Hello my Internet Church Family,

Recently, I have been pondering about the Old Testament book, The Song of Solomon. I know that King Solomon has a dialogue with one of his lovers in this book. Quite frankly, I feel as though I am ease-dropping on two lovers's passionate conversation. As I understand it, King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. It's incredible that he only three of his male sons were listed in the Bible. He also died at about age 55, apparently from exhaustion.

I have read some Bible commentaries which say that this book has an allegorical meaning in that it represents the love that Jesus has for the church. I know that Jesus loves the church. However, I find these commentaries about this book to be very tenuous. I have also observed that I have never heard a preacher preach about this book, not even on Valentine's Day.

I would love to hear your comments about the relevance of this book.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2004

Answers

It has several purposes:

One, it addresses the "eros" aspect of love.

Two, it tells us that our friends SHOULD be supporting us in our journey of marriage.

Three, it warns unmarried people (and immature ones) NOT to awaken love before its time.

Oh that THAT last message were preached from the pulpit and the home!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2004

Jazzman -

This is a great question. I believe the reluctance to engage in thoughtful Biblical discussions about this particular book is due to our apprehension to discuss sex and sexuality in a mature and responsible manner. I have always adopted the position that Solomon's love Ballard should be interpreted literally. Men can learn valuable lessons about how to serenade and woo that special female by examining the style and "rap" of the male protagonist. Women can benefit by understanding what it takes to please their "man". Long before Essence and Cosmopolitan, Oprah and Montel, Song of Solomon offered the basic guide for understanding interpersonal relations. I know it is standard theological practice to look at the relationship between the two young lovers as the love between Christ and His Church but I think this form of exegesis misses the point about human emotion and eroticism. It is easy to infer Divinity in the book and indirect reference is made in numerous passages. In fact, one of the popular Messianic titles is recorded in this book - The Rose of Sharon. Ultimately, the value of the book is shown in its ability to communicate the God- sanctioned virtues of beauty, love and sex. I'm sure these virtues were the basic literary attractions which prompted Toni Morrison to publish her first novel as, The Song of Solomon. QED

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2004

Greetings in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

You need to bear in mind that the Bible is all about Israel and their relationship with God. One of the threads running through the Bible is the fact that they have acted the whore and fell in love with someone else.

The Song of Solomon describes the attitude God had towards Israel and if read very slowly you will agree with me that no-one can display any love towards another person as God does to Israel.

You are aslo aware that though not by birth, but by faith we become part of Israel and God displays the very same love towards us, if only we would reciprocate it in the way we should.

Love

Clive

-- Anonymous, September 01, 2004