At first reading, the Song of Songs appears to be an unabashed
celebration of physical attraction, mutual love, and sexual consummation
between a man and a woman. Tom Gledhill maintains that the Song of
Songs is in fact just that--a literary, poetic exploration of human love
that strongly affirms loyalty, beauty, and sexuality. Yet in God's
story, these things are not ends in themselves. They are also
transcendental longings, whispers of immortality. Like all of creation
they point beyond themselves to their divine author, who in this Song is
nowhere mentioned but everywhere assumed.
Gledhill explores this unique biblical book that forms an interlude in
the Old Testament story. He incorporates reflections on other biblical
material concerning issues raised by the Song--such as human nature,
mortality, and social and cultural conditioning--while staying focused
on the text as an extended love poem, both beautiful and mysterious.
Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of the Song
of Songs offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text
and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to
contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, the
Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or
preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text.
This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated
language and current NIV Scripture quotations with a new interior
design.
