Tuesday 15 January 2013

Background

The Song of Solomon is a dramatic poem in which we find two maincharacters: a girl and her lover (thought by most scholars to beKing Solomon in whose harem the girl finds herself at the beginningof the poem). These voices are supplemented by a supporting cast orchorus, who chime in from time to time to offer commentary orencouragement.

In today's passage we find the girl peeking out through thepalace window for her lover, straining to hear his voice from adistance. She imagines him as wild and free, tempting her away intothe joys of spring and the promise of togetherness. Sharp-wittedreaders may spot a number of euphemisms among the colourful andemotive imagery used by the author.

There's a very strong sense of desire here and it's clear thatthe love yearned for is something personal and secret - perhapsit's even under threat from others. Some commentators suggest thatthe "vineyard" in verse 15 may be a symbol of the lovers' love andthat the "foxes" are those that threaten to disrupt and ruinit.

One might wonder how much of today's passage is simply adaydream, for in tomorrow's reading we'll see that - for now,at least - the maiden's desires must remain unfulfilled.

To Ponder

• The desire for freedom is a strong theme in today's passage -what does freedom mean to you?

• The maiden finds herself shut away from her lover, but alsofrom nature, spring and joy. Have you ever felt like that?

• What is it about 'locked-in' places that makes our heartswander further afield?