The Song of Songs has unique and somewhat puzzling position in the canon of scripture. Some have considered carefully the place that Song of Songs plays within the Bible and conclude in rather a simple way, that this canticle is an inspired biblical love story. It is a book written in praise of romantic love between a man and a woman.
Historically, some Christian and Jewish interpreters favoured an allegorical approach to the Song, and see the text as symbolically pointing to a deeper, spiritual truth. For many Jewish readers, the Song’s lover and beloved were understood to represent God and his covenant people, Israel.
There appears to be four main interpretations of the Song of Songs. They are the “Allegory of God’s love for Israel,” “An Allegory of Christ’s love for His bride, the Church,” an “Extended type of the Christ-Church marriage illustration,” and the view that exalts love as the most powerful and desirable of human emotions.
Essentially the Song of Songs teaches us that love and one’s beloved are almost indescribably beautiful. Even if the poems imagery jars with modern readers.
Just read the following from Song of Songs 4:7-10 and allow the words to paint the beauty of love upon your soul.
“You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.
Come with me from Lebanon, my bride. Leave Lebanon behind, and come. Leave your high mountain hideaway. Abandon your wilderness seclusion, Where you keep company with lions and panthers guard your safety.
You've captured my heart, dear friend. You looked at me, and I fell in love. One look my way and I was hopelessly in love!
How beautiful your love, dear, dear friend - far more pleasing than a fine, rare wine, your fragrance more exotic than select spices.”
And so we pray a prayer of St Francis of Assisi
Dear God, please reveal to us
your sublime beauty
that is everywhere, everywhere, everywhere
so that we will never again
feel frightened.
My divine love, my love,
Please let us touch
your face. Amen
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