Survey of the Old Testament Chapter 25 Song of Songs

Historical Background The Writing of the Book Inconclusive reference to Solomon Uncertain date Historical Background Uncertain historical background Photo: The Amarna period art (14th century BC) is characterized by loving scenes between husband, wife, and children. This painting shows a couple in a garden scene reminiscent of some of the descriptions in Song of Songs.

Interpretation of the Book Difficulties based on subject matter, genre, and ambiguous setting Interpretative approaches used over the years Dramatic Typological Cultic Wedding cycle Didactic Allegorical Literal Photo: Perfume was very appealing in a culture without deodorant or frequent baths. These Egyptians could wear cones of perfume on their heads, and the cones would gradually melt, with the perfume giving continual aroma to the hair.

Structure and Organization Entirely poetic Pastoral Setting influences similes and metaphors Discerning structure based on textual division and analysis of content Difficult to determine the number of characters to assign speeches Purpose and Message Instruction on and celebration of sexual love

Major Themes Chastity outside and within marriage Positive dimensions of human love Goodness and rightness of physical love Photo: "You are a garden locked up, my sister, by bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain" (Song 4:12). Garden terminology was common both as metaphor and as venue for trysts.