Song of Solomon

by James Barker

The Song of Solomon is much neglected and is generally considered the most difficult and mysterious book in the Bible. Franz Delitzsch called it the most obscure book in the Bible (Commentary on the Old Testament). Matthew Henry called it a parable. Though it is called the song of Solomon, the shepherd and the Shulamite woman do most of the talking. "It may be said to be the enigma of the Old Testament, as the Apocalypse is of the New" (Barnes Notes). "Nowhere in Scripture does the unspiritual mind tread upon ground so mysterious and incomprehensible as in this book, while the saintliest men and women of the ages have found it a source of pure and exquisite delight" (Scofield Study Bible). DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET The Song of Solomon is also considered by many to be the most controversial book in the Bible. The Jews did not allow a young man to read the Song of Solomon until he was at least thirty years old. Controversy does not center over its inspiration (it has been included in the Jewish Bible from very early times), but rather over its interpretation. Unregenerate scholars have attacked the book as erotic, sensual, and even immoral. We will not waste time refuting the writings of unbelieving critics. Spirit-filled Christians find tremendous blessing in studying the Song of Solomon. "That the love of the divine Bridegroom should follow all the analogies of the marriage relation seems evil only to minds so ascetic that marital desire itself seems to them unholy" (Scofield Study Bible).

130 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2009

Reviews

[Eric Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding well studying and written commentary of the Song of Solomon. Many people say there is only 2 people in the Song of Solomon, and that it is Solomon who is the King and the Shepherd, and there is the Shulamite. When in fact, it's clear, there are 3 main people in these songs that are like a modern play. There is 1) King Solomon the man who is never satisfied with just one woman, there is 2) The Shulamite who wants to be with her Shepherd, and there is specifically a 3) Shepherd that is not Solomon, but this Shepherd is more of a representation of Jesus who is the God of Israel and who loves His bride and is faithful to her. Pastor James Barker is a faithful man of God for many years, and in this book is such a wonderful work that takes the best of many wonderful commentators and himself to weave a godly view of the song of Solomon, not from the adulterous unfaithful Solomon, but by a faithful Shepherd of Israel in Jesus who loves the Shulamite. This is a must read for anyone who loves the Song of Solomon, or anyone who desires to know more about the Song of Solomon. This is a wonderful typological and expositional work of the Song of Songs. Well done Pastor Barker. I have studied this book from dozens of authors and angles, and you have taken the best of Ironside, Clarke, John Phillips, and many others along with your God given experience and wisdom, and put it all together in one book. This is not an easy to understand book, but you have made it easy to understand. Well done!

[Karie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A few sections of this book were good, but the rest I was greatly disappointed with -really disappointed. This book had good recommendations, but I don't know why. There are many places when cross references are mentioned which have nothing to do with the context, and many statements (rather than being mentioned as "opinion") which were totally off. I don't know how else to say it. They were just "totally off". When certain portions of scripture in the book Song of Solomon are clear, why do commentators make up stuff that is no where to be found. This is why I very rarely buy any book that is like a commentary. Men make up stuff that is no where indicated anywhere in scripture. Speaking of commentaries, the author too often quoted other men -not HIS writing- but others men. It drove me nuts but I gave it a chance and finished the book. I also noticed at least twice (each different statements/subjects) where the author contradicted himself clearly. -Not trying to be mean, just being honest. I would NOT recommend this book to a friend or acquaintance interested in studying the Song of Solomon.