ESV Expository Commentary Vol. 5: Psalms - Song of Solomon
Volume 5 of the ESV Expository Commentary beautifully presents Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon passage-by-passage. The contributors to this volume are experienced Old Testament scholars: C. John Collins (Psalms), Ryan Patrick O’Dowd (Proverbs), Max Rogland (Ecclesiastes), and Douglas Sean O’Donnell (Song of Solomon).
Psalms and Proverbs
In regards to the Psalms, the overall interpretive stance in this commentary is that the songs are fundamentally hymnody, to be sung in the gathered worship of God’s people. While most of the Psalms are written by David, they are not to be taken as autobiography. Instead, they show how true faith encounters specific crises. I was most excited to see how eschatology is a prominent theme featured in the Psalms. Specifically, the future of the story is tied up with the person of the Messiah.
I was most interested to learn about a theology of Proverbs. The book discusses how wisdom is grounded in the created order, how wisdom appeals to reason and desire, how wisdom comes through tradition, how wisdom is learned in ritual, and how wisdom is a gift received with wonder and gratitude.
Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon
I was most challenged to see the perspectives that are offered in relating Ecclesiastes to the salvation story. Wisdom can be shown in Christ the Sage, but we also discover Christ the King, Christ with us, the life-giving spirit of Christ, and the mystery of Christ.
I most appreciated the way Song of Solomon is treated in the commentary. The Song guides us to see with biblical, scriptural sensibilities. It reveals to us the spiritual meanings in marriage and in life. This is especially shown in the response sections of the commentary.
Crisp, Clear, and Compelling
Bound in premium hardcover, this 1200 page commentary is a beautiful and valuable addition to your library. Crisp, clear, and compelling — this commentary is perfect for in-depth study and as a partner in preaching.
I received a media copy of the ESV Expository Commentary: Psalms–Song of Solomon and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.