Song of Solomon: Allegory, Love Poem, or Typology?

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If it is both literal and allegorical, there are going to be all sorts of difficulties when the speech shifts from singular to plural. E.g., draw me, we will run. A purely allegorical approach is the only way of accounting for it.

Why can't it be typological even though it is allegorical?

Are there no types at all in it? What about the church or Israel?

It seems is definitely is two levels. What it is poetically saying, and what meaning it would have or example it would offer us.

It could have two or more levels of meaning and application to us. But I don't think it is strictly a love or sex manual for the church. So this aspect must be seen some other way.

I would only see the whole thing to be an allegory if it had types as well.
But I agree the maiden is more the lesson than Solomon.

We learn from her 1st love, her distraction, her repentance and return to that love and dependence.

1 Cor 10:11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. NKJV

2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV
 
Why can't it be typological even though it is allegorical?

A type is rooted in literal history. There was a time and space tabernacle which typified the heavenly reality. The drama depicted in the Song cannot have been a real love story for the simple fact that it is not monogamous. Interpreters cannot agree how many lovers there are. One moment he is a King, the next a Shepherd. The beloved is at one moment a single individual, and the next moment a group of women. This plurality can be accommodated by an allegorical understanding, but creates a ridiculous scenario when taken to refer to an actual series of events depicting ideal love between a man and a woman.
 
Yet after more than twenty centuries, there is still no consensus.

Wasn't there a consensus at one time?
on everything at one time

Oh that we would have unity on all our understanding. Makes you tempted to throw out the doctrine of perspicuity :confused:

But thanks Matthew that was helpful, more thinking to do, not sure I am ready to throw out the type completely yet but will have to think it over more.

Ever feel like, The more I learn the less I know.

Except humility, getting more of that.
 
All three views are wrong. The Song is pure fiction.





Just kidding.

Liberal :p


Oh now I see it
yes it is the cartoon intermission in the scriptures. So much heavy reading we needed a break to relax and be entertained.

Why hadn't I ever thought of that before
 
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