Solomon's Canticle, a.k.a. Song

[Beetow]

● Song 2:9b . . Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice.

(chuckle) That makes Shiloh appear to be sort of a peeping Tom but really his behavior is no different than a boy tossing little pebbles at a girl's window to get her attention.

● Song 2:10 . . My lover spoke and said to me; "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me."

You know, there's nothing like early morning in the countryside during fair weather. The air, the sights, the sounds, and the smells are all very invigorating; and even better when done with someone special.

● Song 2:11-13 . . See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.

I sometimes wonder if maybe city planners don't have lovers in mind when they design city parks where people can at least feel in nature; though only a microcosm of the real thing.

There's a moon out tonight,
Let's go strollin'.
There's a girl in my heart,
Whose heart I've stolen

There's a moon out tonight,
Let's go strollin' through the park

There's a glow in my heart,
I never felt before.
There's a girl at my side,
That I adore
(The Capris, 1958)
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[Sue D.]

Sounds good.

 

[Beetow]

● Song 2:14a . . O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the secret place of the steep pathway,

The Hebrew word for "dove" is very often translated pigeon; a peaceable bird that prefers roosting in confined spaces; preferably with a roof over its head like docks, wharfs, bridges, and roadway overpasses; hence the mention of clefts.

● Song 2:14b . . show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

Hard-core, ascetics play down women's looks, but you know; beauty still counts for something in romance.

And really, just beauty per se counts with most women. I usually accompany my wife when she goes shopping for cosmetics at Sephora-- which is sort of like what Home Depot is to men --and have come to the conclusion that if Sephora doesn't have what women need to look their best, then they're already looking their best.

One's voice has a role in romance along with their appearance. For example: one day at the Dentist's office, I observed a receptionist talking with her boyfriend on a landline and you should've seen her face. It was all lit up with the brightest, toothiest smile ever. Had her guy seen the effect that his voice was having upon that girl, he would've been greatly encouraged.

» It was mentioned back in post No.6 that very few of the men I've encountered during my 76 years on the third rock from the Sun care all that much about the color of a woman's face. It's a very minor consideration; if it's considered at all. Well; here in Song 2:14 we encounter Shiloh's infatuation with Shulah's face in spite of her swarthy complexion. Duh. No surprise there.
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[Sue D.]

Your post is very interesting -- your last comment, though. Most of us are visual -- we see with our eyes 1st and then decide about the rest of the person. When I see a man or woman -- I see the color of their skin and build and go from there. I grew up around all caucasion. The whites were all on one side of the Cedar River -- the Blacks on the other. And there was a white subdivision out on the other side of the Black residential area. And No body went to the yearly East / West Football game. Well -- it was usually packed-out with white and blacks who were looking for trouble-- there were Usually fights , etc. So that was my introduction to the Black people of this world. I wasn't around Negro ? people until 30 years ago when we moved down here to south, central Texas.

But, all that to say that I'm very conscious of the color of people's skins. Not prejudice -- just aware Of. I'm very content with the caucasion race I"ve been born into.

What was the 1st thing you noticed about your wife -- your very first sight of her.

 

[Beetow]

What was the 1st thing you noticed about your wife -- your very first sight of her.

Due to privacy considerations: I'm not at liberty to say.
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[Beetow]

● Song 2:15 . .Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines. For our vines have tender grapes.

The Hebrew word for "foxes" actually means jackals. Why it's translated foxes I haven't a clue. But whether foxes or jackals makes no real difference because it's just a metaphor anyway.

Love usually doesn't shipwreck all at once, rather, it goes to ruin in small ways, a little at a time, until the damage is so great that there's no possibility of recovery.

Apparently the love that we've been examining is a blooming love; hence the words "tender grapes". In point of fact, the Hebrew word refers to a vine blossom. The same word can also be used as an adverb, e.g. abloom.

It doesn't take all that many foxes to spoil a blooming love; it's very fragile: a few wrong looks, a few wrong words, a few betrayals of trust, and/or a few simple misunderstandings.

» Many of Hallmark Channel's blooming loves are almost ruined by perceived betrayals of trust combined with simple misunderstandings. The theme is very recurring probably because it's so true to life.
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[Sue D.]

Due to privacy considerations: I'm not at liberty to say.
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I meant generally speaking -- she had warm eyes / a nice smile. Apparently a man's mind works differently than a woman's. -- well -- I know it does -- but your comment reminded me of that.

 

[Sue D.]

Yes, relationships Do need to be protected. Need appreciation. Dating is more interesting than 'marriage'. Seems that now days -- sexual intimacy is 'expected' after a few dates. Relationships tend to be rated by how good the sex is. Both men and women are guilty of that. People are more interested in trying on all kinds of shoes Before buying a pair that they don't appreciate an individual pair of shoes. And shoes do Not have emotions. People do. Sexual pleasure seems to be more important than the Person.

I've been watching a lot of Hallmark movies -- and you're right. A good relationship involves vulnerability. Listening -- appreciating boundaries and Wanting to work together. That everyone has feelings, thoughts that are important to them.

Yes, misunderstandings. Being will to talk and Listen to each other.

 

[Beetow]

● Song 2:16a . . My beloved is mine, and I am his;

You don't own me,
I'm not just one of your many toys.
You don't own me,
Don't say I can't go with other boys.
(Lesley Gore, 1963)

The lyrics of that song depict a defiant girl standing up to a possessive boyfriend. Well; that defiance may be warranted for people dating for the fun of it; but the girl in Solomon's song is very much in love. Her dreamboat isn't just another guy; he's the guy: the one.

True love is possessive, i.e. jealous; which is an attribute seen of God in the Old Testament. Jealousy wants the object of it's love all to itself and tolerates no rivals.

Jealousy is often the target of cruel, insensitive teasing --which has no consideration for the feelings of people really fallen in love. True love is vulnerable; teasing it is like viciously kicking somebody in the stomach when they're down.

● Song 2:16b . .He pastures his flock among the lilies.

The only sheep in this particular flock is Shulah; and a pasture with lilies in it suggests the best soil for grasses rather than just any soil that will support some growth. In other words; Shiloh gives Shulah special attention as opposed to merely being polite to the other girls in Jerusalem. (Compare Genesis 43:34 where Joseph served Benjamin five times more on his plate than the other brothers.)
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[Sue D.]

The world Of dating. For the fun of it. Isn't that what dating Is , for the fun / enjoyment of spending time with another person -- guy/girl having fun getting to know each other. Being friends. Maybe that's what we're missing. Knowing what Friendship is all about. Friendship Without anticipating a sex-based 'reward' at the end of an evening or afternoon. But that would be another thread of conversation,

God has a Right to be jealous -- He is our creator -- He doesn't want us following some man-made "god" -- He has provided salvation for us. No human being could ever do that.

Relationships reflect people's emotions - connectiveness to another person. There are those who are comfortable with connecting with another person -- up to a point.

Reading the Song of Solomon Does get a person to Think. Talk about those sensitive areas of life.

It's been said that as an adult -- date only born-again believers -- well -- that's a good concept -- but not especially realistic. Date 'only' people from a church -- the same denomination. Well -- good thought, also. The dating is when people are getting to know each other. A 'good' date would be to invite the other person to a mall -- go window-shopping together. Plenty of people around and ya get to find out their taste in clothes, furniture, etc. etc. -- if they have expensive tastes or are conservative in spending habits. And ya know that there Won't be any making out in the process. After wards, well -- those are decisions that need to be made, too. There should Never be any anticipation of being rewarded for having had a good time.

I'll be honest -- I've spent most of my entire adult life as a married woman. As a single person Now -- I need to find out how to be a Friend in the adult world. A friend with No 'benefits'. Married people are friends With benefits. Widows/ widowers have a New perspective to adjust to.

 

[Beetow]

● Song 2:17 . . Before the dawn comes and the shadows flee away, come back to me, my love. Run like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains.

Why her Shiloh would be away at night, is a mystery, but Shulah is apparently concerned that he was away too long and should've been back by now.

● Song 3:1-2 . . One night as I lay in bed, I yearned deeply for my lover, but he did not come. So I said to myself: I will get up now and roam the city, searching for him in all its streets and squares. But my search was in vain.

Shulah began to panic that maybe her man was lying in the streets somewhere beaten half to death by muggers on his way home. Women's imaginations tend to run a little wild like that at times, especially late at night.

● Song 3:3 . .The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds, and I said to them: Have you seen him anywhere, this one I love so much?

It appears that Shulah felt that the night watchmen should know the identity of the man for whom she searched without her having to tell them. Perhaps they inquired (after first calming her down a bit) but we're not told. Solomon's love song is sketchy in places, lots of places.

Shulah's venture out at night suggests something about the Jerusalem of Solomon's day. It was safe for a lone woman after hours. Actually that's believable because the Bible characterizes Solomon's kingdom as peaceable. But this song is a fantasy so the actual conditions in Jerusalem are irrelevant.
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[Beetow]

● Song 3:4 . . It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

It appears that Shulah had to practically drag Shiloh away from whatever it was keeping him out late,

The Hebrew word for "chamber" doesn't necessarily refer to a bedroom; though in this case it probably does because Shulah was tucked in that night when she became concerned that Shiloh wasn't home yet.

● Song 3:5 . . I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

In other words; Shulah hung out a sort of "Do Not Disturb / Late Sleeper" sign on the front door just in case some of the local girls were up early and singing, dancing, and playing out in the street having fun and making a ruckus like kids normally do.

The Hebrew for "daughters" is a nondescript word indicating females of any age; from children to adults. It's likely in this instance, they were children. Shulah maybe had to scold a few of them in order to get them to quiet down out there.
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[Beetow]

This next section smacks of braggadocio; roughly defined by Webster's as boasting. I rather suspect that Solomon tended to be a bit ostentatious; defined by Webster's as attracting or seeking to attract attention, admiration, or envy; often by gaudiness or obviousness.

● Song 3:6a . . Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke

Like they say: Where there's smoke, there's fire.

● Song 3:6b . . Perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant?

Apparently if the wind was just right, people could smell Solomon coming before he was in sight. No doubt nobody in the Israel of that day smelled like he did, nor could afford to. The bouquet of spices producing his scent was likely quite distinctive.

● Song 3:7-8 . . Look! It is Solomon's carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night.

The armed escort probably wasn't the only members of the king's entourage; but his personal bodyguards are notable because they're all combat veterans.

I'm guessing Solomon made sure everybody all around knew that his guards had what it takes to survive in battle so that wannabee assassins wouldn't assume that attacking him would be no more risky than breaking through a pack of Boy Scouts.

You know, losing your life by a bullet is actually kind of tidy compared to losing your life by sword. Soldiers back then typically disemboweled their opponents, hewed their limbs; and sometimes hacked off their heads and/or split open their skulls like melons. That's a messy, grisly way to die; and just the thought of it can be very intimidating.

● Song 3:9 . . King Solomon made for himself the carriage; he made it of wood from Lebanon.

This carriage was custom made rather than taken out of storage from a previous king's garage.

● Song 3:10 . . Its posts he made of silver, its base of gold. Its seat was upholstered with purple, its interior lovingly inlaid by the daughters of Jerusalem.

The song says that Solomon's carriage was upholstered "lovingly". Well; I have to doubt that because he's known in other parts of the Bible for conscripting huge labor forces to accomplish extravagant building programs. I even kind of doubt that his bodyguards were volunteers.

But in this song, Solomon is thinking very highly of himself so the women are of course pleased, proud, and happy to do something for him; I mean, after all he's a king; what's not to admire? Right?

● Song 3:11a . . Come out, you daughters of Zion,

No men are called to come out? You know, I can't help but detect a touch of narcissism in this song's lyrics coupled with the fantasies of a man who sincerely believes himself desired not just by some women, but by all women. (cf. 1Sam 18:6)

● Song 3:11b . . and look at King Solomon wearing the crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.

I'd like to know exactly which of his weddings that Solomon was thinking about when he penned that lyric. He had something like seven hundred wives.

» Although the Hebrew word translated "wedding" means espousal, I have a hunch it's not supposed to be translated that way, rather, it should speaking of the day when Solomon was made king in his father David's place. (First chapter of 1Kings)
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[Beetow]

The remainder of Solomon's love song is a bit mushy. It's filled with the lovers' expressions of admiration and praises for each other; which more or less speak for themselves and require neither explanation nor comment.

To cap my remarks, I'd like to borrow a pertinent line from the 1995 movie "Sabrina" starring Julia Ormond, Harrison Ford, and Greg Kinnear.

While strolling with a friend in Paris, Sabrina expressed her feelings for Kinear's character David, who at the time was living back in the States. Sabrina and David weren't an item; they'd never dated nor had he even once shown the slightest interest in her; yet Sabrina regarded David as the love of her life, and had only good things to say about him. But Sabrina didn't know the real man; rather, her concept was an imagination, i.e. a fantasy.

After Sabrina told her friend how that thoughts of David keep her company, the friend remarked:

"Illusions are dangerous people because they have no flaws."

Well; Solomon's song has only good things to say about Shiloh and about Shulah, viz: they're both flawless; but of course that's an illusion. In real life, nobody is flawless; and some flaws can be rather intolerable once we get to know them.
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