The commentators of the Bible for already several centuries discuss about how to understand the Song of Solomon: literally or in an allegorical way. On one hand, we have in front of us an exceptional hymn of love, a high and pure love. But others object, the Bible is a spiritual book, and therefore is there place inside for lyric love, even if it is really about...
The commentators of the Bible for already several centuries discuss about how to understand the Song of Solomon: literally or in an allegorical way. On one hand, we have in front of us an exceptional hymn of love, a high and pure love. But others object, the Bible is a spiritual book, and therefore is there place inside for lyric love, even if it is really about high and pure love? Indeed, this feeling is all the same purely human, it is the love of a man to a woman, not at all celestial, but totally earthly, having no relation to spiritual heights.
And, probably, if we were not human beings, but rather angels, immaterial spirits, for whom all natural is foreign by definition; it would have come for us to agree with the objections of the rigorists. But we are not angels, we are human beings. It does not mean that we are better or worse. We are just others. What’s natural is an integral part of our life, it is not any misunderstanding and not the consequence of the fall, it is God's initial plan for us, as for men. And this means that even the nature can be part of the spiritual world. Including our own nature.
Particularly in such its demonstrations, as a high and pure love between man and woman. Love, in which the natural is so much, than the spiritual. Love which does not profane the spirit, by reducing it only to the nature, but transforms the nature by the spirit. Love in which God is present not less than the lovers themselves. The love that belongs to the Kingdom, quite as every gift of God.
2 Christ speaks of himself and his church, Sol 2:1-2.
The church declares the delightful fellowship she had with Christ, Sol 2:3-4.
Rejoices in his favour, and takes care that nothing may displease him, Sol 2:5-7.
Triumphs in his love and gracious call, Sol 2:8-13.
Christ's care of the church, Sol 2:14-15.
Her faith and hope in him, Sol 2:16-17.
2:4 Banquetting house - The places in which believers receive the graces and blessings of Christ. His banner - By the lifting up whereof I was invited to come to him, and to list myself under him. Love - The love of Christ crucified, which, like a banner, is displayed in the gospel.