16. More from the Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon also describes physical acts of love, rendered at different levels of explicitness depending on the translation. After a description of the physical attributes of the lovers, in which the woman is described in part, “Thy lips, Oh my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue…”, and she is compared to a closed garden she responds with an invitation to her lover. “Awake, Oh north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits”.
The Song of Solomon describes a couple’s desires before and following their marriage, as well as their physical encounters during their honeymoon and later during their marriage. Its imagery, in all translations, is neither subtle nor difficult to ascertain. Its suggestive nature is clear, after the man states his desire and intention to enjoy the fruits of his garden he is invited by his lover to join her in the fields, where they are surrounded by flowers and nature. In chapter 5 the woman states, “My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him”. The true author of the Song of Solomon is unknown, though it is attributed to Solomon due to his being mentioned by name in the book.
