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Solomon's Love Song

Dant02

Dant02

Member
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Just in case someone looking in has neither read nor heard anything from Solomon's s song until just now; I should probably give them a heads-up that portions of it may not be suitable for children.

Some of its language is a little disturbing even for grown-ups, especially in mixed company. One thing's for sure: if we're not careful with this topic, we might give the impression that Christians are depraved.

I suppose there are any number of ways to spiritualize Song, and they're probably all very useful. Nothing especially wrong with allegories either; I mean, the apostle Paul allegorized an event from the Old Testament to illustrate his point in Gal 4:21-31, so I think it's probably okay to utilize his method when we ourselves want to draw attention to something important.

But as for me, I'd much rather take this little book in the Old Testament prima facie, viz: as a romantic fantasy rather than some sort of mystical writing. In point of fact, it's possible that Song is a compilation of several unrelated ditties rather than one continuous story.

Now; according to 2Tim 3:15-17; all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

So then, how does Song fulfill that statement? Well; I think it's pretty obvious that Song is going to teach us the effect that true heart-felt romantic love has on people in relationships between normal men and normal women which, I can tell you from personal experience, is very beneficial for new Christians who grew up in dysfunctional homes and/or coming out of a religion that made them feel guilty about their thoughts and feelings for the opposite sex.

Song 1:1 . . Solomon's song of songs.

Solomon penned quite a few songs; something like 1,005 (1Kings 4:32). Whether he wrote the music too or just the lyrics; I don't know; maybe. He was a very intelligent guy, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was a musician; nor even that he could carry a tune; but then he didn't have too. Solomon had a number of professional singers on the payroll. (Ecc 2:8).

"song of songs" suggests a colloquialism like Sadaam Hussein's "mother of all wars". In other words: this particular song may have represented Solomon's best work to date.
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In a number of places throughout Song, speakers address no one in particular. In point of fact, quite a bit of dialogue throughout Song is what's called soliloquy; defined by Webster's as a poem, discourse, or utterance of a character in a drama that has the form of a monologue, or gives the illusion of being a series of unspoken reflections. In other words: talking with and/or to one's self.

We will also be running across places where the soliloquy isn't vocal; rather, imagined; viz: thoughts.

The Juliet in this musical story is assumed to be a girl called Shulamite (Song 6:13) from the Hebrew word Shuwlammiyth (shoo-lam-meeth') which is apparently a pet name rather than a real name. It means peaceful; defined by Webster's as untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion, i.e. quiet, tranquil, and devoid of violence and force.

The "untroubled" aspect of her pet name caught my attention because it strongly suggests, at least to me anyway, that Song's Juliet doesn't lose her composure under duress; in other words; she's unlikely to throw a hissy fit when things don't go her way.

That's a fitting pet name for the girl because later on in Song, she's spoken of as a dove; a bird well-known the world over as having a gentle personality.

Personally I don't much care for the name Shulamite because it's not all that feminine, and it suggests an ethnic identity rather than a pet name; so from here on in I will be calling her Shulah.

BTW: Solomon's Hebrew name Shelomoh (shel-o-mo') compliments Shulah's; it means peaceful, which is pretty much the same meaning as hers. However, I don't really care for the sound of that name so I'll be referring to him as Shiloh from here on in. (cf. Gen 49:10)
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Song 1:2a . . May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth.

A lover's kiss needn't always be mouth-to-mouth. For example kissing the hand used to be common courtesy in some parts of the world, same as greetings consisting of kissing on the cheek. However, I think we can safely assume that Shulah had an affectionate kiss in mind rather than courtesy. A kiss on the shoulder would suffice for that purpose. That kind of a kiss, though maybe not very passionate, is at least intimate.
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Song 1:2b . . for your love is better than wine.

Alcohol, in just the right amount, can soothe people's nerves and put them in a good mood.

"He bringing forth food from the earth, wine that gladdens the heart of man" (Ps 104:14-15)

But given the choice, I think most of us would rather be with a lover than with a bottle because lovers, on the whole, make us feel much, much better than booze.

I cannot remember ever feeling like singing whenever I was drinking; but this one girl I was dating back in the day made me feel so good that I was constantly humming old love songs that I hadn't thought of in years. Pretty amazing.

"There are three things which are too wonderful for me; four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maid." (Prov 30:18-19)
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Song 1:3 . . Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, your name is like purified oil; therefore the maidens love you.

ASIDE: I'm convinced that Song is just as much a fantasy as Mozart's Magic Flute. The reason being that in Ecc 7:28, Solomon complained that he was unable to find even one good woman among a thousand. In other words: in my estimation, Shulah was a daydream; viz: the kind of girl that Solomon always wished to meet, but never did. She was a girl who only existed in his imagination; and that's where she stayed.

Anyway, back to the guy. The Hebrew word for the "oils" actually describes something greasy, i.e. a paste or a cream or possibly a wax; or something with the consistency of honey. So apparently Shiloh's fragrance was produced by something smeared on rather than splashed on.

The words "purified oil" are from a Hebrew word that actually means "poured forth". Well; an open container of any strong-smelling chemical would eventually fill a whole room with its odor.

Shiloh's name-- i.e. his reputation --was like an open container of perfume in an enclosed room; in other words: everybody knew Shiloh just as Boaz was well-known to be a man of standing in Jerusalem (Ruth 2:1) and "therefore the maidens love you" likely means that Shiloh was a man that any girl would be proud to be seen with, i.e. he was very eligible; viz: a good catch.
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Dant02 said:
I should probably give them a heads-up that portions of it may not be suitable for children.

Some of its language is a little disturbing even for grown-ups, especially in mixed company. One thing's for sure: if we're not careful with this topic, we might give the impression that Christians are depraved.
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Sorry as I have to disagree on the basis that it is a beautiful marriage of the Bride (body of Christ) to her Groom (Christ Jesus). If one reads it as inappropriate sexual content then they have no clue that this is speaking about the Bride and her Groom.
 
Dant02 said:
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There's no need to apologize. Viewers are entitled to a second opinion.
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Not apologizing for disagreeing with you, but showing you Christ and His Bride within the Song of Solomon. It is you from your opening post that has warned others of its explicate sexual tendencies then continuing to talk about to sexual lovers.

Also why did you change what I said with putting yada, yada, yada etc. instead of that of what I posted that explains what the Song of Solomon is all about.

No one has a right to edit another's post other than the Mods and Administrators, or the one who posted. Please refrain from doing this.
 
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for_his_glory said:
It is you from your opening post that has warned others of its explicate sexual tendencies then continuing to talk about to sexual lovers.
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I cannot find the words "explicate sexual tendencies" in post No.1, nor can I find the words "sexual lovers". Where did you get them?


for_his_glory said:
No one has a right to edit another's post other than the Mods and Administrators
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Your post No.8 is intact; it's all there, undisturbed, just as you entered it.

FYI: I see no point in quoting someone's entire composition when only a few words and/or lines in it pertain to my reply.
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And to also emphasize a point.
All matters involving strongly explicit sexual material must be contained within men's or women's locker rooms.
 
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JohnDB said:
All matters involving strongly explicit sexual material must be contained within men's or women's locker rooms.
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I'm pretty sure that none of my posts thus far contain locker-room language, but if so please point them out so I'll know.
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Song 1:4a . .Take me away with you-- let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.

At this point in the Song, there's been no mention of a married relationship between the guy and the girl; but that doesn't mean that Shulah's thoughts are improper, rather, perfectly normal and to be fully expected. I pity a guy in love with a girl who has no interest in sleeping with him.

Song 1:4b . . We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you!

We mustn't forget that a man wrote this song, likely thinking himself it's main character, viz: the starring role; so of course he'd picture himself the most irresistible male on the block; and a king to boot. Well; I've seen for myself how girls react to celebrities.

Good Morning America often has musical groups performing outside in the street and one particular day it was Enrique Iglesia.

While Enrique was singing, security hoisted a young girl up on the stage and he began singing his song directly to her. She began choking up and fighting back tears, and then he got down on both knees right in front of her; all the while crooning a very emotional Latin love song and looking right up into her eyes.

And then something happened that was just overwhelming. The girl was wearing a tank top that went down only about mid ways leaving her tummy exposed so you could see her belly button. Enrique gently pressed the palm of his hand on her bare tummy while he was kneeling there singing and looking right up into her eyes. She really lost it then and just about died.

Do you think that girl would have hesitated to bear Enrique's children? I tell you she would have gladly endured quints for that man right then and there. And it's not just the cute celebrities that have that effect on young girls.

My son and I attended an Aerosmith concert back in 1998 and I was utterly astounded at the number of gorgeous buxom young girls crowding security in front of the stage trying to get Stephen Tyler's attention. I don't know how many of you out there have seen a mug shot of Stephen Tyler but I can assure you he looks more like the Witch of Endor than a rock star, but there he was, charming those girls right out of their better judgment.

So then, we shouldn't be surprised that Shulah said to herself: "Let the king bring me into his chambers." Young girls were thinking the very same thing about Elvis Presley back in the early days of his career.
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Dant02 said:
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I cannot find the words "explicate sexual tendencies" in post No.1, nor can I find the words "sexual lovers". Where did you get them?





Your post No.8 is intact; it's all there, undisturbed, just as you entered it.

FYI: I see no point in quoting someone's entire composition when only a few words and/or lines in it pertain to my reply.
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Sexual content was implied in your first four paragraphs. I will not argue or debate this.

This should be taken over to the men's or women's locker room, but only the administrators can do this. New babes in Christ are yet very impressionable especially teens that come in and read something like this the way you are presenting this topic. It's not a romantic fantasy as you said, it is about the Bride of Christ and her Groom who is Christ by that of the outlined I posted. This is the content that needs to be brought out.

Also, When you take away from the entire composition of another's post you are taking away from the full context of what another is trying to explain.
 
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for_his_glory said:
Sexual content was implied in your first four paragraphs.
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I've encountered Machiavellian moderators before, on other internet forums. They all seem to have a natural aptitude for finding fault where the faults are contrived in their own minds rather than existing in reality.

for_his_glory said:
It's not a romantic fantasy as you said, it is about the Bride of Christ and her Groom who is Christ by that of the outlined I posted. This is the content that needs to be brought out.
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Interpretations that force Solomon's love song to apply to Christ and his church are all imaginary i.e. they're man-made: that's what needs to be brought out; not what you said.
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Song 1:5 . . I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

The Hebrew word for "black" is shachor (shaw-khore') which means dusky, defined by Webster's as somewhat dark in color, i.e. somewhere between light and dark; viz: tanned.

Quite a few people here in Oregon frequent tanning salons to darken their skin, while in California they bake themselves in direct, raw sunlight. But apparently in Shulah's day, women didn't tan on purpose because it was considered unattractive.

The "tents of Kedar" is likely a reference to the portable goatskin shelters utilized by herdsmen in the field, while the "curtains of Solomon" is a reference to the beauty of woven tapestries hanging in his palace.

Shulah had probably never actually seen those tapestries for herself but everybody knew about Solomon's extreme wealth and his ostentatious manner of living.

So, Shulah's feminine attributes outweighed her complexion; and to tell the truth, very few of the men I've encountered during my 75 years on the third rock from the Sun care all that much about the color of a woman's face anyway. It's a very minor consideration; if it's considered at all.

Song 1:6 . . Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, for the sun has burned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me caretaker of the vineyards. But I have not taken care of my own vineyard.

Shulah's "own vineyard" likely refers to taking care of herself. Grape harvest in that land is sometime around July and September; so you can just imagine the damage done to Shulah's skin out there in the fields under a hot summer Sun.

When women "stare" at each other, it's usually for the purpose of evaluating their appearance; viz: the daughters of Jerusalem were nit-picking Shulah's appearance and likely making unkind remarks about it like when Joan Rivers was on Fashion Police; though for Joan it was all in fun, but I suspect the women in Jerusalem were catty; defined by Webster's as spiteful and malicious.
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Dant02 said:
Solomon penned quite a few songs; something like 1,005 (1Kings 4:32). Whether he wrote the music too or just the lyrics; I don't know; maybe. He was a very intelligent guy, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was a musician; nor even that he could carry a tune; but then he didn't have too. Solomon had a number of professional singers on the payroll. (Ecc 2:8).
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Solomon was financially blessed, no one will be more financially blessed then him.
 
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