Interpreting the Song of Songs
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Why is the Song of Songs part of the Bible? This question has been answered in various ways throughout the ages, resulting in a greater diversity of interpretations than for perhaps any other biblical book. Interpreting the Song of Songs provides soundings from different eras and key interpreters: early Judaism, Origen, Augustine, the medieval era, Martin Luther, and modern and postmodern approaches. The interpretive history of the Song is a captivating study in itself. By listening to the past, we can discern how the Song sings today.
Endorsements (3)
“Interpreting the Song of Songs is an insightful group of essays covering the Song's interpretation across the church's history. Ancient Christian interpreters, medieval commentators, Martin Luther, and representatives of the modern era are wisely covered in the essays, with fine insights peppered throughout. Joel Elowsky provides a particularly insightful conclusion. His seven 'takeaways' are a very helpful road map for the book as a whole.”
“Although the Song of Songs mentions God only once, it has consistently generated various interpretations of the one loved and the lover. Written by an array of competent authors, this volume provides an excellent history of various interpretations—from early Jewish interpretations and the fathers of the church, through the Middle Ages, to the Reformation, to contemporary authors. This book is a very good contribution to the study of the Song of Songs.”
“Song of Songs is one of the most confusing books of the Bible. What exactly is it about? That is why this book is so necessary. Interpreting the Song of Songs demonstrates not just how people throughout history have interpreted the book but, more importantly, why they made the exegetical choices they did. After reading this book, readers will be better equipped to find joy in the greatest of songs.”
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