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or "Song of Songs, which is Solomon's"
For thousands of years the meaning of the Old Testament poetic book, Song of Solomon has been a mystery. Some would say "it was never more than a group of poems", while others have speculated, meditated and even claimed to have received Divine revelation as to the meaning of the book
Perhaps it is because scholars and theologians have all failed to "give a final word" on this Scripture that it has been open territory for anyone to venture into and obtain their own insightful experience. As it is a book about love, it has begged for subjective understanding while evading cold rationalism. More music, songs and poetry have been written about this book than any other, considering its size. Those who have been wooed into obeying the Greatest Commandment "to passionately love God" have touched the Living God through it. Anything that would give a different perspective to their "encounter" tends to be felt almost as blasphemous.
For such a theme that has "been around" for the major part of civilization, the amount of dedication given to understand this book is beyond our knowledge. Thousands of gifted scholars and artists have given much of their life pursuing the meaning of Song of Solomon. Great art has been painted, insightful books written, and even today whole ministries are built on a particular interpretation of the book. With such an awesome history and tradition, how could a single view be tolerated? People's hearts have been a flamed with a passion for our God, even within conflicting interpretations. Does God wink at truth, and bless that which is "not quite right"? He, of course, values Truth more than we, but blessings do come from the Throne of Grace, and if "being correct, with our theologies and understanding nailed neatly shut" was the qualification for blessing, darkness would indeed reign.
Each generation must understand the traditions of the past with true humility while pressing on to know the Lord. As this age draws to a consummation, the understanding needed for the new generation will be made more clearly known. We must be careful that we do not search the Scriptures in vain. The Life we need to bond with is not ultimately theological or intellectual, but of such intimacy that the issues of earthly matrimony and physical relationships are only a shadow indicating a distant reality of what we will know and experience. Do we have the courage to boldly ask, without fear of gnosticism or deception, "More of you, Lord"?
For those of you that have previously studied this book and have come to "peace" with your adventure, I only ask you to prayerfully consider what is presented here. As much as is possible, temporarily set aside your previous views and consider what is being "said", for the language in this book is ancient and awkward to most Westerners. Many of the published Bibles have their own notes added to "help" understand the book. Try to refer to one with just the Scriptural words as you would consider the exposition to follow. After you have done this make your judgements.
It is not truth that is dimmed, only our comprehension of it.
The Allegorical Theme and challenge is found in 2 Cor 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy:for I have espoused you to one husband,that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Ron MacDonald
Durban, South Africa- Oct 2003; New Port Richey, FL, USA -Mar 3, 2005
Last edited April 18, 2005
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Dedicated to: J. Barton Payne, The Theology of the Older Testament
Copyright 1962 by Zondervan Publishing House
Grand Rapids, Michigan
" - my seminary professor. He opened pathways of adventure
that started with Scholarship and led to Realms of the Spirit."
Many insights presented here are from his works.
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