In my last post I laid out the various interpretive approaches to the Song of Songs. I briefly mentioned that, in my understanding, the parabolic/allegorical view best fits Scripture. I want to lay out a positive case for this position, though some refutations of the other views will be slightly alluded to.
The position I want to argue for is basically parabolic/allegorical, while integrating the biblical theological emphases of the typological view. Much credit is due to Dr. Jim Hamilton, professor of biblical theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Song of Songs is written by Solomon late in his life. As not only the Davidic king, but the Davidic son, he knows his place in redemptive history. He knows that King David was promised a son who would sit on his throne and rule over God's eternal kingdom; Solomon is the type of that Son and King. Therefore, as a statement of repentance, and in order to give hope to Israel of the Messiah to come, he writes his greatest song (hence the title). The Song pictures Solomon as a faithful husband and king, conjuring up images of the Garden of Eden and teaching God's people that godly marriage and intimacy is a return to that place (this convinces Dr. Hamilton that the Song, along with its dark counterpart Ecclesiastes, is also a statement of repentance given his idolatrous lifestyle). However, not only is Solomon providing us an apologetic for a God-honoring human marriage, but also a glorious picture of the coming King's love. This Son of David's divine love is not only a foretaste of the Garden, but a restoration of it. A return to Eden is a return to pure worship and intimate communion with God (compare this to the decorations of the tabernacle/temple). All this is fulfilled in the New Covenant ushered in by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
There are other images in the Song to discuss, such as the shepherd king and of course marriage itself. All of this pictures our fellowship with God in Christ. Therefore, this is not a literal-historical marriage; it's a song, so why would it have to be? However, it does have typological imagery that strengthen the Christocentric reality of the parable and protects us from arbitrary interpretations (some allegorical interpreters miss the biblical-theology of the Song).
So if Song of Songs is not primarily about instructing us in our human marriages, then does it have any application for those marriages? Of course!!! Our model for marital love is Christ and the church! Therefore, this interpretation actually provides a better model for faithful spousal relations. Men, get this book in your soul and receive training on loving your wives!
But even more than that, learn the precious, but oft forgotten pleasure of communion with the Triune God!
Grace & Peace,
Pastor j
