A challenging book A challenging book Approached four
A challenging book!
A challenging book! Approached four ways
A challenging book! Approached four ways A biblical approach (2 Tim. 3: 16 -17) requires identifying the main characters
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history:
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history: the earliest Jewish approach
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history: the earliest Jewish approach the early church did the same
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history: the earliest Jewish approach the early church did the same there have been variations
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history: the earliest Jewish approach the early church did the same there have been variations some suggested a drama
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A brief history: the earliest Jewish approach the early church did the same there have been variations some suggested a drama from the beginning, expositors saw only two characters: Solomon and the Shulammite
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite Historically, the consensus
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite Historically, the consensus This is the plain reading of the text
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite Historically, the consensus This is the plain reading of the text the Shulammite addresses one suitor
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite Historically, the consensus This is the plain reading of the text the Shulammite addresses one suitor there is no conflict/competitive language
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite Historically, the consensus This is the plain reading of the text the Shulammite addresses one suitor there is no conflict/competitive language in the absence of such language, a simple reading of the text implies only two main characters
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle “Solomon loves the Shulammite who loves the shepherd”
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view:
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: No real textual evidence for existence of third character
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: The Shulammite never resists a lover’s advances
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: This view turns Solomon into a “villain”
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: This view makes Solomonic authorship virtually impossible
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: Without dramatic arrangement, this view is unsustainable
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: There is no obvious plot or storyline in the book
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: Distinguishing the male speakers from each other is highly subjective
The Consensus View: Solomon and the Shulammite A New Proposal: A love triangle Some problems with this view: Additionally, there are problems encountered in the text itself
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The man may be Solomon
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The man may be Solomon Or he may be a shepherd, her “Solomon”
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The value of this understanding:
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The value of this understanding: a simpler, purer experience of love
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The value of this understanding: a simpler, purer experience of love it fits Solomon’s exhortation, Proverbs 5: 18 -19
A Sensible Conclusion: One man and One woman The value of this understanding: a simpler, purer experience of love it fits Solomon’s exhortation, Proverbs 5: 18 -19 it allows the simplest reader to derive a direct, edifying message: a healthy and robust sexuality between husband wife is a blessing from God!
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