This article below is an additional handout I produced for a recent local Scripture Study Group meeting on the Seven Women in John’s Gospel. In the article, I look particularly, but not exclusively, at references to Mary of Bethany/Mary Magdalene in the Gospel of John which resonate with passages in the Song of Solomon. In common with pre-modern commentators on the Song, I interpret the book Christologically as a love poem between Christ and His Bride, the Church. Mary of Bethany/Mary Magdalene is a type of the Church, and the resonances mentioned above are interpreted in this light.

The is only a brief introduction to a delightful topic, and I include a bibliography to various commentaries, articles etc. I hope you will find this article interesting and helpful.

Categories: Chiastic and Other Structures, Gospel of John, Old Testament Exegesis, Typology

Tags: Charles Alexander, Chiasm, Farewell Discourse, Gospel, Interpretation, Jeff Myers, Jesus, John, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany, Shulamite, Solomon, Song of Solomon, Song of Songs, the Church, Typology