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
Остання зміна: четвер 9 серпня 2018 09:33 AM