Series:   Song of Solomon for Beginners
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The Foundation of Love

By: Mike Mazzalongo     Posted: Thu. Jun 5th
In this first lesson Mike reviews the unique aspects of Hebrew poetry, provides a critical introduction to this work and begins to explain and develop the twin themes of respect and restraint contained in the first two chapters of Solomon's ode to human love.
Sources

Primary Source

1. The Bible

  • New American Standard Bible (NASB 1995 or 2020 Editions). Scripture references and lessons were derived directly from this translation.

Commentaries on Song of Solomon

  • Duane A. Garrett
    The New American Commentary: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 1993. A detailed evangelical commentary offering insights into the poetic and theological aspects of Song of Solomon.
  • Tremper Longman III
    Song of Songs (New International Commentary on the Old Testament). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001. Explores the literary, theological, and interpretive dimensions of the text.
  • Gledhill, Tom
    The Message of the Song of Songs (The Bible Speaks Today Series). Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1994. Provides accessible theological and devotional insights into Song of Solomon.
  • Richard S. Hess
    Song of Songs (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms). Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005. A scholarly yet practical commentary that focuses on the poetic structure and theological message.

Books on Biblical Poetry and Interpretation

  • Robert Alter
    The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books, 1985. A foundational text for understanding the literary structure and artistry of Hebrew poetry.
  • Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
    How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. Includes a section on interpreting biblical poetry with practical tools for understanding literary forms.
  • Adele Berlin
    The Dynamics of Biblical Parallelism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008. Focuses on parallelism in Hebrew poetry, a key feature of Song of Solomon.

Hebrew Language and Contextual Studies

  • John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas
    The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2000. Provides cultural and historical context for interpreting Song of Solomon.
  • C. L. Seow
    Ecclesiastes: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary). New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. While primarily focused on Ecclesiastes, offers insight into wisdom literature and related poetic forms.

Biblical Theology of Love, Marriage, and Relationships

  • Andreas J. Köstenberger
    God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010. A theological study on marriage, with references to Song of Solomon.
  • Christopher W. Ash
    Marriage: Sex in the Service of God. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2003.
    Includes theological reflections on love and intimacy in Song of Solomon.
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