Types and Shadows in the Songs of Solomon
Types and shadows have existed for as long as the earlier biblical texts came to light. However, despite its presence, a number of people may not even be aware of what these things may be. A person new to the concept would wonder how these exist in the Scriptures.
The Song of Solomon is one of the oldest texts in biblical history, appearing as the fifth book of Wisdom in the Old Testament. It is commonly known for its controversial theme yet contextual beauty. It is also usually interpreted as symbolizing God’s love for the church and its people.
Aside from these characteristics, the text also serves as a good material for learning about types and shadows in the Old Testament. My work, The Song of Solomon Revealed, takes notice of how these concepts appear across the old text.
I share in my introduction that the work is filled with types and shadows of God’s love, as opposed to the majority’s interpretation that it is a sexual book. Both of these concepts stand as a symbol or representation of biblical truth.
Although types can almost be synonymous to shadows, a line separates the two by virtue of how it ties the past to the present or future. Types tend to be more general as it merely speaks of a person or an event. That person or event could then symbolize a foretelling of what is to come.
Meanwhile, the concept of shadows tends to lean more on representation. Just like the natural definition of the word, a shadow is an extension of a being or a thing. However, although the shadow points to a person, it is not the person itself and rather just a representation of that person.
The same goes for the Song of Solomon. The most notable types found in the book include the bridegroom and the bride. As mentioned earlier, both symbolize Jesus and the church (or its people). Meanwhile, shadows scattered in the text detail the things that represent Jesus and the church.
My book enumerates these shadows in my summary of the Song of Solomon. An interpretation of each chapter is detailed. The summary explains the progress of relationship between the church and the Lord. The first chapter begins with the representation of the people of the church being drawn to the Lord. It ends with the eighth chapter which details the Lord’s impact on people’s lives and how that can be used to help more people.
At times, some biblical types and shadows would reveal itself in its words, such as the case in Revelations 1:20 (KJV):
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
However, in other cases it takes more deciphering. Simply put, types and shadows in the Bible are commonplace. However, it is the manner of locating them that is more complicated. One must always have an open mind when looking for these signs.
Want to discuss types and shadows in great detail? Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads and we can talk more about it. You can also leave a comment below so others can join in the conversation.
References:
Enter the Bible. 2017. “Old Testament: Song of Solomon.” Accessed August 31, 2017. https://www.enterthebible.org/oldtestament.aspx?rid=42.
Jackson, R. Wayne. 2017. “The Biblical Types and Shadows.” Accessed August 31, 2017. http://www.rwaynejackson.com/?page_id=205.
The post Types and Shadows in the Songs of Solomon appeared first on Song of Solomon Revealed Book Online. Bible Keys Used To Unlock Book.
