Exploring the Song of Solomon

by John Phillips

"The Song of songs which is Solomon’s." Thus the book begins, a book which in some ways is the most difficult and controversial in the Old Testament. Controversy does not rage so much over the inspiration, the genuineness, or the canonicity of the book. It has been included in the Jewish Bible from very early times. Controversy is centered, rather, upon its interpretation. In this valuable addition to his "Exploring" series, John Phillips seeks to set this controversy aside, providing a sound exposition as well as a gently-probing application to the Christian life which reveals heart-searching aspects of our relationship with Christ as His bride. A carefully alliterated outline makes this volume eminently suited for personal study and devotions as well as sermon preparation.

157 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1984

About the author

Dr. John Phillips was born in Britain. He served in the British Army in Palestine where he saw many of the events which led to the birth of the State of Israel. After the War he joined the Bank of Montreal and went to Canada. In the Canadian north-west he founded and pastored a small church in a bi-vocational capacity. He served as assistant director of the Moody Bible Institute's Correspondence School and became well known as a Bible teacher in the Moody Evening School and over the Moody Radio Network. For four years he directed the Emmaus Correspondence School, one of the largest in the world at that time with courses available in over 100 languages. Returning to Moody Bible Institute he traveled widely as an itinerant Bible teacher for the Institute's Extension Ministry. He is best known for his EXPLORING and INTRODUCING books. He has written on all the New Testament books and on numerous Old Testament books including EXPLORING GENESIS, EXPLORING PSALMS (2 vols), EXPLORING PROVERBS (2 vols) and EXPLORING THE MINOR PROPHETS. Dr. Phillips' resources have been the companions of pastors, teachers and Bible students everywhere who have turned to them for instruction, illumination, and illustration.

Reviews

[Scott Petty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most teaching about the Song of Solomon I have experience has held forth an interpretation with two main characters: Solomon and the Shulamite representing Christ and the church. Phillips interprets the book with three main characters: Solomon, the Shulamite, and the Shulamite's true love representing the Devil, the church, and Christ respectively. This is an unusual way to look at the subject and changes applications from the poem. Not recommended.