Song of Solomon 1:1-7
Don't take a pass on Song of Solomon. I know, this is a different book, and one that might seem a little odd, even make us uncomfortable as we read because it deals so openly with the intimate relationship between a man and woman. But God put it in the Bible so He must want us to read it.
Now I don't know about you, but every time I read this book, I seem to have questions. So if you find yourself wondering about or not understanding something, you're not alone. Shoot us your question and let's talk. That's what P4 is all about--taking in and working through Scripture. (BTW--We're starting a brand new series on Song of Solomon today on Back to the Bible. Dr. Kroll is taking a little different approach with this one so I encourage you to check it out.)
As we start into Song of Solomon today we get introduced to a key player in this drama and love story, the Shulamite woman. We're not given her name, but we're still given a fair bit of information about her. Read these seven little verses again. What did you learn about our young woman? Tami W.
I've never heard of differentiaiting Solomon and "the shepherd" - I've always been taught or thought that they were one in the same. In fact, in some Bible translations it meshes the two.
Here are some thoughts on Cheri's question.
The Song of Solomon is poetry (which explains why it's one of the five books found in the section of the Old Testament called Poetry). Hebrew poetry is different in that it's not laid out all nice and neat the way it would be in a narrative story for example. Take the case of Ruth, for example, which we recently covered. You always knew who the characters were and who was speaking when. Hebrew poetry is a bit more fuzzy--and the Song of Solomon is a prime example.
We know that there is a Shulamite maiden, a chorus called "the daughters of Jerusalem," a shepherd and a "king." One common interpretation is that the shepherd and the king (Solomon) are the same. That, however, is a matter of interpretation. There's nothing in the text itself that requires it. Consequently, as Dr. Kroll mentions, there are a number of interpretations. Separating the shepherd and Solomon into different characters is certainly a possibility and, in some places, makes more sense. Keep listening and Dr. Kroll will go into this.
Allen, Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible
Allen, Thank you for your post as it adds some clarification for me.
Enjoy your day!