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processes in relation with God and His people Israel. Yet, it has to
be allowed that the allegorical interpretation which was highly
esteemed in its various forms by the Jewish, as well as the Christian
antiquity, cannot go into any single detail without unfavourable
playing. First of all, the song has to be understood as a poetic and
magnificent description of a true event; due to this the involved
persons, especially the main person besides Solomon, the friend,
bride and wife, along with relatives have to be seen as historical
persons. Sulamith is "the Sunemite', of Sunem, a small town of
Issachar also called Sulem. Therefore it resembles the name of
Solomon: 'she who is devoted to Solomon'. Even With this actual
explanation the Song of Songs with all its ardour of sensation, in all
its frank, picturesque and lively illustrated statements keeps a
thoroughly dignified and decent character seen especially in the
purity and the delicacy, in the faithfulness of the praised beloved
one as well as in tracing back the union of love to the highest divine
source and the holy order of God's creation (8, 6f)".8
This comment not only describes Gundert's theological and
literary opinion but also shows his ability of creating pure language,
language satisfying a high standard and pleasing the aesthetics. In
old age Gundert expressed himself in a similar way as being a youth,
yet he accomplished his skill in growing older.
Some months after the Dr Hermann Gundert Conference in
Stuttgart in May 1993, I came across Gundert's letters written during
the time of his stay at Maulbronn and Tuebingen. Among the letters
some ballads were found. They clearly show Gundert's natural
talent for folklore as well as for religious and epical matters.
Gundert was only fourteen years old when he presented a
ballad for his father's birthday. This became a custom with Gundert;
every year he presented Some literary piece. In the accompanying
letter Hermann Gundert wrote: "Now you will get many testimonies
of your children's love, beautiful flowers will exhale fragrance
towards you, and mother's love will supply you anew with
cinnamon-stars bakery; and for this occasion I also want to give a
Small present to you. But Such things we scholars(this expression is
somewhat conceited, but I cannot express myself differently, even
though I want to become one in due time) do not have. I wished
to present something more pleasant to you and I also hope you will
