outline of Song of Solomon

1.  Desire for Love (1:1-2:17)

1. Title (1:1)
2. Mutual Praise and Longing (1:2-2:7)
3. Visit of the Beloved (2:8-17)

2.  The Bride's Reverie (3:1-6:3)

1. Dream of Separation (3:1-5)
2. Wedding Procession (3:6-11)
3. Praise of the Shulammite (4:1-5:1)
4. Anxiety in Love (5:2-6:3)

3.  Mutual Praise and Longing (6:4-8:4)

1. Praise of the Shulammite (6:4-10)
2. Union of the Shulammite and Her Beloved (6:11-8:4)

4.  The Value of Love in Union (8:5-14)

1. In Praise of Love (8:5-7)
2. Conclusion (8:8-14)