particular it helps us to recognize various literary conventions such as chiasmus (the inverted sequence in parallel lines), and also helps us to see the specific emphasis which the Hebrew makes at times. Although the exposition is made on the basis of the NIV text, comparison with the literal translation will show where the NIV itself paraphrases or smooths over difficulties in the Hebrew. Our view of the Song as a literary creation should lead us to frame questions appropriate to its literary genre.