Presentation Title
C-1 Solomon on Monogamy: Is Song 6:8-9 really talking about Solomon’s harem?
Presenter Status
PhD Student, Department of Old Testament
Location
Buller Room 150
Start Date
8-11-2012 5:00 PM
End Date
8-11-2012 5:12 PM
Presentation Abstract
Philip Turtley states that “ Solomon is more notorious for his prolific harem than any other Hebrew monarchs”. It is difficult to hear about the biblical Solomon and not connect his name with the idea of polygamy. And while this association of terms in most cases is true when dealing with the later part of Solomon’s reign, is misleading if we are discussing events connected with his early rule. In interpreting the Song of Songs we will see that notions related to the issues of authorship and especially the assumed historical context of the book will make a big difference on how Song 6:8-9 is interpreted. But a careful look at the literary features of Song of Songs 6:8-9 can help us to discover a neglected perspective on the study of Solomon’s life and literary contribution to the Old Testament canon.
C-1 Solomon on Monogamy: Is Song 6:8-9 really talking about Solomon’s harem?
Buller Room 150
Philip Turtley states that “ Solomon is more notorious for his prolific harem than any other Hebrew monarchs”. It is difficult to hear about the biblical Solomon and not connect his name with the idea of polygamy. And while this association of terms in most cases is true when dealing with the later part of Solomon’s reign, is misleading if we are discussing events connected with his early rule. In interpreting the Song of Songs we will see that notions related to the issues of authorship and especially the assumed historical context of the book will make a big difference on how Song 6:8-9 is interpreted. But a careful look at the literary features of Song of Songs 6:8-9 can help us to discover a neglected perspective on the study of Solomon’s life and literary contribution to the Old Testament canon.