3. 1. INTRODUCTION Is “God” mentioned in the Song of Songs? ANS: NO

4. 1. INTRODUCTION Is “the LORD” mentioned in the Song of Songs? ANS: NO/YES

5. 1. INTRODUCTION Song 8:6

6. 1. INTRODUCTION Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (NIV) Song 8:6

7. 1. INTRODUCTION Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (NIV) “Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. (NASB) Song 8:6

8. 1. INTRODUCTION Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (NIV) “Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. (NASB) Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (KJV) Song 8:6

9. 1. INTRODUCTION Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. (NIV) “Put me like a seal over your heart, Like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, Jealousy is as severe as Sheol; Its flashes are flashes of fire, The very flame of the Lord. (NASB) Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (KJV) Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. (ESV) Song 8:6

10. 1. INTRODUCTION NO MENTION OF GOD!

11. 1. INTRODUCTION It is by Divine providence that this book is included in the canon as inspired Scripture: “…by its very inclusion in the canon, it reminds us of a love that is purer than our own.” E. J. Young, An Introduction to the Old Testament, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: 1958), 354

12. 2. TITLE A)In Hebrew the title is ~yrIyVih ryvi Shir has ‑ shirim (“Song of Songs”) is derived from 1:1 `hmol{v.li rv,a] ~yrIyVih ryvi Shir has ‑ shirim asher lishelomoh which means “song of songs of/to Solomon.” I)The expression “Song of Songs” is a superlative genitive, meaning t tt the finest song or the most beautiful song (which is of Solomon). B)The Greek title Asma Asmaton and the Latin title Canticum Canticorum also mean “Song of Songs” or “The Best Song.” I.The name ‘Canticles’, meaning ‘songs’ is derived from the Latin title. C)The other (less accurate) English title ‘Song of Solomon’ is derived from 1:1.

13. 3. AUTHORSHIP/DATE Solomon A)The traditional view of both Jewish and Christian scholars has been that Solomon himself wrote this song during his early years. Internal evidences: I)The book ascribes the authorship of the song-poem in 1:1 to Solomon, son of David, 7 II)His name appears 7 times in the book (1:5;3:7,9,11;8:11,12), but he is never explicitly named as the author. lavish setting III)The Song’s lavish setting accurately reflects Solomon’s glory (3:6-11). 1.The lover boasted of 60 queens, 80 concubines and virgins beyond number (6:8). a.This fits Solomon’s lifestyle (1 Kings 11:3).

14. 3. AUTHORSHIP/DATE songwriter IV.Solomon’s skill as a songwriter is attested to in 1 Kings 4:32. V.Solomon’s wide knowledge of trees, animals, birds, insects, fish (1 Kings 4:33) is also reflected in the book’s wide mention of: 1.Plants (21 types) and 2.Animals (15 types). 3.All in, the Song refers to 15 geographic locations from Lebanon in the north to Egypt in the south. northern kingdom locations VI.The writer speaks of northern kingdom locations as if they were still part of an undivided kingdom (e.g. Lebanon, Hermon, Tizrah, Damascus, and Carmel).

16. 3B. Arguments for Non-Solomonic Author 3 rd I)References to Solomon are in the 3 rd person. Solomon II)More likely, the author is an admirer of Solomon and a supporter of the wisdom literary traditions. III)1:1 may mean “which is about or concerning Solomon.”

17. 3C. Summary I)Part of the Song may have been written originally in honor of one of King Solomon’s weddings, and later became part of the standard musical of every wedding. Generally speaking, “there would seem to be little valid reason for objecting to the traditional attribution of authorship to Solomon" (R.K. Harrison).

18. 5) LITERARY NATURE HEBREW POETRY/POETICAL BOOKS Sub-Genre Style Songs/Poetry Wisdom ProverbialSpeculative Lyric (Originally accompanied by music & possessing strong emotions.) Psalms Didactic (Teaches principles about life by means of proverbs or maxims.) ProverbsEcclesiastes Dramatic (Dialogue between people in poetical form.) Song of Songs Job Lament (Poetical expression of sorrow or lamentations.) Lamentations

19. 5) LITERARY NATURE HEBREW POETRY/POETICAL BOOKS Sub-Genre Style Songs Song-Wisdom Wisdom Proverbial Speculative Lyric (Originally accompanied by music & possessing strong emotions.) Psalms Didactic (Teaches principles about life by means of proverbs or maxims.) Proverbs Ecclesiast es Dramatic (Dialogue between people in poetical form.) Song of Songs Job Lament (Poetical expression of sorrow or lamentations.) Lament- ations

20. 5B) Characteristics I.The Song is more than a song. It is a vivid and sensuous drama in song. “It is a ballad about human romance, written in the style of ancient Near Eastern lyric poetry.” “Every chapter of the Song is fraught with images that strike our senses— sight (flowers), sounds (animals and birds), smells (perfumes), taste (fruits) and touch (physical attractiveness). Love—marital, sexual love—is the exploration and intoxication of all the senses. Our lovers are delighting in one another as God intended from the beginning. They possess one another, longing and yearning for that union which fittingly consummates their love. They taste something of the mystery which exists at the heart of intimate union—a mystery expressed by Paul as reflected in the union of Christ and his Bride, the Church (Eph.5).” James T. Dennison, Jr. What Should I Read on the Song of Solomon? K:NWTS 8/2 (Sep 1993) 38-41. http://www.kerux.com/doc/0802A3.asp accessed July 10, 2015.http://www.kerux.com/doc/0802A3.asp

21. 5B) Characteristics II.Most of the Song is stylized conversation between the lover and beloved although much may be imagined speech, uttered when the partner was absent. 1.A remarkable feature of the Song is that the song is largely written from the perspective of a WOMAN. 2.The use of personal pronouns (I, me, you, he, his, etc.) often makes it difficult to know who is speaking. 3.Speeches and events do not always follow in chronological order. 4.The use of chorus – an imaginary group that interrupts certain scenes to make brief speeches or warnings.

22. 5B) Characteristics III.The characters of the poem are: 1.The beloved a.She is a woman (6:9; 7:1) b.She plays the leading role throughout. 2.The lover a.He especially celebrates the beauty of, and his love for, the woman. 3.The “daughters of Jerusalem” a.“Daughters of Jerusalem” mentioned 7 times (1:5; 2:7; 3:5,10; 5:8,16; 8:4) b.“Daughters of Zion” mentioned once (3:11). c.Their choruses serve as markers for change of scenes.

23. 7. STRUCTURE chronologically aligned A)It is a recollection of events leading to their marriage, the wedding night and the early years. These events though are not chronologically aligned. B)General Organization 1:1- 2:7 AThe lovers’ expression of mutual love 1:1- 2:7 2:8- 3: 5 BThe lovers’ love lost and found 2:8- 3: 5 3: 6 –5:1 XThe lovers’ love celebrated and consummated : The Wedding 3: 6 –5:1 5:2- 8:4 B’ The lovers’ love lost and reunited 5:2- 8:4 8:5-14 A’The lovers’ love affirmed and consummated 8:5-14

25. 8) CHALLENGES IN READING THE SONG

26. 8A) Interpretation Method Allegorical I.The Allegorical Method Typical II.The Typical Method real historical I.In this approach to the Song, the relationship between Solomon and the Shulammite is viewed as a real and historical love affair. Literal III.The Literal Method

27. 8A) Interpretation Method IV.Summary and Conclusion 1.The literal approach is the only safe ground from the standpoint of hermeneutics. Granted, our personal or cultural inhibitions may work against a literal approach to the Song, but, we must never allow our own feelings to determine our approach to the Word of God. We are not to decide for God what He can and cannot say in His Word.

28. 8B) Who is speaking what in the book?

29. 8:11-14 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he let out the vineyard to keepers; each one was to bring for its fruit a thousand pieces of silver. 12 My vineyard, my very own, is before me; you, O Solomon, may have the thousand, and the keepers of the fruit two hundred. 13 O you who dwell in the gardens, with companions listening for your voice; let me hear it. 14 Make haste, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.

30. 8C) Identification of the Lover I.SONG OF SONGS AS A ROYAL LOVE STORY: KING SOLOMON AND THE SHULAMMITE VINEDRESSER

31. 8C) Identification of the Lover II.SONGS OF SONGS AS A LOVE TRIANGLE: KING SOLOMON, THE SHULAMMITE VINEDRESSER, AND THE SHEPHERD

32. 8C) Identification of the Lover III.SONG OF SONGS AS A PEASANT LOVE STORY: A SHEPHERD AND A VINEDRESSER

33. 7. PURPOSE covenantalTo present the beauty and intimacy of covenantal love, thereby teaching that marital success is not automatic, but that it requires dedication, intense commitment and strong loyalty between the married couple.

34. 9. PURPOSE “The couple’s love is as intense at the beginning as at the end; thus, the poem’s power lies not in a lofty climax (though the scene of consummation is the center, 4:9-5:1) but in the creative and delicate repetitions of the themes of love – a love longed for when apart (e.g., 3:1-5) and enjoyed to the full when together (e.g. ch. 7), relished amid the splendor of the palace (e.g., 1:2-4) or in the serenity of the countryside (7:11 ff.), and reserved exclusively for the covenant partner (2:16; 6:3; 7:10). It is a love strong as death, which water cannot quench nor floods drown, a love freely given yet beyond price (8:6f.)” Lasor, 517.

35. 10. THEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS & IMPLICATIONS sexuality A)The theological discussion of the book is in biblical sexuality, i.e., the biblical doctrine of mankind created as male and female. creation I)The sensual side of human nature is part of God’s wonderful creation. sexual II)People were created as sexual beings, and III)God’s design for marriage was established at the beginning in Genesis to reflect God’s image (Gen. 1:27).

36. 10. THEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS & IMPLICATIONS B)The Song recreates in its idealized sexual imagery what God intended as at the beginning concerning the innocent joy of love- making for the married couple. I)The union of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden was one of innocent bliss. gift II)It celebrates the glories of marriage as a gift of the Creator and a norm for human life. (1)Love is a gift from God — 8:6, 7. Love can’t be bought.

37. 10. THEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS & IMPLICATIONS chastity C) The Song speaks strongly for chastity before the marriage vows (2:7).

38. “Our culture encourages people to fulfill themselves, whatever their sexual tastes and desires, whereas the Song of Songs is concerned with how one person can respond faithfully to the attractiveness of another and fulfill the needs of the other. In most modern world, romance is thought of as something that precedes marriage, and is based primarily on feelings or pleasure. In the Song of Songs, romance is something that actually characterizes marriage.” Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 4 th Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 257.

39. SUMMARY SHEETS

40. NEXT SESSION 15 August 2015 (Saturday) 7:30 am – 12:30 pm 1.Session 7A&B: Intro to Prophets & Isaiah 2.Session 7C: Jeremiah Reading Assignments: 1.Psalm 4 to Psalm 93 2.Book By Book: page 171-194 1.The Prophets of Israel in the Biblical Story 2.Isaiah 3.Jeremiah 3.For All Its Worth: Ch. 10 The Prophets: Enforcing the Covenant in Israel 1.(4 th Edition): page 187-211 2.(3 rd Edition): page 181-204