At ETS in Atlanta this afternoon I heard Dr. Tremper Longman III, professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and prolific author (including commentaries on the Song of Solomon), lecture on the Song of Solomon. His view of the book is that it is an anthology of love poems, rather than a narrative with a plot; a collection of poems that both celebrate sexual love (within marriage) but also give warnings. It was an interesting lecture.
He read from Song of Solomon 4:3, which includes this compliment: “Your lips are like a scarlet thread, And your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate Behind your veil.” You might want to remember this text when you wish to praise your wife for her beauty.
Pomegranate such as that referenced in Song of Solomon 4:3. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
This pomegranate orchard is located near biblical Lachish.
Pomegranate orchard near Lachish in southern Israel. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
One of the geographical references in the Song of Solomon is found in 1:14, where the young woman/bride says, “My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms In the vineyards of Engedi.” Pictured here is a beautiful waterfall at Engedi, located on the west side of the Dead Sea.
Waterfall at Engedi. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
I have a previous post making a brief reference to the pomegranate here.
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