Clavis Cantici: An Exposition of the Song of Solomon

In these pages, James Durham presents the traditional Reformed understanding of the Song of Songs as an allegory of that “divine mystery,” setting out “the mutual love and spiritual union and communion that is between Christ and His church, and their mutual carriage towards one another” in the hills and valleys of the Christian life. His view reveals this part of Scripture to be an experiential diagnostic of the Christian’s walk with God. As M‘Cheyne put it, “There is no book of the Bible which affords a better test of the depth of a man’s Christianity than the Song of Solomon.”

Contents

Preface

Outline

To the Christian Reader by John Carstares

Dedication by Margaret Durham

To the Christian Reader by John Owen

Clavis Cantici: or, A Key Useful for Opening Up the Song

Clavis Cantici: or, An Exposition of the Song of Solomon

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Scripture Index

Name, Author, & Subject Index

Endorsements

“For many centuries, the Song of Songs was a favorite Old Testament book for Christian preachers. Yet in modern times, it has become rare for preachers to tackle this book, with many feeling uncertain how to approach it. As the medieval Jewish scholar Sa’adia lamented, ‘The Song of Songs resembles locks to which the keys have been lost.’

“Into this world of confusion, James Durham presents Clavis Cantici (The key to the Song—undoubtedly a reference to Sa’adia’s concern), which presents perhaps the most fully worked out allegorical reading of the Song of Songs. It is both a historical artifact and a living testimony to Durham’s faith, and Christians will find much edifying material within its pages, whether or not they are ultimately convinced of his approach. Naphtali Press has produced a definitive edition that deserves a wide reading among scholars and ordinary Christians alike. But I suspect Durham himself would be particularly delighted if this publication encouraged more preachers to pick up this neglected part of the biblical canon and show their people how here, too, we may see ‘the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow’ (1 Peter 1:11).”

—Iain Duguid, professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Glenside, Pennsylvania

“Nearly all modern commentaries on the Song argue for a ‘natural’ reading of the Song. What this means is that, in the view of the commentator, the allegorical approach to the Song must be avoided at all costs. Perhaps the Song is a drama centering around Solomon and the Shulamite. Or perhaps the Song is a drama presenting a conflict between Solomon and the Shepherd for the affections of the Shulamite. Or perhaps it is a collection of erotic poetry. Or perhaps, more modestly, it is a collection of romantic poetry. No one knows, and no one agrees. But the reader of the Song may wonder, If any of those proposals are right, why is the Song in Scripture? Does the Song have any spiritual message at all? Welcome to the work of James Durham. In a series of careful lectures on the Song, Durham brings out the spiritual message and purpose of the Song. In the process, he shows the reader what true piety is and its importance in the life of the believer. This work is highly recommended.”

—Ben Shaw, professor of Old Testament, Reformation Bible College, Sanford, Florida

About the Author

James Durham (1622–1658) served as minister at Black Friars Church in Glasgow as a chaplain to King Charles II and as a minister at the Inner Kirk of the cathedral in Glasgow. Known for his piety, wisdom, and scholarship, Durham stands as one of the great Scottish Presbyterians of the seventeenth century.