The Song of Songs

The Song of Songs remains one of the most enigmatic and difficult books to understand. In addition, the text has been fluid, as shown by the Qumran scrolls, although it has reached us in a fairly stable form. There are two main focal points in this commentary. One is language, using comparative Semitics as well as reference to more remote cognates in other languages. The Song of Songs contains a very high number of rare Hebrew words and expressions, some of which are unique twists on well-established forms, and these need to be understood before any attempt is made at deciphering the meaning of the book. In many cases there is no clear-cut solution, so the reader is presented with a series of choices. The other focus is on similar compositions from Egypt – its well-known and extensive love poetry – as well as from Anatolia, Mesopotamia, Syria and elsewhere, which supply an invaluable cultural background. Particular attention is paid to poetic aspects, including comparison with ancient Near Eastern verse patterns. In line with the rest of the series, account is also taken of the many approaches adopted by previous interpreters. The illustrations, black and white versions of original watercolours, help to give this commentary a contemporary appeal.