Song of Solomon

Father, after reading Song of Solomon again today, I re-read my posts dating back to 2006 (when I first started this blog response to Your Word. One thing is clear: the Song of Solomon has caused me to respond different ways. I have found myself at once spiritually defending eroticism, and then at other times criticizing the audacity of claiming this writing has anything to do with You since there is no mention of You anywhere in it. Help me to process SoS again today in a manner that reflects Your control over my life.

That's About That

What does one do with Song of Solomon?

God is not mentioned.

I will continue to read Song of Solomon because I believe that there is something to be learned from it. I have no preconceived notion what that might be though.

Today, it just seemed like an interchange between people with sexually charged innuendos. So, that's about that.

Father, forgive me if I understood nothing from Song of Solomon today. Give me always eyes to see and ears to hear what Your Word says.

Reality

Song of Solomon

Intimacy is a reality.

No doubt, intimacy offers much to be desired.

I am thinking just now of intimacy as the Kingdom of God. Both are realities and both are much to be desired.

I think, when we desire the Kingdom of God as lovers desire intimacy, then we will experience all the relationship has to offer.

Otherwise, its all just talk.

Father, as I consider the strength of the attraction to intimacy, I cannot help but consider how "intimate" I should desire to be with the teachings and reality of Your Kingdom.

SoS

Song of Solomon (SoS)

Once again, as I read Song of Solomon today, I didn't pick up on anything spiritually valuable. I again discerned innuendos that, in their allegory, were erotically charged.

I looked back over my recent years' comments on this book in the Bible, and found myself pretty much in the same frame of mind following its reading today: it could refer to a relationship with God and the intimacy we should pursue in it... However, what appear to be references to sexual acts including oral sex and masturbation, hardly lead one to consider his or her relationship with God!

While it could be argued that Song of Solomon's allegory is sexually explicit in effort to imply that eroticism is okay - it really does not touch on the sanctimony of marriage as a "Christian" setting for that eroticism. In fact, SoS refers to polygamy and even favoritism within it!

It makes me smile to think of all the arguments that the Song of Solomon could invoke in religious circles (I know, I'm a bit of an antagonist toward "religion") including those who would argue to death their "inerrancy" stance. Pardon the pun, but the Song of Solomon really throws a "kink" in things.

On the other hand, I suppose it could be argued that the Song of Solomon was never meant to be read erotically, but perused as a pure and innocent love song/story. Well, I'm sorry, but anyone who really reads the Song of Solomon with more than a skimming-the-surface reading technique, will have to shift positions and clear their throat and mind at least a couple of times!

So what do we do with this writing?

Father, I am so thankful that Your Story, as found in "most" of the Bible is amazing and life-changing to anyone who genuinely embraces it after being embraced by it! The Song of Solomon (even while it makes no reference to You) reminds me how dangerous religion can be, and, perhaps reveals Your sense of humor in pointing that out by allowing this book to make it in the Bible.