Scripture References:
st. 1 = Song of Songs 2:7, Song of Songs 3:5, Song of Songs 8:4
st. 2 = Song of Songs 8:6
st. 3 = Song of Songs 8:7
st. 4 = Song of Songs 2:7, Song of Songs 3:5, Song of Songs 8:4

"Hear Us, O People" focuses on two of the main themes of the Song of Songs: that love should not be awakened until it is ready, and that love cannot be bought. The first is a recurring refrain in the Song-2:7; 3:5; 8:4–and is captured in stanzas 1 and 4. The second theme is the vow of true love the lovers exchange in 8:6-7–captured in stanzas 2 and 3.

Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this paraphrase in 1984 for use at a wedding of friends. In addition to scholarly work on this book, Seerveld earlier wrote the libretto for an oratorio on the Song of Songs entitled The Greatest Song: In Critique of Solomon (1967; rev. 1989).

Liturgical Use:
Whenever preaching focuses on the Song of Songs; more common use will be at weddings or in services that focus on marriage, anniversaries, or marriage renewal.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook