This original commentary foregrounds at every turn the poetic genius of the Song of Songs, one of the most elusive texts of the Hebrew Bible. J. Cheryl Exum locates that genius in the way the Song not only tells but shows its readers that love is strong as death, thereby immortalizing love, as well as in the way the poet explores the nature of love by a mature sensitivity to how being in love is different for the woman and the man. Many long-standing conundrums in the interpretation of the book are offered persuasive solutions in Exum's verse by verse exegesis. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

This addition to the well-received Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible offers theological exegesis of the Song of Songs.

In addition to a careful analysis of text, form, and structure, Keel focuses on the metaphorical and symbolic language of this scholarly work, making full use of parallels from Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia, and providing readers with the full symbolism of ancient Near Eastern art. More than 160 illustrations and photos help illuminate the interpretation.

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.

Christopher West makes John Paul II's theology of the body available for the first time to people at all levels within the Christian community. Love, sexuality, and human flourishing are inseparable. Those who doubted this will find West's book a transforming experience, and those who have been wounded will find liberation and peace. A wonderful education on the meaning of being human. Christopher West teaches the theology of the body and sexual ethics at St John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver. He is also visiting faculty member of the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Melbourne, Australia.

Iain Duguid's Tyndale Old Testament Commentary explains how the Song of Songs is designed to show us an idealized picture of married love. It also convicts us of how far short of this perfection we fall, both as humans and as lovers, and drives us repeatedly into the arms of our true heavenly husband, Jesus Christ.