Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

There is lots to love about this commentary, but I have not found it as helpful as many other Song of Songs commentaries (I bought it for the Song of Solomon, not for Ecclesiastes). To it's merit, the introductory articles had some of the better treatments of the history of interpretation (literal vs spiritual), and a more nuanced and, I believe, healthy approach to dealing with such questions (thinking about parable as much as allegory). However his love triangle approach (Shepherd, King Solomon and Woman) feels stretched and somewhat artificial. Also, there are a few points in the commentary where it feels he goes far beyond the text to argue for positions that are hard to be grounded in the Song itself. I know it is an application commentary, but still the bridging to modern contexts lacks the clear steps needed to make his (sometimes quite strong) points.

Mathison believes Provan’s commentary “should prove . . . helpful to preachers and others looking for practical application.” Provan uniquely argues that the Song is a drama with three main characters. Longman says, “The basic plot as [Provan] reconstructs it is that Solomon has forced a country girl into his harem, though she continues to love the shepherd boy back home. The theme of the book proclaims that true love resists coerced legal love.” [Full Review]

Provan’s commentary covers two books and is worth referencing for each of them. Tremper Longman says, “Proven has written one of the most interesting commentaries on these two intriguing books. Even though one may not agree with his final conclusions, his thinking is provocative and will lead the reader to think through old issues.” [Full Review]

I have already mentioned this volume in the post on Ecclesiastes. The section of the book on the Song of Songs should prove just as helpful to preachers and others looking for practical application. [Full Review]

With a book like Ecclesiastes, it is sometimes difficult to know how it should be applied. The very format of the NIVAC series demands reflection on application. Provan offers helpful insight into the meaning of the book and its relevance today. This work will prove especially helpful to preachers. [Full Review]

Interprets the Song as a drama with three main characters. See under Ecclesiastes. [Full Review]

Evangelical approach, taking a negative view of the book's main teaching with an appreciation of the theological and philosophical implications. [Full Review]