What about the lens which says that it is simply a love song, or a collection of love songs, written to celebrate a wedding? There is absolutely no literary or theological reason to allegorize it. Not all commentators have viewed it as allegorical - at least according to my limited knowledge. Origen was at least aware of the view that it was an epithalamium for Solomon and Pharaoh’s daughter. Theodore of Mopsuestia rejected the allegorical interpretation, arguing that it was simply an erotic song composed by Solomon. Luther was embarrassed by the sexuality but rejected Jewish and Christian allegorization. Calvin regarded it as an inspired song about human love. Personally, I am delighted that the Bible celebrates love and carnality in this way.

In any case, allegorical interpretation of the Song of Solomon was certainly not the basis for the evangelical doctrine of the personal relationship with Jesus. So what was?