As I understand it, this book has had a variety of interpretations throughout the years since it was written by Solomon. It may be an allegory depicting the love of God for his church, but I do not read that into the words here at all. Things are a little too literal for things allegorical and calling it an allegory may have been an attempt by the early church to justify sex portrayed in the Bible.
Let's just take it at face value and see it as a beautiful piece of literature depicting love in all its spontaneity, beauty, power, and joy. It is experienced in varied moments of separation and intimacy, anguish and ecstasy, tension and contentment. It draws heavily on suggestive imagery from nature, some of it beyond my comprehension as a 21st century reader of ancient literature.
Impressions: The writings are beautiful and sensual, but it is difficult to get a handle on just who is who and what is what. I try not to research while making my comments here as I want the impressions to flow from my reading and my imagination. As provocative as the similes are, I will not be telling busylizzy any time soon that her nose is like a tower of Lebanon or that her hair is like a flock of goats.
Readability: 4 stars
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