As I read this story over and over, envision different ways to tell it to children, listened to it on tape NIV and try to see and hear it as a child would, a number of things jumped out at me that surprised me.
What surprised me most, is the focus on visual beauty. Isn't our American culture's obsession with visual imagery and outward appearance something that Christians tend to downplay? Samuel at David's annointing? Women adorning themselves with a quiet gentle spirit? So what's with Solomon's obsession with physical beauty? If it were just lust it wouldn't be included in the sacred scriptures, would it? Maybe it's Solomon's acute power of observation, his skillfull ability to capture sensory images with words. Or the beauty of God's creation as seen in man, woman, and the outdoors.
As a writer/creator why did Solomon take the Shulamite's point of view? Was it real? Was it imaginary? Either way, to write about someone loving him like that, does he have not only David's creative gifts but his ego, too?
How is it that in the beginning, the brothers were giving her work in the vineyard, she becomes obsessed with Solomon and at the end these same brothers have a little sister, not spoken for yet... is this a different sister or the same sister? Is she just romanticizing? Is she pretending? Is it not yet time for Israel to stir up or awaken love and become the Bride?
Our fearless pastors have done a lot more research than I have. You can follow the series at the Artisan Church website.
