Research Guides: Bible Commentaries: Song of Songs

Song of Songs

The Song of Songs by Roland E. Murphy
ISBN: 0800660242
Publication Date: 1990
Murphy offers a representative sounding in the major periods of the Song's exegetical history. Attention is given to the hermeneutical principles operative in the development of Jewish and Christian exposition. Murphy examines the literary character and structure of the Song, aspects of its composition and style, and its meaning and theological significance.
Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs by Iain Provan
ISBN: 031021372X
Publication Date: 2001
Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs have always presented particular challenges to their readers, especially if those readers are seeking to understand them as part of Christian Scripture. This commentary sets out to wrestle honestly with all the challenges of reading these biblical books: the challenges of reading the texts in themselves, and the challenges of reading them as intrinsic parts of Christian Scripture. Using the standard structure of the NIVAC series, it explores their "original meaning," the "bridging contexts" that enable their journey to the present, and their "contemporary significance." In the course of the exploration, these books are seen to be deeply relevant in what they have to say both to the contemporary church and the contemporary culture.