ESV Expository Commentary: Psalms–Song of Solomon

ESV Expository Commentary #5

by Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), James M. Hamilton Jr. (Editor), Jay Sklar (Editor)

A Passage-by-Passage Commentary on Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon Designed to strengthen the global church with a widely accessible, theologically sound, and pastorally wise resource for understanding and applying the overarching storyline of the Bible, the ESV Expository Commentary features the full text of the ESV Bible passage by passage, with crisp and theologically rich exposition and application. Editors Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton, and Jay Sklar have gathered a team of experienced pastor-theologians to provide a new generation of pastors and other teachers of the Bible around the world with a globally minded commentary rich in biblical theology and broadly Reformed doctrine, making the message of redemption found in all of Scripture clear and available to all. With contributions from a team of pastors and scholars, this commentary’s contributors include: C. John Collins (Psalms)
Ryan Patrick O’Dowd (Proverbs)
Max Rogland (Ecclesiastes)
Douglas Sean O’Donnell (Song of Solomon)

1216 pages, Hardcover

Published September 6, 2022

About the author

married to Barbara R. Duguid

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a (huge) commentary on Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Each book first had an introduction section about when and who wrote the book along with the major themes. Then (going passage by passage) the section of text to be commented on was provided in the ESV version and the commentary followed. Each book was commented on by a different person. The first three were more academic in tone while the last was more conversational in the word choice and tone.

Psalms (which takes up over half of the book) is overly thorough. It has the usual overview of the book or the psalm and examined things like the meaning of questionable words. But it hasn't really improved my understanding of the Psalms. I felt like this was more focused on academic debates. For example, Psalm 1 verse 3 refers to "streams of water." The commentary explained a debate about if the stream is natural or artificial (a canal) based on the word used, though they admitted that it doesn't matter to the meaning of the psalm whether the stream is natural or not. So it's a lot of reading with little of it about improving my understanding and more about side issues (like assuring women that a promise to "a man" also applies to women).

Proverbs was basically a mini-sermon for each group of verses. The commentator linked in related verses from both the Old and New Testament but seemed more interested in telling the reader what to think about the theme in those verses than simply helping the reader to understand the words and context.

Ecclesiastes was still academic enough in tone that it wasn't a quick read, but the commentator did explain passages so the reader can better understand the intent of the writer.

Song of Solomon was much easier to read and did help the reader follow what was going on. The commentator interpreted the action as happening to a generic woman and man (her "king" rather than Solomon) as well as pointing toward the churches relationship with Christ.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.