Song of Songs (Reformed Expository Commentary)

Song of Songs (Reformed Expository Commentary)

To many of us, Song of Songs is a puzzling book. Often we’re not sure whether we should read it as romantic poetry or as allegory, and an answer either way raises new questions. Why is a love poem a whole book of the Bible? If it’s allegorical, what are we to make of the imagery used? And if we’re not married or dating, should we be reading this book at all? As a part of Scripture, Song of Songs is God-breathed and useful to instruct all Christians, single or married, divorced or widowed, straight or struggling with same-sex desires. Pastor-scholar Iain Duguid steers a middle way between allegorical and literal approaches, showing that this book’s celebration of the love between a man and woman can not only shape our thinking about human relationships but also give us profound insight into the love that Christ has for his bride, the church. "Here's the work of a multigifted scholar on display! Here Iain Duguid is the expositor, the biblical theologian, the pastor, the counselor, and--quite often!--the surgeon. This exposition is vintage Duguid--sneakingly convicting and awash in grace. He lures me to oversimplify: if someone asks me how best to prepare for marriage, I will be tempted to say, 'Study the Song of Songs and read Duguid's commentary.'"--Dale Ralph Davis, Minister in Residence, The First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina "Iain Duguid takes a book of the Bible that many Christians are intimidated by and showcases it in its rightful place as the finest of songs. Perhaps we've been as insecure about tackling the allegorical and literal interpretations in this song as we may be in our own relationships. Not anymore! This commentary will prove that of all the songs written to explore the age-old questions of love, the Song of Songs is the one that we cannot and do not want to get out of our heads."--Aimee Byrd, Author, Housewife Theologian and Theological Fitness; cohost, Mortification of Spin "So is the Song of Songs really about sex or Jesus? Iain Duguid steers a wise and pastoral path between those simplistic choices. He demonstrates how this poetic book on the excellencies of human love is not merely a practical marriage guide nor an allegorical representation of the coming Christ. Rather, this book is the best song of all songs because it provides divinely inspired insights into the blessings and weaknesses of human love in order to point us toward the goodness and necessity of the grace of God, whose love is perfected in Christ alone."--Bryan Chapell, Pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois "This book helps us. As a wise and seasoned pastor, Iain gently weeps with us in our broken search for false loves. Yet he strongly rouses our affections to the One whose love is true, satisfying, lasting, romantic, and alluring. Practi- cal, tasty, and invigorating, Iain's prose and poetry offer a timely guide for those who desire the lovers of Solomon's Song to disciple them in Jesus."--Zack Eswine, Pastor, Riverside Church, Webster Groves, Missouri; Director of Homiletics, Covenant Theological Seminary "Iain Duguid's Song of Songs is not your typical commentary. Though based on solid scholarship, it is completely pastoral in tone, easy to read, and rich with insights. Dr. Duguid's pastoral experience anticipates the modern reader's experiences and concerns, and helps us avoid reading the Song of Songs strictly as an allegory or, alternately, as a dating or sex manual. Instead, Song of Songs teaches us to appreciate the beauty of married sexual love, while at the very same time enriching our understanding of God's love for us."--Winston Smith, Rector, St. Anne's Church, Abington, Pennsylvania; Author, Marriage Matters: Extraordinary Change Through Ordinary Moments Iain M. Duguid (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He has written numerous works of biblical exposition, including Esther & Ruth in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, Ezekiel in the NIV Application Commentary series, and Numbers in the Preaching the Word series.