The Erotic God
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine. Song of Songs 1:2 (translation, Tremper Longman III)
Love – Song of Songs presents the religious world of Judaism and Christianity with a real challenge. The sexual innuendo, imagery and behavior of the actors in this poem would cause most of us to blush – if we read it without our “spiritual” filters. So Judaism suggests that this is really an allegory about Israel during the Exodus on its way to the Promised Land and Christianity reads this as an allegory about the Church and Christ on its way to the New Heaven. Either way, we just don’t want to deal with what the words actually imply. Just like Ruth on the threshing floor, we can’t believe that God would allow such sexuality in His “holy” book.
Some scholars take a different view. They note that the Christian allegory implies that no one who heard this poetry for the first 1000 years understood it. That seems a bit preposterous. If they didn’t understand it, why would they include it in Scripture? The Jewish allegorical interpretation is just as problematic. If its about ex-slaves on the way to the land of milk and honey, why all the obvious sexual imagery? Why the descriptions that only make sense in sexual encounter? Like Boaz on the threshing floor, the rabbis suggestion that he was really studying Torah instead of enjoying a night with Ruth strikes us as absurd – an attempt to remove what is obvious. Sex.
Some rabbis and Christian scholars see this erotic poem as an innocent but powerful endorsement of God’s design of intimacy. It is as if God had to go out of His way to remind us that sex is a righteous act, the deepest sign of personal vulnerability and shared intimacy that we as humans are allowed to experience with each other. Of course, the abuse of such a privilege is so ubiquitous that we are perhaps shy to suggest that God loves sex, but the truth of Genesis 2:24 is hard to dismiss. Furthermore, Song of Songs gives expression to a woman’s view of this most intimate relation, and it turns out to be a view with enormous implications for covenant relation, dedication and nurturing. Perhaps the view of Havvah forgiven is essential for the restoration of humanity in the Garden.
At any rate, there are plenty of interesting Hebrew idioms and unusual expressions to keep us fascinated with this poem. Our exploration can begin with this word, love, because this word once again demonstrates the difference between Hebrew concrete action thinking and Greek abstract principle thinking. Garrett suggests that the word dodeka does not mean the idea of love but the act of love-making. He cites further examples in Ezekiel 16:8 and 23:17. Longman notes that this transition from concept to act isn’t always the case, but it certainly seems to be in alignment with Hebrew paradigms. If Garrett is right, then the first line of the poem is about the sex act. Perhaps this is a bit shocking for most sensibilities but hard to miss in Hebrew. And very difficult to explain as an allegory about Christ and the Church!
Maybe this poem is really about what it says it’s about and not a disguised portrayal of something else. What do you think? Maybe if the opening line of the poem makes you uncomfortable, you need to ask yourself why. Perhaps your own cultural filters are interfering with these words in sacred Scripture.
Topical Index: love, dod, dodeka, sex, Song of Songs 1:2
CORRECTION: Yesterday’s post should have read “No, this Hebrew love poem does NOT paint her as a nymphomaniac.” Sorry.
Skip… could you please explain…. “Perhaps the view of Havvah forgiven is essential for the restoration of humanity in the Garden.”
~ for your love is better than wine ~ (Song of Songs 1:2)
~ and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here! ~ (Matthew 12.42)
Now, “Who” might that be?
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
(Verse 3 was penciled on the wall of a narrow room in an insane asylum by a man said to have been demented. The profound lines were discovered when they laid him in his coffin.)
One of the “needs,” a very great need, a very “deep” need of our human condition is the need to be loved. A man and a woman needs to be loved. We do not have to look very far to see this – “everywhere.” All you need is love? (not quite, but surely, “yes.”) Love is essential to the human condition, we may survive, but we will not thrive without it.
Now for the two-fold ‘stupid’ question of the year: Is this true and does God know this? (Hallelujah!), Yes, most assuredly, amen!
A quick review for us all concerning “love.” What is love? ( another attempt by adam?) Love, (in this adam’s view), the “highest and purest love,” has been clearly defined for “all” as “benevolence towards another at cost to myself.” And in conjunction with this very true statement, love may also be measured by sacrifice.
And now ladies and gentlemen, introducing “Calvary.” How do we explain love and “hardship?” If God loves me, why am I going “through,” this? And why do I feel pain and know suffering? The answer is Calvary. The answer is the cross of the Chosen One, the LORD Jesus Christ, our Near-Kinsman Redeemer, the One who loved us (all), the One who “SO LOVED” that He knowingly- willingly took our place and in our stead gave His life’s blood to purchase and redeem and restore the relationship that once existed and was only known by Adam and Even in the garden.
Love may be spoken, but love is clearly revealed and known when it is “demonstrated.” This is a “show me” kind of love. Again, we must look to Calvary’s cross to see, to view, to know, to understand ~ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us ~ (Romans 5.8)
There is no higher love than this. (and how do I know this?- How does “any man” know this?) Three words: “it is written.”
~ There is no greater love than this: that a Person would lay down His life for the sake of His friends ~ (John 15.13)
I am amazed at how soon we forget and dismiss the love of God towards us, clearly-fully-graphically demonstrated for all the world to see, “At Calvary.”
Amazing Grace..Will always be my song of praise.
For it was grace, that brought me liberty,
I do not know, just why He came to love me so.
He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross, where Jesus died for me
How marvelous, the grace that caught my falling soul
-He Looked beyond all my faults and He saw my need.
~ This is a faithful saying, and worthy of “all acceptation,” that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief ~ (1 Timothy 1.15)
True Christianity is not a religion, -it is a relationship. The relationship of Ruth and Boaz. The relationship of Adam and Eve. In our case the Second Adam, our LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ. The relationship of Christ and His Bride- the “called out assembly.”
Our Heavenly Bridegroom loves His bride and He is in the process of preparing her, getting her ready for and event that is soon to be- the “wedding supper” of the Lamb.
Again, how does “any man” know these things? Three glorious words: “it is written!” lol!
~ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” ~ (Revelation 19.9)
Who has been invited and even more intimately, “up close and personal,”- what about me and what about you? Have we been included in this “RSVP” (invitation only) event?
~ And the owner (Him) said to his servant, (us) ‘Go out to the streets and to the place of hedges and compel them to enter, that My house may be filled ~ (Luke 14.23)
Who will be able to attend this “wedding feast?”- “not to mention the eternal “heavenly honeymoon” following!)
~ What do the scriptures say? ~
~ for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began ~ (Luke 15.24)
There is a very popular song today concerning the place called Heaven entitled: “I Can Only Imagine.”
I hate to be the “party-pooper,” but no, “no one” is able. Not in our wildest imaginings. (and I am able to come up with some pretty “good stuff!”). We do know a little bit, perhaps the tip of the iceberg, or a “glimpse of glory,” but again ~ what do the scriptures say? ~ (this is how we roll, folks!), -those who “walk by faith..”
It is written.. (don’t you love those three words?- I do.)
~ But as it is written, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” ~ (1 Corinthians 2.9)
God created this world in six days. (on the seventh day- He rested from His labors- remember?)
But the carpenter’s Son, the Second Adam, the One who is “both” son of man and God the Son, the One who is incapable of a lie, the One who is Truth Incarnate has said, ~ I go to prepare a place for you..~
(John chapter 14)
What if? What if the One who is infinitely creative and the one who is infinitely able to perform is the One who is preparing this place? Friends, -it is so.
Who is invited?
~ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life ~ (Revelation 22.17)
~ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, LORD Jesus! ~ (Revelation 22.20)
And until then? ~ let everything that has breath, praise the LORD! ~
My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone.
Along a trail that’s winding always upward,
This troubled world is not my final home.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then – with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the City,
Until the day God calls me home.
The things of earth will dim and lose their value
If we recall they’re borrowed for awhile;
And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble,
Remembered there will only bring a smile.
But until then my heart will go on singing,
Until then – with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the City,
Until the day God calls me home.
This weary world with all its toil and struggle
May take its toll of misery and strife;
The soul of man is like a waiting falcon;
When it’s released, – it’s destined for the skies.
So until then – my heart will go on singing,
Until then – with joy I’ll carry on,
Until the day my eyes behold the City,
Until the day God calls me home.
(from Revelation chapter 21) ~ Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb ~
This is ✝ru✝h: because of the “✝” we are Ru✝h, (hones✝ly!)
“Today” the Body and “tomorrow” the Bride (amen) of our Near-Kinsman Redeemer, our heavenly Boaz- the LORD Jesus (who is the) Chris✝!
Clap clap clap, (not just today, but everyday) “Faithful and Centered R U”
Still an allegory, Carl.
Yes, brother Skip, – every story has another (deeper) story within it and within each and every miracle is a message.
~ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope ~
(Romans 15.4)
Every story? Really?
The problem with this argument is the ones who know the truth would rather run off with their lover than meet with your rules of discovery- it doesn’t work. You need an eye witness who is willing to be vulnerable to your verbal struggle. When the eyes of your understanding “see” something they desire, you are free to find it. Until then there is no need to talk about it because we are not alone, Jesus is in the room, and the dove might fly away.
???? I am not sure what you are commenting about. What rules of discovery?
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth
for your love is more delightful than wine.”
The Jerusalem Bible
Song of Songs 1:2
Hmmm
I think on the literal level the sentence above addresses a man’s mouth first
And then it addresses God’s love that is better than wine
Wine intoxicates and so does God’s love
My translation, which was produced by scholars at Harry Potter’s school
Uses “more delightful” rather than “better than”
To reinforce the significance of God’s love in the “passion play”
The wine and the love is like the “Second Coming”
Of the Messiah ben David
But you are still playing the allegory game. What if it’s just about how wonderful it is to kiss someone who thrills you to the core? What if this inspired word is just a way for God to say, “You know, loving a man (or woman) is pretty cool – and I, God, am pleased about it.”
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine.”
“But you are still playing the allegory game. What if it’s just about how wonderful it is to kiss”
Hi Skip,
OK let’s see if I can get out of the allegory game
If we can start at the literal level, and agree that symbols are “above” the literal level
But not at the more “systematic” level of allegory
Then maybe we can agree on the following characters and concepts:
– A lovely female thinking of God says: “Let him (a man) kiss me with the kisses of his mouth”
– The kisses, like “wine,” create warmth, passion, desire, and good feelings
– Then she turns to God and says “your love is better than wine”
In my view it is a very concrete, romantic scenario and it is all good
If want to change it to a Christian allegory
Then God’s’s love is “better than wine” (the blood of Jesus)
But where does the text indicate that she turns to God and says, “better than wine”?
for your love is better than wine.
Hi Skip,
Well I could obviously be wrong, but I think the Bride is in a state of ecstasy
And she is addressing God
That is why the song begins with “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth”
She is speaking in third person about the King to God
God does not have a mouth, but He is the source of all Love
In the last two lines of the Prologue the Bride says
“We (she and the King) shall praise your (God’s) love above wine;”
“How right it is to love you (God)
The problem is that you have to read INTO the text the subject “God” in order for your interpretation to be correct. The text itself simply says that this woman’s expression of love toward the man is powerful and intoxicating. Unless she mentions “God” directly, there is no justification to add Him to the meaning of the verse.
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for Thy love is better than wine
thy love is better than wine “implies” a third person, a menage a toi
“thy” will be done implies God’s presence in my view
“Let Skip argue with me for your knowledge of Hebrew is better than mine”
Common sense tells me the sentence above doesn’t make sense in Enlgish
Is the allegory game only for children?
Your last comment asked “what if?” well, The world would have nothing to bow to-since we can all kiss each other without revelation-the serpent proved it.
How boring…I might even be tempted to write ecclesiastes, now that I have kissed all the girls, virgins and queens alike, and am still insatiable. Solomon should have tried Jesus first and spared the world. I am sure there was a pure heart some where in the bunch for Him to plunder. That’s right he wasn’t worthy, none of us are. Holy love is sacred. Not found in earthen vessels. It is a Holy union-This High Priest King Jesus did not take a vow of chastity!
He is the author and finisher of drop dead gorgeous!
Skip, you are a searcher of true meanings, you discover the meaning. It would be better to have all natural relationships fail and leave you desperate for Love, and find Him to be what you never knew He was, than to be satisfied with obeying the law. Laws are meant to be broken-just like our hearts. Davidic discovery.
Some comments on your comment.
First, don’t suppose that S of S was written by Solomon. There are quite a few scholars who question this common belief.
Second, since it is written from a woman’s perspective, take that point of view in your interpretation.
Third, why would you suggest that just because this poem is about the intimacy of a loving relationship it implies promiscuous behavior? It is about the fidelity of one woman and one man – note the covenant ownership language. But you take it as if sexual imagery is about immorality. Are your own cultural filters showing?
Finally, what does Yeshua’s behavior have to do with this poem? Once more, you must import that allegory to make such statements.
~ husbands, love your wives.. ~ ( in an allegorical kind of way?) lol! Let me know how that works out for you!
Adam knew his wife.. (but in an allegorical kind of “knowing?”).. So the three sons produced from their union were not flesh and blood? It’s enuf to cause a Gentile to utter the word “oy!”
I wasn’t quoting soloman, I was commenting on your last post. I am only answering your question “what if God was just saying He is pleased with a man and woman being thrilled to the core with each other” as good as that is, it is not good enough, and it wouldn’t take a whole book or any real detail. So, that is why I don’t think that is the purpose of S of S.
I only made reference to him writing ecclesiastes.
Wether written by a woman or a man’s point of view changes nothing.
Again the promiscuous behavior is only in the life of Solomon, not in S of S at all.
Where did I make sexual imagery immoral?
I am happy with him not being the author of S of S.
If you can say what if, then I can say what if it is an allegory? Is that offensive, or impossible?
Sorry to have misunderstood your comment.
As for allegory, frankly, I believe that it is impossible that this is an allegory. It just doesn’t fit the allegories used in Scripture, principally because there is no key provided to understand it, which is why it can be read as all kinds of things. There are a lot of technical reason why allegory is not very useful, especially when it comes to understanding Scripture, unless God provides the connections. And, of course, it would take about 1000 years and the Church to read this text correctly if as you suggest it really is an allegory about the Bride and Christ.
Plus it is full of emotion.
Again, is it “either/or” or both? Could it be “both” abstract and concrete (for realz) at the same time? Perhaps it is a description of physical love between a man and a woman. Wonderful. We seem to forget who invented “sex” in the first place. Shock, shock. (Not). Now, (he inquired) is sex to be sacred or profane? And the answer is? Yes, to both- all depending.. All dependent upon whether we “do it” God’s way or not.
And what were God’s instructions to (most unwise) “sorry Solomon?” The very same instructions that apply to our sorry selves this very day. (“I AM the LORD- I change not”). Ignore His instructions, “O Solomon” at your own peril. Here they are for those who wonder: One man- one woman ’till death do you part.” Monogamous marriage between Adam and Steve? Nope.. Again, one man- one woman (that is the female of the species, y’all) , sorry Solomon- only one, (-multiple wives mean multiple mother-in-laws!) but Solomon (just like us) thought he was above the Law. Not. What a dummy-head. ~ Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of “that man” (does this describe Solomon? -or a greater than Solomon?) is shalom ~ (Psalm 37.37) Written by King David, the father of Solomon- didn’t David strive to teach this to his son? Like so many of us even today.. Solomon had a good start, but he certainly did not finish well. Distracted sheep are everywhere. One more time.. (this time with feeling?) What will it take for us to “shema?” A greater than (so much greater than) Solomon is here..
Now who (he inquired) might that be? Do you know His Name? And concerning “this” Solomon, it may be said (also)- “the half has not been told..”
Now concerning those who (still)wonder about wisdom. Wisdom is found in “doing.” And (come on people now) – What is the “wisest” thing “any man” can do? Hello? Hello? Hello? (kicking and screaming..) Hello? Absitively-posalutely- “Obey God.” No stutter- no stammer- “whatsoever He says unto you- do it.” Done deal y’all.
What is faith? Faith is our “right-response” to what God says. And what (hello?) is our (only) “right-response?” Obedience. Do what He says. And then? Life (abundant life) “occurs!” This is the way of holiness, this is the way “walk ye in it,” – “DO what He says.” Life according to the instructions (Yes, the Torah) found in His Book- our Bible.
Don’t be thinking the “Torah” stops at the “ten words” found in the wonderful book of the Exodus. No, – not at all. “Every word of God is pure.” For instance, “love one another with a pure heart- fervently”- is this a “command” of Christ? Yes. It is. “Do it.” And the end result of our “obedience?” Shalom. Perfect peace.
“If only.” or “what if?” What if we (all) lived in a world (O wouldn’t it be nice?) where every one of us (both Jew and Gentile- male and female) would live according to “it is written?”.
Friends, (of every color and stripe) we have been given a Book. It is the “Owner’s Manual.” Read and follow label directions.
How do I know this to be true? How does “any man” know? Look (intently and intensely) at the life of the most obedient Man ever to have lived. The One who is “without sin.” Here is our standard of behavior. Here is the One who (yes, physically) demonstrated for all other “adams”- how to live under authority.
Why do you (Mr./M’am) call Me “LORD, LORD” – and do not the things I say? Should I then, go to pleading or begging? Boy plus girl plus obedience to God equals “happy campers” all around. Obedience. What a novel concept. “Try it- you’ll like it.”
~ But as for me and my house.. ~ we will serve the LORD ~ Mark the perfect man, behold the upright.. for the end of that man (the end of that man) is peace ~ (Psalm 37.37). We now have a goal.
Be wise and “Finish well.” And then (somewhere near the end) we will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” And Yes,- it (most assuredly) will be worth it all.
But what about the day called “today?” At the end of this day, (one day at a time) may we all hear Him say, “Well done.” Do the right thing. And then.. – do the next right thing. One step, one act of obedience, at a time. This is “walking by faith.” We do what He says. We live according to the life-giving instructions He has given unto us in His Book. What if? What if we would “will to do His will?” What if we were to say (as our Exemplar also said to the Father- our Father) “Not my will but Yours be done?” May we also pray like this? Would this prayer coming from our synchronized lips and hearts be pleasing unto “our Father?” Do it and find out. (There is a “hallelujah” about to happen!) Oh.. what happens when our Father is smiling? What parent is not overjoyed with obedient children?
Don’t you (all – plural) find it interesting that this little look at Song of Songs and the suggestion that it might be about what it says it’s about and not about something hidden has caused so much comment? Isn’t it interesting that we don’t really want the Bible to have just plain statements about sexual intimacy? We all want it to have “deeper” spiritual meaning. I wonder why we can’t just read this text for what it says. We seem to have no problem doing that with most other texts, but when it comes to sexual implications, we go to great lengths to read something else into the text. Why do we do that? Is it because we don’t really want the Bible to have any sexual content? And why would we think that way? Is it because we have been subjected to thousands of years of culture that basically tells us that sex is somehow “earthly”? What if the purpose of Song of Songs is for God to tell us that sex under His covenant is sacred and righteous?
“What if the purpose of Song of Songs is for God to tell us that sex under His covenant is sacred and righteous?”
Hi Skip,
I think the main point of Song of Songs is that sex under His covenant is sacred and righteous, and in this world things don’t get much better
As you know, allegory is a device in which characters or events in a story, poem, or picture represent or symbolize ideas and concepts
I don’t think the Song of Songs is intended as an allegory; it is concrete rather than abstract poetry, relatively speaking
But like Psalm 45, it could be interpreted on an allegorical level, because you can’t stop people from doing it 🙂
And sometimes allegorical readings can produce some interesting results
As for deeper, spiritual, meanings; they make me think of the song by The Call
Everywhere I Go (I think of you)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3HhGtxCJmY
Great point, Skip. The history of biblical interpretation is riddled with allegory/metaphorical claims that are rarely supported from Scripture themselves. They are read into the text. People appear afraid of “literal” interpretations.
Yes, people are afraid to read what the text actually says whenever the reading conflicts with the cultural assumptions. Here we have an example that questions our assumptions about the Bible and sex, but the same could be said for our assumptions about money, compassion, food, worship, etc. It just seems that when it comes to sex we are quick to attempt alternative readings, but when it comes to the other topics we just ignore what Scripture actually says.
Our Bible, the Word of God, is a real book about real people and real places and real problems. Mankind has a history and these real people were really delivered by a very real, very compassionate and very merciful God. And as He is (I Am the LORD I change not) may we also know Him – Whom to know is life everlasting? Is this very real story (His-story) still unfolding? Stay.tuned.. – the best is yet to come.
I think Song of Songs is both abstract and concrete, as Carl summarizes.
It seems God does provide connections. God sometimes spoke of Himself as husband to the Jewish folks. And more recently, Christ is represented as bridegroom to the church. And the church as His bride, the Lamb’s wife.
God joys and sings over us, His children, His betrothed. Most ‘love songs’ are idiotic, but this is the high song of consummated love.
Everything in its proper place. I am not horrified about dirt unless it is out of place. Dirt in the garden grows many lovely flowers, tasty fruits, and vegetables. But if a handful is thrown on a crisp, white tablecloth its unacceptable. (in fact I would scream)
Dirt is still dirt, but its the place that makes it good or bad. Same with sex. Out of place, out of the marriage bed, its just more dirt.
So I can read about real passion in the Bible, –who better qualified to write about the subject than its Creator. Sex is everyplace in the Bible, in all the generations.
The only place it is NOT is concerning Jesus’ conception.
But (for me) it is hard to miss the allegory in the overview. We must (come up here) and stop thinking earthly for a minute.
God ever draws nearer since Eden.
Everything lost in Gen. is restored in Rev.
In this Highest Song of Songs, heard with heavenly ears, the refrain is beauty beyond earthly.
I’ll make not of one such instance, there are others:
The state of woman whose “desire shall be for your husband” (Gen. 3:16) has been reversed: “his desire is for me” (7:10).
Ever notice that the 45th Psalm reads similar to Song of Songs?
I meant: I’ll make note of one such instance
“…for your love is better than wine…” Many tee totaling believers would not be able to comprehend this allegorical reference to the giving away of ones self anyway since consumption of alcohol period is considered to be sinful.
Another reason to love the truth!
Shabbat Shalom
And we all want to know what God demands of us or how we can serve Him best. And then when He gives us an eight chapter manual on intimate relationship, we would rather pretend it to be something else or done away with as with the rest of Torah?
To Hosea, marriage is the image for the relationship of God and Israel….but the image is about COVENANT:
“LONGING FOR REUNION
God’s relationship to Israel is most commonly described as a covenant. The word “covenant” conveys the permanence, steadfastness and mutuality rather than the personal depth of that relationship. Is a covenant a tether, a chain or a living intercourse?
In the domain of imagination the most powerful reality is love between man and woman.
Man is even in love with an image of that love,
but it is the image of a love spiced with temptation rather than a love phrased in service and depth-understanding;
– a love that happens rather than a love that continues;
– the image of tension rather than peace;
– the image of a moment rather than permanence;
– the image of fire rather than light.
– But God said: “That there be light”.
Hosea’s conception of Israel as the consort of God represents one of the most important ideas in the history of Judaism and foreshadows the traditional interpretation of the Song of Songs. ”
– p50, The Prophets, Abraham Heschel
While I’ve read the S of S as allegories (like I was taught in time past), I do find it most LIBERATING to simply think of it as a poem of earthly sex between a man and woman in covenant. There is still a lot of stigma surrounding the sex act even in marriage for “Believers”. It is still deeply frowned upon (especially for women) to have a healthy sex drive. It is not wrong or raunchy to deeply desire one another and then to act upon that desire. (Speaking within the marriage covenant of course) In fact, it is… a most EXCITING thought that YHWH not only deems it holy, but cares even for my and hubby’s physical passion. How can this be anything but redeeming to a marriage?
So much of Christian and even Jewish writings on sex make it out to be something that is “tolerated” for procreation. Longing for your lovers kiss or touch (or dare I say even more than that) is deemed fleshly. It’s that age old separation of body and spirit (soul) [Greek thinking]. This is why the S of S is most comfortable to people as an allegory, particularly in a society where promiscuity abounds.
For those of us with a less than perfect sexual history, having a “redeemed” sexual life can be difficult. Guilt would be the word that defines much of it. Engaging in the very act that you have asked for forgiveness (outside of covenant) —— makes your own past repentance seem less than genuine. Enjoying sex after that in covenant marriage makes one often feel dirty or unworthy of it.
Therefore, I find reading S of S literally to be refreshing. It can set many people free to be more intimate with their spouse without the guilt of feeling “carnal”. Thanks for bringing this topic up, Skip. 🙂
I noticed Americans are much more uncomfortable speaking about sex than Europeans, especially Dutch. We are much too comfortable, sometimes! This is certainly culture. But imagine a Hebrew house. I don’t think there were many separate bedrooms in Biblical days. This means lovemaking was much more commonly experienced in the family, probably also at least noticed by the children of the house….
What Color Are You?
While it’s never about labeling or stereotyping ourselves or other,
we all have very different personality types.
At first glance, which one would best describe you?
Then click the color to learn more.
http://www.vantageseminars.com/what_color.html
Just this morning I had a conversation with a precious Hebrew girl who was going on and on about the Song of Songs… Song of Solomon which she could practically quote by heart in Hebrew!!! She went on to explain what she calls the most beautiful poem ever written is about a young desert girl coming
across the desert and being found by the one who loves her. He, Solomon, she said, was enamored by her perfume… and with his crown on his head he stepped out to take her! She went on to say that in Jewish thinking, when a single women reads this book seven times a day, her lover will appear to her! I pray that this is just the beginning of many conversations that we will share and that the Lord will open the doors for me to share again and again the love of God with her. May He help me present Yeshua to her in a way that she will come to know Him as her Messiah, the Lover of her soul who is wooing her to Himself!