Table of Contents

Translator's Preface

INTRODUCTION

Origins and Allegorizing of the Song of Songs

The Cultural Background

The Date of Composition

Typological and Allegorical Recasting

Sitz im Leben, composition, Literary Forms, and Language

The Sitz im Leben

Does a Comprehensive plan Underlie the Song of Songs?

Normal Elements and Categories

Excursus: The Source of the Praise of Bodily Features in the Descriptive Songs

Formal Elements and Categories: Conclusion

Similes, Metaphors, Roles, and Situations

The Song of Songs and Yahwism

Love as an Elemental Power

The Theological Relevance of Love as an Elemental Force

COMMENTARY

Title

Longing for the Greatest Pleasure

Different from the Others

If You Want to Find Him

The Charms of the Beloved

The Fragrance of Nard

What He Means to Me

"Under the linden"

"Love's sweet breath, — a new-born life"

Sick with Love

Do Not Stir up Love! I

"Nothing restrains love"

The Time Has Come

The Dove in the Clefts of the Rock

The Free-Running Admirers

"You are mine, I am yours"

Yearnings in the Night

Tremendum et fascinosum I

A Magnificent Palanquin

A Day of Gladness of Heart

All Beauty and Delight Reside in You (Descriptive Song I)

Descend from the Peaks

You Drive Me Crazy!

The Paradise of Love

A Missed Opportunity

Distinguished among Ten Thousand (Descriptive Song II)

Confidence

Tremendum et fascinosum II

Like a Goddess

Patient/Impatient Checking

Shulammite Is Too Good for That!

The Prince's Daughter (Descriptive Song III)

The Tree of Life

Lifting the Curse

How Pleasant to Go to the Fields

If You Were Only My Brother

Do Not Stir Up Love! II

Who Has Become So Complaisant?

From Generation to Generation

Love as the Opponent of Death

Futile Pride

Solomon's Vineyard and Mine

A Secret Understanding

Sources of the Illustrations

Abbreviations

Bibliography

Index of Biblical References