SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:1 Title: The Best of Songs. The Hebrew word for “song” identifies the book as expressing joy rather than sorrow. SONG OF SOLOMON 1:1 OF SONGS probably means the very best of songs. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=i... [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON 1:2 The Lovers Yearn for Each Other. The two main characters, apparently betrothed, are introduced as they sing of their desire for each other. On the difference between betrothal and engagement, see note on Matt. 1:18. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (v... [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:3 NAME... OIL. In Hebrew, the two words sound similar. “Name” refers to the man’s reputation, which is as enchanting as perfume. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:4 This is the first speech of the “others,” who function as a chorus. THEY join the shepherdess in her praise for the shepherd (YOU is masculine) by picking up her words from v. Song of Solomon 1:2. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); f... [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:5 DARK, BUT LOVELY. The shepherd girl has spent her life working in the sun (in the vineyard, v. Song of Solomon 1:6; caring for the flock, v. Song of Solomon 1:8). She is not dainty like some refined young women. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6 MY OWN VINEYARD refers in a poetic image to the woman’s physical appearance. The sun has damaged her skin as she has tended her family’s vineyard. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:8 This is the man’s first appearance. Here he offers a playful answer to the woman’s question of where to find him. She cares for a FLOCK, as he does (v. Song of Solomon 1:7). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images... [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:12 NARD was a FRAGRANCE extracted from a plant (see Song of Solomon 4:13). For the romantic effect of a “fragrance,” see Song of Solomon 7:13. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getEleme [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:13 MY BELOVED is the woman’s most common term of endearment for the man (31 times). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:14 ENGEDI is an oasis on the dry and desolate western bank of the Dead Sea—a location with obvious appeal. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
SONG OF SOLOMON—NOTE ON SONG OF SOLOMON 1:16 The COUCH, HOUSE, and RAFTERS are all compared to a lush woodland location. This may indicate that the man and woman are outdoors. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]