Profuse, exuberant images are used to describe a common theme-intimacy. For example, a quote that perfectly embodies this point is, “His head is gold, pure gold, his hair like palm fronds, as black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside streams of water…” (5:11-12) Imagery in regard to animals are used to describe the intimacy an individual has for her lover, which in this context is a bit paradoxical. Ravens are often depicted as scavenging creatures, while doves are portrayed as divinity-filled creations. Despite this powerful, odd contrast, this individual’s lover seems to embody the positive attributes associated with the two birds. Concerning the allegory articulated within this section of the Old Testament, the underlying message between these poetic verses can ultimately be seen as a symbolic representation of the Lord’s affection for His creation. Although God’s endearment towards the Israelites is at times evident in the rest of the Old Testament, His endearment towards mankind in Song of Songs is consistently laced in elegant verses of
Profuse, exuberant images are used to describe a common theme-intimacy. For example, a quote that perfectly embodies this point is, “His head is gold, pure gold, his hair like palm fronds, as black as a raven. His eyes are like doves beside streams of water…” (5:11-12) Imagery in regard to animals are used to describe the intimacy an individual has for her lover, which in this context is a bit paradoxical. Ravens are often depicted as scavenging creatures, while doves are portrayed as divinity-filled creations. Despite this powerful, odd contrast, this individual’s lover seems to embody the positive attributes associated with the two birds. Concerning the allegory articulated within this section of the Old Testament, the underlying message between these poetic verses can ultimately be seen as a symbolic representation of the Lord’s affection for His creation. Although God’s endearment towards the Israelites is at times evident in the rest of the Old Testament, His endearment towards mankind in Song of Songs is consistently laced in elegant verses of