from the latter as darkness from light. The argument, therefore, which is drawn from the mystical songs of the Mahometan devotees for ascribing a mystical character to the Canticles, is without foundation."[1]
REASONS AGAINST THE ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION.
1. In every allegory, or parable, employed in the Scripture, or in any good human composition, something is wrought into its texture to indicate most unmistakably its allegorical design; that, under the garb of an immediate representation, is conveyed one more remote. Thus, in the 80th Psalm, 9-17, where Israel is represented under the allegory of a vine which came out of Egypt, the design is distinctly wrought into the texture of the allegory. The expression, heathen ([HE:gvOyim/]), at the very beginning of the allegory, and especially the words, "the Son whom thou hast chosen for thyself," ([HE:`al b.En/ 'im.ax^et.oh lok/^e]) in the second clause of verse 15, which, when compared with "the Son of man, whom thou hast chosen for thyself," ([HE: `al b.En/ 'odom/ 'im.ax^eto lok/^e]) in verse 17, are evidently explanatory of the words, "and protect what thy right hand hath planted," ([HE: v^ekan.oh 'a:S/er noT^e`oh y^emiyneyk/o]) in the first clause, clearly to show the more remote concealed under the immediate representation. Thus, also, in the allegory of the vineyard, and by the prophet Isaiah (chap. v.), we are distinctly told, in verse 7, that "the vineyard of Jehovah of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant plantation." Compare also Judges ix. 7-20; 2 Kings xiv. 9, 10; Ezek. xvi., xxxvii. 1-14; the parables of our Saviour, Acts x. 10-17; Gal. iv. 22-31. Now, if the author of this poem had intended it to be understood allegorically, he would have given some indication to that effect; especially since the allegories occasionally used in some parts of this very book, chap. iv. 12, v. 1, vii. 7, 8, are rendered plain and obvious. As there is, however, not the slightest
- ↑ Noyes, A New Translation of the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles, pp. 130-132.
