Reading: Background and Major Interpretive Choices (Video Slides)

#26 Introduction to Song of Songs: Background and Major Interpretive Choices

Notes on Song of Songs

• Author: ???  Solomon?   ???
• Date: ???   950?   ???
• Literature Genres:
  - Love Songs
  - Autobiographical Reflections
  - Communal Assessments
  - Search Narratives
• Interpretation:
  -The primary choice necessary in interpretation is whether there are two or three main characters
  • • Love Duet? – Solomon woos a hesitant maid
    • Love Triangle? – Solomon in lust tries to steal a country maid from her betrothed, but true love wins

Methods of Interpretation

• Divine/Human Allegory:
  - Yahweh and Israel (cf. Hosea)
  - Christ and the Church (cf. Ephesians 5:25-33)
• Morality Play: “Don’t do what Solomon did!”
• Royal Nuptuals: Elaborate wedding drama developed for entertainment at Solomon’s many weddings
• Liturgical Ecstasy: Language of spiritual union between the soul (feminine) and God (masculine)
• “Sanctified” Sexuality: God created sex, so enjoy it!