Love Lament of the Daughter of Pharaoh: Unveiling the Female Author of the Song of Songs

Like the experience of love itself, the Song of Songs has intrigued and confounded for centuries. Quoted in weddings and debated in academic halls, it has given rise to wildly divergent interpretations, each attempting to explain its mysteries. In the end, the Song has left us with more questions than answers.

Now, after 30+ years of meticulous study of the Hebrew text from various manuscripts, research into Ancient Near East culture, and a willingness to let the Song speak for itself, no matter what it might have to say, Love Lament of the Daughter of Pharaoh offers long-missing interpretive keys for making sense of the Song. It turns out that the elusive nature of this ancient love poem is an intentional part of why it was written. It has a female author, namely, the historical figure of Solomon's first queen, who carried the faith and very love of the God of Israel. She was the first of what eventually became a thousand wives and concubines according to the Old Testament record. And yet, her heart stayed fully devoted to Solomon. So, it comes as no surprise that the Song is a love lament, full of heartache and sorrow.

Love Lament of the Daughter of Pharaoh explores and answers foundational questions that bring to light the long-overlooked message of the Song: Why is the Song hard to understand? Who are the Lover and the Beloved? Why is the Lover heartbroken? What does the Lover offer? What makes the Song a love lament? Who wrote the Song? Why was the Song written?

In the end, the Song proves to be a timeless work, speaking prophetically both to Solomon to bring him back to faithful devotion to his first queen and also to us today, showing us what it means to be in a true love relationship with one another and, ultimately, with God.

Katie Lee received her Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where she began to study the Song of Songs in 1992. She lives in Massachusetts, serving in ministry with her husband, Charles Lee.

A New Translation and Understanding of the Song of Songs