By Philip S. Alexander
Translated, with a Critical Introduction, Apparatus, and Notes
Michael Glazier, 2003, 229 pages
ISBN 0-8146-5453-3
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The Targum of Canticles By Philip S. Alexander Translated, with a Critical Introduction, Apparatus, and Notes Michael Glazier, 2003, 229 pages ISBN 0-8146-5453-3 |
Reviewed by Israel Drazin - July 28, 2010
There was great debate in ancient times whether this book, also called Song of Songs, should be included in the Canon of holy books. There is nothing in the volume that teaches about proper behavior or about God. In fact, a plain meaning of the book reveals a love story between a boy and girl. While there is nothing in it about God, synagogue, or church, many Jews interpreted it as a parable, a love relationship between Jews and God, and many Christians as a parable of the relationship between Christian and the church. How did the Aramaic translator treat the book?
My reviews of the other books in the nineteen volume Michael Glazier English rendering of the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible, explain the origin of the Targums (Aramaic translations of Hebrew Scripture) and give examples how the Aramaic translators changed the text of Scripture to insert their own views. See, for example, Targum Jonathan of the Former Prophets.
The Aramaic translator totally and radically rewrote Song of Songs. Alexander suggests that he composed his version around the eighth or ninth century. His Song of Songs speaks of God and the Israelites, how the deity helped Israel in the past and will help them in the future. He mentions Israel's ancient history. He speaks about the exile of the Jews from Israel in the year 70. He dwells on the wrongs of idolatry, probably meaning assimilation to the surrounding culture. He warns about Gehinnom (hell) and tells that the righteous, "the pillars of the earth," will be rewarded. He emphasizes pacifism, the importance of the ancient Temple, the synagogue, the judicial system, and the schoolhouse. He looks forward to the coming of the messiah.
One example. The opening verse simply states, "The song of songs, which is Solomon's." The Aramaic translator dwells on this for about a page. He tells us that Solomon was a prophet and a king. He received the "songs and praises" through "the holy spirit." He informs us that there are ten songs. The first was Psalm 92, which was recited by the first human Adam to praise the Sabbath. This one, he says, was the best. Solomon's is the ninth. The tenth will be recited in the future when Jews will "depart from their exile."
