence this book has had on me. Watch for my upcoming book Rising to New Heights with Your Shepherd-King!
Such a beautiful and pure capture of God’s heart for all of mankind! Grateful for the influence this book has had on me. Watch for my upcoming book Rising to New Heights with Your Shepherd-King!
March 9, 2017
10/10
November 1, 2020
Watchman Nee was one of the first authors to which I was introduced on becoming a Christian, and has remained one of my favourites ever since. He has a wonderful gift of expounding God's word that takes you to the heart of what it means to love, trust and follow Jesus.
So it may seem surprising that I had never read his book on the Song of Songs until now. But, as I began my own study of the Song, my desire was to let the Holy Spirit be my main guide; and I know how easy it is to be influenced by other people's opinions – especially those whom you most admire.
Exploring God's word is rather like mining for treasure. As you dig, you become aware of ever-deeper layers, often – but not always – following the contours of the surface layers; and each containing new secrets. And this is especially true of this Song.
My own approach was to begin with the surface layers – the narrative, as presented and understood by Solomon – and then consider how this foreshadows our own relationship with Jesus, from first encounters to full commitment.
But many authors go on to dig deeper, taking a more spiritualized approach to the Song, interpreting the symbolism of its descriptions from a Bible-wide and New Testament perspective. In doing so, they are expounding truths that were probably never perceived by Solomon himself: but inspired and hidden there by the Holy Spirit for discovery by later generations.
We can often also find that, like the underlying strata of the rocks, the progression of events in prophetic writings are applicable across multiple scales of time and dimension. This is because the principles underlying God's dealings with us hold generally true, whether dealing with individuals or nations, specific events or the generality of human history. So, in our own lives, lessons learned in one situation often have to be re-learned at a deeper level as we progress in our walk with God.
Thus Nee points out that, whereas King David had to fight to gain his kingdom, Solomon stands as a king of peace. He therefore views the Song on a different timescale: treating it as a description of the progress of one who has already found Jesus as their Saviour and is now seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
So because of Nee's different perspective and his gifting as an expositor both of scripture and spiritual life, you will find that this book can take you even deeper into the things of God. It has challenged and encouraged me, and I can highly recommend it.
So it may seem surprising that I had never read his book on the Song of Songs until now. But, as I began my own study of the Song, my desire was to let the Holy Spirit be my main guide; and I know how easy it is to be influenced by other people's opinions – especially those whom you most admire.
Exploring God's word is rather like mining for treasure. As you dig, you become aware of ever-deeper layers, often – but not always – following the contours of the surface layers; and each containing new secrets. And this is especially true of this Song.
My own approach was to begin with the surface layers – the narrative, as presented and understood by Solomon – and then consider how this foreshadows our own relationship with Jesus, from first encounters to full commitment.
But many authors go on to dig deeper, taking a more spiritualized approach to the Song, interpreting the symbolism of its descriptions from a Bible-wide and New Testament perspective. In doing so, they are expounding truths that were probably never perceived by Solomon himself: but inspired and hidden there by the Holy Spirit for discovery by later generations.
We can often also find that, like the underlying strata of the rocks, the progression of events in prophetic writings are applicable across multiple scales of time and dimension. This is because the principles underlying God's dealings with us hold generally true, whether dealing with individuals or nations, specific events or the generality of human history. So, in our own lives, lessons learned in one situation often have to be re-learned at a deeper level as we progress in our walk with God.
Thus Nee points out that, whereas King David had to fight to gain his kingdom, Solomon stands as a king of peace. He therefore views the Song on a different timescale: treating it as a description of the progress of one who has already found Jesus as their Saviour and is now seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
So because of Nee's different perspective and his gifting as an expositor both of scripture and spiritual life, you will find that this book can take you even deeper into the things of God. It has challenged and encouraged me, and I can highly recommend it.
April 20, 2016
Will need to re-read and study this book.
So much symbolism. Opens your eyes to the actual significance of Song of Songs.
'The Holy Spirit once again asks a question through the mouth of a third party. "Who is this taht cometh up from the wilderness.. leaning upon her beloved?"...
Here we see that the rapture that delivers us from the wilderness does not happen suddenly, but is a result of a step-by-step walk with the Lord. The rapture is the last step of our walk with the Lord. All that men see will be the instant change from earth to heaven. But this is merely the last step of the rapture. The beginning of the raptured does not happen then. When a believer is attracted by heaven and walking away from the world step by step, he becomes further and further away from the world, and there will be a clearer and clearer separation between him and the world. When the process is complete, he will find himself waking up before the face of the Lord. This is the way that Encoh was raptured..' pg 118.
"If You love me, Your jealousy will follow. Your jealousy will be as cruel as Sheol. You will surely rebuke and surely seek perfection. You will not allow anything to share my heart. Even if You owned a major part of me, You would not be satisfied. Your eyes cannot stand to see those who are Yours being defiled by the world or usurped by other loves. You are jealous; from the beginning of time You have been a jealous God (Exo 20:5). Have not Your apostles told us about the jealousy of God (2 Cor. 11:2)? If You are jealous, who can withstand Your jealousy? What can withstand Your jealousy? You will destroy all Your enemies. You will remvoe all hindrances until You become the unique Lord, the God of all, and the unchallenged King. In this way, I will be protected, and my chastity will be preserved until I see Your face. "pg 120.
So much symbolism. Opens your eyes to the actual significance of Song of Songs.
'The Holy Spirit once again asks a question through the mouth of a third party. "Who is this taht cometh up from the wilderness.. leaning upon her beloved?"...
Here we see that the rapture that delivers us from the wilderness does not happen suddenly, but is a result of a step-by-step walk with the Lord. The rapture is the last step of our walk with the Lord. All that men see will be the instant change from earth to heaven. But this is merely the last step of the rapture. The beginning of the raptured does not happen then. When a believer is attracted by heaven and walking away from the world step by step, he becomes further and further away from the world, and there will be a clearer and clearer separation between him and the world. When the process is complete, he will find himself waking up before the face of the Lord. This is the way that Encoh was raptured..' pg 118.
"If You love me, Your jealousy will follow. Your jealousy will be as cruel as Sheol. You will surely rebuke and surely seek perfection. You will not allow anything to share my heart. Even if You owned a major part of me, You would not be satisfied. Your eyes cannot stand to see those who are Yours being defiled by the world or usurped by other loves. You are jealous; from the beginning of time You have been a jealous God (Exo 20:5). Have not Your apostles told us about the jealousy of God (2 Cor. 11:2)? If You are jealous, who can withstand Your jealousy? What can withstand Your jealousy? You will destroy all Your enemies. You will remvoe all hindrances until You become the unique Lord, the God of all, and the unchallenged King. In this way, I will be protected, and my chastity will be preserved until I see Your face. "pg 120.
October 14, 2011
This book is amazing! It really opened my eyes to the fact that I am God's bride. Nee breaks up every scripture in the SofS and the wisdom and the things Nee teaches can only be from God. Nee is like John when he was on the Isle of Patmos. This book changed my life!
February 14, 2012
Great book. Lot's of meanings that I couldn't understand before. However, I get lost in a rich symbolic content like that. But anyways, I got some precious lessons and satisfied.
Finished on 14 July 2012
Finished on 14 July 2012
April 6, 2014
My original copy is in pieces held together by rubber bands because I have read it so many times over the years. I love this book, whose writer describes the intimate relationship between Christ and his precious daughter.
February 10, 2009
LOVED IT....
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews