Song of Songs - Paperback

by Richard S. Hess (Author), Tremper Longman (Editor)

Richard Hess has written an insightful commentary on one of the most intriguing books of the Bible, which celebrates God's gift of love.

Following an introduction to the biblical book and a history of its interpretation, Hess divides his discussion into seven major sections. Each section begins with a fresh translation, followed by paragraph-by-paragraph commentary, and concluding with a summary of the passage's theological implications.

Technical questions related to the Hebrew text or scholarly debate are addressed in the footnotes. Pastors and teachers will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study.

This is the first volume in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms series.

Back Jacket

With superb clarity and concision, Hess's commentary makes a world of scholarship about the Song of Songs available to a broad audience. Readers will enjoy Hess's close attention to the lyrical beauty of the Song of Songs and his discussions of the book's theological insights.
--Mark S. Smith, Princeton Theological Seminary

"This is not just another commentary on the Song of Songs. While it interacts with other commentaries, it makes a unique contribution by reason of the technical skills and theological perspective of the author. A master of comparative Semitics, Hess is also well versed in historical and literary criticism as well as in the geography and archaeology of ancient Israel. He treats with great sensitivity the sexually explicit nature of this sensuous love poem that ultimately affirms the Bible's teaching that God is love. Hess skillfully demonstrates how the Song of Songs has an important role to play in the canon of Scripture."
--Philip J. King+, Boston College

"To comment on the book described by Jewish rabbis as 'the holy of holies' is risky: it is too easy to reduce its sublime poetry to banal prose. But Hess's daring has paid off. Here is a commentary on the Song of Songs that is sensitive, wise, and beautiful. Hess's thorough scholarship is worn lightly and is used to illuminate the text helpfully. Students, pastors, and scholars will find this commentary a rich resource."
--Gordon Wenham, University of Gloucestershire (emeritus)

"Hess's enthusiastic presentation and obvious labors furnish an undeniable contribution."
--Jennifer Pfenniger, Journal of Hebrew Scriptures

"I can only affirm my appreciation for this balanced, practical, and sensitive contribution to scholarship and the church. Hess's commentary will be my 'first stop' when seeking either detailed exegetical discussion or homiletical help for study and application of the 'best of songs.'"
--John W. Hilber, Bulletin for Biblical Research

"A helpful resource for students and teachers alike."
--Dianne Bergant, CSA, Bible Today

Author Biography

Richard S. Hess (Ph.D., Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Denver Seminary. He is the editor or author of a number of works, including the commentary on Joshua in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series, Family in the Bible, and Israel's Messiah in the Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls.