Song of Songs/Lamentations (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 23b | WBC)

Top Highlights

“First, paying attention to Lamentations may aid a heightened appreciation for the power and relevance of OT poetry, especially poetry that addresses harsh subject matter.” (Page 279)

“As Reyburn (Handbook, 86) explains, the word ‘new’ does not mean ‘something that never existed before, but rather a fresh renewal of what has been experienced before.’ Each new day the proofs of God’s grace flow from his compassionate nature (Keil, 414). Each new day dawns with the possibility of covenant renewal for a punished people. This opportunity lasts as long as God lasts since it is grounded in his personal character.” (Pages 414–415)

“The book conveys pain, indeed agony, caused by divine punishment in response to human sin, which is hardly a popular topic these days. Though ancient tradition associated Lamentations with Jeremiah, the book is anonymous.” (Page 278)

“there are four basic reasons that Lamentations needs to be considered by the Christian church and the academy.” (Page 278)

“In the discussion that follows, I will endeavor to establish three points, although not necessarily in the following order. First, although a collection of songs, the Song of Songs is a single piece with a unified structure based on an arrangement of thirteen poems. Second, there are analogies for this kind of opus that may help us to appreciate the nature of Song of Songs. Third, the Song is the work of a single poet.” (Page 26)