Ecclesiastes

Seow’s Ecclesiastes is probably the best all-round commentary on the book. It combines excellent Hebrew scholarship with detailed historical and socioeconomic analysis, literary sensitivity, and a balanced understanding of Qohelet’s theology. Particularly valuable is Seow’s reading of hebel in terms of what is ephemeral, elusive, and beyond human control, together with his recognition that the book moves repeatedly from reflection on human limitations to practical counsel for living within them. His influential argument for a Persian-period setting also gives unusually concrete background to Qohelet’s concerns with money, work, risk, and insecurity. Although some historical and structural proposals remain debatable, Seow rarely allows them to overpower the text. If I could own only one major scholarly commentary on Ecclesiastes, this would be my choice.

The most detailed treatments of the book that also pay attention to the theological issues

 

Important summary of recent research with a careful exegesis of what is regarded as a Persian period book. [Full Review]