Song of Songs
Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2015 7:42 pm
I don't see any threads on the Song of Songs. I just finished a commentary on this book and listened to Steve's lecture. Here are my notes that I will use to present this unique book to a small group that is studying through the Bible:
What makes this book difficult?
1. It’s not always clear who is speaking!
2. It’s not necessarily in chronological order!
3. Its content makes some people uncomfortable!
4. It’s poetry from a very different time and place!
5. It has been interpreted in a bunch of different ways!
Examples of Interpretation
1. It’s a love triangle (b/w a woman and a shepherd and a king)
2. It’s a love story b/w a woman and a king (who pretended to be a shepherd)
3. It’s a symbolic story, telling Israel’s history in a romantic poem
4. It’s a symbolic story, telling of the love between Christ and the Church
5. It’s love poetry which highlights the beauty of romantic love
My Own Thoughts (Shape by various sources, of course)
1. I think it is a true-to-life love story told with dramatic elements (like a play)
2. I suspect that the male-lead is not directly linked to Solomon
3. I suspect that the a woman had a lot to do with the writing of this story
4. I believe the primary purpose of this book is to show the beauty of romantic love
5. I believe that romantic love is an earthly taste of the power of divine love
The following is AN interpretation of the Song of Songs. I believe the poetic language and chronology of this book is sometimes purposefully vague so as to allow many ‘love stories’ to find resonance in its words. I have, I’m sure, ‘westernized’ the story a bit… but unapologetically, as I feel it is the hope of poets to have their readers make the words their own.
Act 1 (1:2-2:7)
I imagine a wedding scene. The women are all fawning over the groom (a prince-charming type), but the bride, of course, actually has a relationship with him. She would like the festivities to end so she can be alone with her husband and consummate their marriage.
Act 2 (2:8-3:5)
In a flashback from earlier in their courtship, the man has come to court his love interest. He wants to move the relationship forward, but she turns him away. Nevertheless, she can’t stop thinking about him. She dreams about chasing him down and bringing him back to her home.
Act 3 (3:6-5:1)
The young woman visits her suitor. Upon her eagerly awaited arrival, he speaks of her beauty. His words are well received. She is ready to open herself up to his love. They have entered into a betrothal period. News spreads amongst their family and friends.
Act 4 (5:2-6:3)
Not so fast! Just as it seems they are on the brink of marital bliss, something goes wrong (we are not told exactly what). They have been separated and she is experiencing high anxiety. She finds comfort in thinking about him and, in time, they experience a beautiful reunion.
Act 5 (6:4-7:10)
The man serenades his beloved with sensual poetry. He describes her face as uniquely beautiful, almost overwhelmingly so. Every inch of her body entices him. From the tips of her toes to the top of her head (but especially her breasts and mouth), she is perfect.
Act 6 (7:11-8:4)
The couple plans their honeymoon. It has not been easy to wait for the wedding day (restraining themselves from cultural taboos). But soon they will have their romantic get-away in the country. The dream is almost a reality!
Act 7 (8:5-14)
The happy couple is ready to unite and start a family. In their love, they have connected to the most powerful force in the world. Nothing can hinder their love. Her brothers need not worry. She knows what she’s doing. The couple is ready to give themselves to each other; to be one.
Bonus Material:
Song of Songs Pick Up Lines…
1. I liken you, my darling, to a mare (1:9)
2. Your hair is like a flock of goats (4:1, 6:5)
3. Your waist is a mound of wheat (7:2)
4. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon (7:4)
What makes this book difficult?
1. It’s not always clear who is speaking!
2. It’s not necessarily in chronological order!
3. Its content makes some people uncomfortable!
4. It’s poetry from a very different time and place!
5. It has been interpreted in a bunch of different ways!
Examples of Interpretation
1. It’s a love triangle (b/w a woman and a shepherd and a king)
2. It’s a love story b/w a woman and a king (who pretended to be a shepherd)
3. It’s a symbolic story, telling Israel’s history in a romantic poem
4. It’s a symbolic story, telling of the love between Christ and the Church
5. It’s love poetry which highlights the beauty of romantic love
My Own Thoughts (Shape by various sources, of course)
1. I think it is a true-to-life love story told with dramatic elements (like a play)
2. I suspect that the male-lead is not directly linked to Solomon
3. I suspect that the a woman had a lot to do with the writing of this story
4. I believe the primary purpose of this book is to show the beauty of romantic love
5. I believe that romantic love is an earthly taste of the power of divine love
The following is AN interpretation of the Song of Songs. I believe the poetic language and chronology of this book is sometimes purposefully vague so as to allow many ‘love stories’ to find resonance in its words. I have, I’m sure, ‘westernized’ the story a bit… but unapologetically, as I feel it is the hope of poets to have their readers make the words their own.
Act 1 (1:2-2:7)
I imagine a wedding scene. The women are all fawning over the groom (a prince-charming type), but the bride, of course, actually has a relationship with him. She would like the festivities to end so she can be alone with her husband and consummate their marriage.
Act 2 (2:8-3:5)
In a flashback from earlier in their courtship, the man has come to court his love interest. He wants to move the relationship forward, but she turns him away. Nevertheless, she can’t stop thinking about him. She dreams about chasing him down and bringing him back to her home.
Act 3 (3:6-5:1)
The young woman visits her suitor. Upon her eagerly awaited arrival, he speaks of her beauty. His words are well received. She is ready to open herself up to his love. They have entered into a betrothal period. News spreads amongst their family and friends.
Act 4 (5:2-6:3)
Not so fast! Just as it seems they are on the brink of marital bliss, something goes wrong (we are not told exactly what). They have been separated and she is experiencing high anxiety. She finds comfort in thinking about him and, in time, they experience a beautiful reunion.
Act 5 (6:4-7:10)
The man serenades his beloved with sensual poetry. He describes her face as uniquely beautiful, almost overwhelmingly so. Every inch of her body entices him. From the tips of her toes to the top of her head (but especially her breasts and mouth), she is perfect.
Act 6 (7:11-8:4)
The couple plans their honeymoon. It has not been easy to wait for the wedding day (restraining themselves from cultural taboos). But soon they will have their romantic get-away in the country. The dream is almost a reality!
Act 7 (8:5-14)
The happy couple is ready to unite and start a family. In their love, they have connected to the most powerful force in the world. Nothing can hinder their love. Her brothers need not worry. She knows what she’s doing. The couple is ready to give themselves to each other; to be one.
Bonus Material:
Song of Songs Pick Up Lines…
1. I liken you, my darling, to a mare (1:9)
2. Your hair is like a flock of goats (4:1, 6:5)
3. Your waist is a mound of wheat (7:2)
4. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon (7:4)