Not What You Expected
On Sunday (6/7), I challenged everyone to read Song of Solomon this week. We're trying to get a glimpse of who King Solomon was in this new series, Chronicles of a King. If you weren't at Parkside or just want to listen again, the podcast is on our website: visitparkside.com
Have you read Song of Solomon? Not what you expected, was it? There are some real cultural hurdles to overcome when reading this (or any) book of the Bible. If I were to write a love song to my wife, I'm sure she'd appreciate fewer livestock or agricultural analogies!
I was caught by the repeated verse, "Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." (2:7 & 3:5 & 8:4). The best things -- especially true love and intimacy -- take time but are worth waiting for. That's plenty different from the unrestrained approach in our society. Which sounds more beautiful or alluring to you?
So... what's your reaction to this book?
It's not your typical bible theme. Why do you think it is even included in the Bible?
Some say it is meant to be an allegory of the love relationship between God and Israel or Christ and the church. Does that make sense to you?
posted by Andy @ 1:21 PM
3 Comments:
What do you think about verse 2:15 where it says, "catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom"?
I've heard it argued that this passage refers to the problems that come up in a marriage and lead to disunity and eventually divorce. Do you think that is reading too much into this? Also, the Lover says this to his Beloved, which seems to imply that catching said foxes is the woman's job. Thoughts?
Yeah, I've heard it explained that way too. It makes sense and is really good advice for love. My struggle with poetry like this is to look for or almost demand some deep meaning for everything. While poetry is full of imagery and figurative language, the point is typically the most obvious. The imagery just heightens our understanding or touches our emotions. Or maybe there are multiple applications that are equally true.
I've seen those "little foxes" in my marriage, so that makes sense to me. I'm not sure I'd want to lay that (or any) responsibility in relationships solely on the woman. To me, that attitude seems like one of those "little foxes" we're warned about.
I was curious about the passage regarding "Do not arouse or awaken love" Its repeated several times and seems to be a theme or refrain. Is there a time when we shouldn't show love? Or withhold it because the time isn't right?
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