Reading: The Key Interpretive Choice (Video Slides)

#27 Introduction to Song of Songs: The Key Interpretive Choice

Possible “Plot” to SoS

• King Solomon has brought the Shulamite Maid into his palace harem and tries to overwhelm her with power & poetry (1:2-2:7)
• The maid’s true lover comes seeking her at night and is chased, but the two escape to their country community (2:8-3:5)
• Solomon mounts a royal procession to reclaim his current infatuation (3:6-4:8)
• Once again the maid’s lover comes, trying to get her free; she misses him, runs into the streets after him when he is chased away, and is beaten until rescued by the harem guard (4:9-6:3)
• Solomon continues his wooing with more sensual love songs (6:4-7:9)
• But the Shulamite Maid spurns Solomon’s advances and returns to her rural community and the lover who waits for her there (7:10-8:14)

Interpretive Notes

• This approach allows the drama to have integrity in its original storyline context.
• This approach seems to take into account the subtle negative aspersions cast at Solomon (e.g., 8:12—”My vineyard, my very own, is for myself; you, O Solomon, may have the thousand…”)
• This approach seems consistent with the repeated refrain: “…do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready!” (2:7, 3:5, 8:4; compare 5:8)
• This approach fits with what we know to be the historical developments of Solomon’s own life.
• This approach would speak against the harem and polygamist marriages, and nurture a stronger commitment to monogamous unions.