A hermeneutical analysis of John Owen's use of Song of Songs 1:2-7 and 2:8-9

This hermeneutical analysis investigates the use of Song of Songs 1:2-7 and 2:8-9 within the documented writings and speeches of John Owen with special attention to the implied relations between the text of the Song and Owen's use of it. The analysis discovers that in most cases only few selected elements of a verse are employed within Owen's use of it. These elements are supplemented by other elements of his thought, depending on the occasion of the application and the theological area of application. The uses of the Song not only serve illustrative purposes for already well supported arguments, but in some cases carry the primary argumentative weight for an individual theological assertion or conclusion. In terms of the content of the observed implied relations, the Song mainly serves to provide theological metaphors which (on a meta-level) serve as a theological framework or paradigm, or to provide language for interpersonal speech-acts, especially requests and expressions of endearment and longing. The content of the uses is often moulded by Owen’s reformed or covenantal convictions, especially by elements of his biblical theology which shape his theology of union and communion with regard to the Song, such as Psalm 45 and Ephesians 5:25-32. The research describes how Owen at times, depending on specific situations or communicative purposes, significantly accommodates different uses of one verse of the Song because the text of the Song is most likely perceived by Owen to contain abstract allegorical content which can be applied in different ways. The analysis encourages further research by a similar methodology as well as offering stimulating impulses for further investigations in biblical studies and biblical theology with regard to a canonical reading of the Song