Dead Poets Inc

“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave . It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love for love, it would be utterly scorned” – from Song of Songs.

Here in these lines are the rich example of “biblical wisdom literature” and in these words are wisdom’s description of an amorous relationship. Thematically and theologically the words are set within the context of how in ancient Israel everything human came to expression in words: reverence, gratitude, anger, sorrow, suffering, trust, friendship, commitment, loyalty, hope wisdom, moral outrage, repentance.

In Song of Songs, it is love that finds words – inspired words that disclose its exquisite charm and beauty as one of God’s choicest gifts. The voice in Song of Songs like that of wisdom is a woman’s voice, suggesting that love and wisdom draw men powerfully with the subtlety and mystery of a woman’s allurements.”

I have loved the literary beauty and poetry of this passage forever, loved the strength and the declaration of love’s unsurpassed worth that one finds in its make up. I wondered if you might too?
Might like it simply for its exquisite structure. Who knows.

Perhaps the next cloudy day when you find yourself wanting somewhere new to go, you might like to dine out on this, if only to experience a new literary taste sensation.