Reading: The Dramatic Story and Its Implications (Video Slides)

#28 Introduction to Song of Songs: The Dramatic Story and Its Implications

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.

Christian Ethical Foundations

• Creational Norms:
  - How did God intend for things to be?
  - Note: So the portraits of life on earth in Genesis 1-2
• Restraint of Sin:
  - What evil has infested the world that needs to be restrained and counteracted?
  - Note: So the negative expression of the Ten Commandments and the laws to Israel
• The Mind of Christ/God:
  - What is the heart and passion and will of God?
  - Note: So the unique revelation of God in Jesus Christ
• Eschatological Hope:
  - What goals or plans or expectations is God drawing us toward in the consummation of all things?
  - Note: So Paul in 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and first-generation Christians in general, believing that Jesus would return within their life-times