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Song of Songs (Old Testament Library) (Old Testament Library)
Song of Songs - Old Testament Library Author:J. Cheryl Exum The Old Testament Library has a well-earned reputation for judicious commentaries that explain in a highly readable format the most significant historical, linguistic, literary, and theological features of the biblical text. Of no exception, this original commentary foregrounds at every turn the poetic genius of the Song of Songs, one of the mo... more »st 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 as strong as death, thereby immortalizing love, as well as in the way the poet explores love?s nature with 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 given persuasive solutions in Exum?s verse by verse exegesis. This, however, is not atomistic commentary. The focus throughout is on the poetry of the book?the illusion of immediacy it creates, the blurring of distinctions between anticipation, enjoyment, and satisfaction, and the resistance to closure. 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. The editorial board consists of William P. Brown, Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia; Carol A. Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia; and David L. Petersen, Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.« less