The JPS Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes

by Michael V. Fox

Publisher:

Jewish Publication Society

, 2004

Overview

Fox’s potent commentary is a terrific introduction to Ecclesiastes for the educated layman or scholar who wishes to better understand this fascinating and sometimes frustrating book. The author succinctly presents the consensus of modern thought on Ecclesiastes: that it is a fairly late production as books of the Bible go and that it is a series of philosophical reflections, not a systematic work of philosophy. It concerns itself with universal philosophical questions, rather than events in the history of Israel and in the Hebrews’ covenant with God.

Praise for the Print Edition

The sum of the matter, when all is said and done, is that the JPS Ecclesiastes/Koheleth is a thorough, sensitive and engaging study with much to recommend it.

—Canadian Jewish News

This is an insightful and accessible commentary that reflects many years of deep engagement with the text.

—Journal of Hebrew Scriptures

This volume is a profitable resource for both scholars and pastors. Pastors will appreciate its brevity and clarity, and scholars will respect its depth and thoughtfulness.

—Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

Product Details

• Title: The JPS Torah Commentary: Ecclesiastes
• Author: Michael V. Fox
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 128

About Michael V. Fox

Michael V. Fox received his rabbinical ordination from Hebrew Union College. He received a Ph.D. in Bible, Semitics, and Egyptology from the Hebrew University. He is currently Halls-Bascom Professor of Hebrew at the University of Wisconsin.

The Jewish Publication Society of Americawas founded in Philadelphia in 1888 to provide the children of Jewish immigrants to America with books about their heritage in the language of the New World. As the oldest publisher of Jewish titles in the English language, the mission of JPS is to enhance Jewish culture by promoting the dissemination of religious and secular works of exceptional quality, in the United States and abroad, to all individuals and institutions interested in past and contemporary Jewish life.

Over the years JPS has issued a body of works for all tastes and needs. Its many titles include biographies, histories, art books, holiday anthologies, books for young readers, religious and philosophical studies, and translations of scholarly and popular classics. It is perhaps known best for its famous JPS Tanakh, the translation of the Hebrew Bible in English from the original Hebrew.