![]() ![]() This poem, called the greatest song (Song of Songs) is a love dialogue between a man and woman, praising and wooing each other and recounting the highlights of their love. The first is found in the Song of Solomon. However, there are two marvelous examples of human romantic love in the Old Testament. ![]() Beyond the occasional nod to love like this in the narratives, the Old Testament is short on Eros. But his lustful obsession, dishonorable conduct, and hatred for her subsequent to violating her all indicate that it was not really love, but base lust. Amnon, apparently “loved” (ESV) or “ fell in love with” (NIV) his half-sister Tamar (1 Samuel 13). ![]() ![]() We are told in Judges 16:4 that Samson fell in love with Delilah. Romantic love is not the focus here either. But their union was hard-won, and though blessing came of it, a lot of sorrow came as well. We know that Jacob loved Rachel, and we can hope that she loved him in return. But the text is silent on their emotions toward each other except in the approval they express of each other’s character. We may think we see romantic love in certain places, such as in Ruth’s choice to pursue Boaz rather than younger men, or in Boaz’s kind offer to let her glean in his field. One of the most pleasing stories of a marriage in Scripture doesn’t ever mention love. And yet, ἔρως (romantic, sexual love) is a good gift of God to human beings, as the Bible makes plain. Starting with Eros, we must note that the term doesn’t show up in Scripture. ![]()
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