Lessons from Song of Songs, Article

Sex education in the Bible?

December 15, 2021 - Drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink
Part 1 of 7 of the theme 'Lessons from Song of Songs' by Gijs van den Brink

The book of Song of Songs is a special book. It is different from other books. Many people wonder why this book is in the Bible. The book gives marriage advice and education to young girls on how to deal with feelings of love for men.
The Church Fathers Origenes and Hieronymus go so far as to advise young people against reading this book. They quote a Jewish tradition that says the book is not suitable for persons under 30. All this, of course, makes one quite curious.
The book of Song of Songs describes the love affair in marriage that King Solomon has with a shepherdess. The book is about the joy and pain that love brings.
The Hebrew name of the Bible book reads shir hashirim which literally means "song of songs. This is the Hebrew way of indicating the superlative. "Song of songs" means "the most beautiful song. The Song of Songs is a song. A song is written to be sung. When was this song sung? Where else could it have been but at Jewish wedding feasts that lasted 7 days (Gen. 29:27, Ri. 14:12; Jer. 7:34).

Next time: Part 2 of the series 'Lessons from Song of Songs' is entitled 'The great value of marriage'

Also see: Part 12-2 of the theme 'Answers to questions ‘According to Christians, what is God's purpose for marriage (part 2)'

Author: Gijs van den Brink
From: Study Bible Magazine

This is part 1 of 7 from the theme "Lessons from Song of Songs" Some of which we will be posting online in the near future. We hope this will help you understand the Bible better!

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Contribution of

drs. G. (Gijs) van den Brink
Since 1981 working as editor and author on a commentary series known as "Study Bible." First at IDR in Soest, from 1998 at the "Center for Bible Research" (CVB) in Doorn. From 1996 to 2015 editor NT of the quarterly magazine for evangelical theological reflection "Soteria". Since 2007 editor-in-chief of the quarterly theological journal "Study Bible magazine". From 2010-2011 editorial board member of Tussenruimte, journal for intercultural theology.

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