Classic Commentaries and Studies on the Song of Songs (24 vols.)

by George Burrowes; Joseph Bush; William Walter Cannon; Edmund Clay

and

20 more

Publishers:

William S. Martien; Hatchard & Co.; Cambridge University Press

and

26 more

, 1768–1921

Overview

This massive twenty-four volume collection features some of the best commentaries and studies on the Song of Songs from the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries. With scholars and authors such as Morris Jastrow, John Fry, Richard Frederick Littledale, and J. F. Thrupp, Classic Commentaries and Studies on the Song of Songs (24 vols.) offers over 6,000 pages of interpretation, observations, translations, contextual history, and application on this important book of the Old Testament. The twenty-four volumes contained in Classic Commentaries and Studies on the Song of Songs (24 vols.) have had an enduring impact on Old Testament exegesis, and this exceptional collection provides easy accessibility to this wealth of significant scholarship.

This collection is essential for students, scholars, pastors, historians, teachers of the Bible, or anyone studying the Song of Songs. With Logos Bible Software, Classic Commentaries and Studies on the Song of Songs (24 vols.) is completely searchable, with passages of Scripture appearing on mouseover, as well as being linked to the Hebrew and Greek texts and English translations in your library. This makes these texts more powerful and easier to access than ever before for scholarly work or personal Bible study. With the advanced search features of Logos Bible Software, you can perform powerful searches by topic or Scripture reference—finding, for example, every mention of “Solomon” or “Song of Songs 4:7.”

Key Features

• Over 6,000 pages dedicated to the Song of Songs
• Noted authors from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Completely searchable, linked to your preferred Bible translation and the other books in your library

Product Details

• Title: Classic Commentaries and Studies on the Song of Songs
• Volumes: 24
• Pages: 6,932

A Commentary on the Song of Solomon

• Author: George Burrowes
• Publisher: William S. Martien
• Publication Date: 1853
• Pages: 527

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Began as a series of notes for use with his congregation, George Burrowes has collated and fleshed out the notes to form a comprehensive, verse-by-verse commentary on the Song of Songs. Before the summary and exposition, Burrowes provides an in-depth introduction defending the canonicity of the book and the allegorical nature of the Song of Songs.

We like the fearlessness of his criticism. A poetic heart has enabled him often, we think, to catch the true spirit of the exquisite original. In fine, we do not know any book in English that gives so correct a view of this precious part of Scripture.

—The Presbyterian Quarterly Review

The excellent work of Dr. Burrowes is specially fitted to remove prejudices of men of taste against the Song of Solomon, as the medium of spiritual communion between the soul and Christ. We welcome it as a welcome contribution to us from our transatlantic brethren.

—Moody Stuart

George Burrowes was born in Trenton, New Jersey. Burrowes was a professor of Latin and Greek languages, a professor of biblical instruction, and a professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Literature at San Francisco Theological Seminary.

The Canticles of the Song of Solomon: A Metrical Paraphrase with Explanatory Notes and Practical Comments

• Author: Joseph Bush
• Publisher: Hatchard & Co.
• Publication Date: 1867
• Pages: 220

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Joseph Bush divides the Song of Solomon into 12 Canticles—each Canticle contain a subject in itself, though still connected to the whole. For each of the 12 parts, Bush provides a summary, a metrical paraphrase, explanatory notes, and then practical commentary.

It seems likely to be a very useful work, and calculated to throw light on a difficult and much neglected book of Scripture.

—J. C. Ryle, former bishop, Liverpool

Joseph Bush was vicar of Ormskirk and president of the Ormskirk Public Library. Bush was educated at Wadham College, Oxford, and also published a collection of sermons.

A Brief Outline of an Examination of the Song of Solomon

• Author: William Davidson
• Publisher: J. Barfield
• Publication Date: 1817
• Pages: 506

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Before providing verse-by-verse commentary on the Song of Songs, William Davidson gives a four-part introduction that covers the author, language, occasion, nature, form, and subject matter if this compelling book of the Bible

A precious work by one whose heart is warm with the good matter.

—Charles Spurgeon, pastor, founder, Pastor’s College (Spurgeon’s College), London

William Davidson is also the author of The Duty and Propriety of Fasting Explained.

Canticles; or, Song of Solomon

• Author: John Fry
• Publisher: James Duncan
• Publication Date: 1825
• Pages: 226

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

John Fry’s commentary breaks the Song of Songs into 12 separate idylls—each a distinct parable—then provides translation notes and commentary for each part. Also included is Fry’s “Essay on the Name and Character of the Redeemer.”

John Fry (1775–1849), a graduate of University College in Oxford, went on to become the rector of Desford in Leisestershire. He was the author of numerous works, including Expository Lectures on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, History of the Christian Church to the Present Time, and A New Translation and Exposition of the Psalms.

Song of Songs, or, Sacred Idyls

• Author: John Mason Good
• Publisher: G. Kearsley
• Publication Date: 1803
• Pages: 210

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Examining the Song of Songs from a literary standpoint, John Mason Good uses examples from other works of antiquity to explain the Hebrew text and its meanings.

To sum up, in a few words, the work before us: the arrangement is new and ingenious; the translation faithful and elegant; the poetical version is, for the most part, correct and beautiful; the notes are full of profound learning and good taste. It is a work which every scholar will peruse with pleasure; from which the divine may reap improvement.

—The Annual Review

John Mason Good (1764–1827) received his MD from Marischal College, University of Aberdeen, and was a practicing surgeon as well as writer. He was versed in Hebrew, Persian, and Arabic, and wrote extensively on medical, classical, and theological matters.

The Outlines of a New Commentary on Solomon’s Song, Drawn by the Help of Instructions from the East

• Author: Thomas Harmer
• Publisher: J. Buckland
• Publication Date: 1768
• Pages: 364

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Thomas Harmer compares the Song of Songs to other poems from the Near East, including antique Jewish compositions of the same kind. Harmer then puts forth over 70 questions about the Song of Solomon, and then answers them in detail.

. . . one of the most ingenious, modest, and interesting of all the treatises on the outward sense of the Song.

—Moody Stuart

Thomas Harmer (1715–1788) was a minister in Wattesfield, near Bury St. Edmunds, in the county of Suffolk, England. He is also the author of Observations on Various Passages of Scripture and The Miscellaneous Works of the Rev. Thomas Harder.

The Song of Solomon Compared with Other Parts of Scripture

• Author: A. L. Newton
• Publisher: James Nisbet and Co.
• Publication Date: 1852
• Pages: 230

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this classic work by A. L. Newton, every passage from the Song of Songs is illustrated by quotations from other parts of the Bible, and then deftly commented upon.

Miss Newton’s book is very dear to spiritual minds; it is full of that quiet power which comes from the spirit of God through deep experience and precious fellowship with the well-beloved.

—Charles Spurgeon, pastor, founder, Pastor’s College (Spurgeon’s College), London

It is unquestionably the result of much care and diligent searching of the Scriptures. We are sure that the pious reader will be please with it. The Christian minister will find if of advantage to him in lecturing on this interesting portion of Scripture.

—The Evangelical Repository

Adelaide Leaper Newton (1824–1854) was born at Leylands, near Derby. At the age of 22, she contracted an illness and was bedridden for the rest of her short life. During this time, she authored The Epistle to the Hebrews Compared with the Old Testament, The Heavenly Life, Sabbath Hours, and The Eternal Purposes of God.

Discourses upon Solomon’s Song

• Author: W. Romaine
• Publisher: T. Chapman
• Publication Date: 1789
• Pages: 376

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Originally preached to his congregation at St. Dunstan’s Church in London, William Romaine offers 12 sermons, revised and expanded, on the Song of Songs.

They do not summarize the book, nor form a commentary, but are simply a selection of spiritual discourses by one of the most eminent Calvinistic divines of the last century.

—Charles Spurgeon

William Romaine (1714–1795) was educated at Oxford University and became a priest in 1738. Romaine served as a preacher at St. Dunstans, then as rector of St. Annes, Blackfriars. Romaine was also appointed professor of astronomy at Greshem College, London. He is the author of numerous works, including Treatises upon the Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith; The Self-existence of Jesus Christ; and Living by Faith in Christ.

The Beauty of the Word in the Song of Solomon

• Author: M. Wright
• Publisher: James Nisbet and Co.
• Publication Date: 1872
• Pages: 390

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

A classic devotional commentary, Maria Wright moves verse-by-verse through the Song of Songs, casting light upon “this great marriage hymn.”

Maria Wright was the author of numerous works, including Jennett Cragg, the Quakeress; The Bow of Faith; and The Anchor of Hope.

The Song of Songs

• Author: Christian D. Ginsburg
• Publisher: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts
• Publication Date: 1857
• Pages: 191

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Before giving an extensive verse-by-verse commentary on the Song of Songs, Christian Ginsburg provides an in-depth introduction that covers its title, canonicity, design, and its importance. Ginsburg includes a historical sketch of the exegesis of the book and also discusses different ways the Song of Songs has been interpreted.

Christian D. Ginsburg (1831–1914) was born to a Jewish family and converted to Christianity at the age of 15. He is best known for his two scholarly Hebrew works the Masorah (in three volumes) and the Massoretico-critical Edition of the Hebrew Bible.

The Song of Songs: Being a Collection of Love Lyrics of Ancient Palestine

• Author: Morris Jastrow
• Publisher: J. B. Lippincott Company
• Publication Date: 1921
• Pages: 246

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In The Song of Songs: Being a Collection of Love Lyrics of Ancient Palestine Morris Jastrow examines the differing theories of interpretation of the Song of Songs: the Solomonic tradition, the allegorical interpretation, the dramatic theory, and more. He then divides the English translation into 23 love lyrics that share a unity of theme and provides commentary.

Professor Jastrow has again produced a work of surpassing dignity and great beauty.

—Outlook

Morris Jastrow (1861–1921) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where he became a professor of Semitic languages and worked in the school’s library. He served as an editor for the Jewish Publication Society’s Jewish Encyclopedia from 1911–1906. A prolific researcher and writer, Jastrow published over a dozen books and became president of the American Oriental Society in 1915.

A Commentary on the Song of Songs from Ancient and Medieval Sources

• Author: Richard Frederick Littledale
• Publisher: Joseph Masters
• Publication Date: 1869
• Pages: 382

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Richard Littledale has condensed the writings of the Church Fathers and other important writers from the Middle Ages into a verse-by-verse commentary of the Song of Songs. This unique volume weaves together commentary on the Song of Songs from Origen, Eusebius of Caesarea, S. Ambrose, the Venerable Bede, S. Isidore of Seville, and many more.

Richard Frederick Littledale (1833–1890) was born in Dublin and educated at Bective House Seminary and Trinity College, Dublin. His numerous works include Commentary on the Psalms from Primitive and Medieval Writers, The Priest’s Prayer Book and The People’s Hymnal.

The Song of Songs: An Exposition of the Song of Solomon

• Author: A. Moody Stuart
• Publisher: WM. S. Rentoul
• Publication Date: 1869
• Pages: 527

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In part one of his work on the Song of Songs, A. Moody Stuart argues in favor of Solomon’s authorship and in favor of its allegorical nature. In part two, Stuart provides a verse-by-verse exposition of the English translation, followed by over 100 pages of notes on the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin texts.

This is a delightful book, full of the marrow of divine truth and abounding in the suggestions of a ripe Christian experience.

—The Princeton Review

We are right glad to find a man of the spirit, principles, and talents of Mr. Moody Stuart embarking in an exposition of this remarkable portion of Scripture.

—The Christian Witness and Church Members Magazine

An ingenious and devout work.

—Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle

Alexander Moody Stuart (1809–1898) received his doctorate of divinity from the University of Edinburgh and ministered at St. Luke’s Free Church, part of the Free Church of Scotland.

The Song of Songs Edited as a Dramatic Poem

• Author: William Walter Cannon
• Publisher: University Press
• Publication Date: 1913
• Pages: 158

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

William Walter Cannon’s exploration of the Song of Songs contains an introduction that covers secular poetry of the Old Testament, difficulties of interpretation of the song, differing theories on the poem, its date and authorship, and more. Rendering the Song of Songs as a dramatic poem gives the reader a new perspective of this important book of the Old Testament, and Cannon offers concise notes concerning translation issues. For anyone studying the Song of Songs, this volume is all encompassing.

Abounds in marks of true scholarship and genuine critical research . . . and the four excurses at the end reveal his capacity as careful scholar and independent investigator.

—Athenaeum

It is written with taste and enthusiasm . . . To the reviewer it has afforded much enjoyment which he hopes other people will share.

—Guardian

The most scholarly and for the student of the Song the most useful commentary in English.

—Expository Times

A very weighty and valuable work indeed . . . No student of Canticles can afford to neglect this learned and thoughtful volume.

—The Record

It is clearly the work of a careful scholar and a man of keen and appreciative literary instinct.

—Church Times

William Walter Cannon is also the author of The 68th Psalm: Comprising Introduction, Revised Translation, and Critical Notes.

A Plain and Practical Exposition of the Song of Songs, Which is Solomon’s

• Author: Edmund Clay
• Publisher: J. Davies
• Publication Date: 1853
• Pages: 322

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Edmund Clay condensed 30 lectures on the Song of Songs to produce a complete exposition of the whole text. In plain language, Edmund explores in detail each of the 117 verses.

Edmund Clay was a minister of St. Margaret’s Chapel in Brighton and the author of numerous works, including Psalms and Hymns, An Exposition and Interpretation of the Book of Revelation, and Doctrine, Parable, and Prophecy.

The Song of Songs Unveiled

• Author: Benjamin Weiss
• Publisher: William Oliphant and Co.
• Publication Date: 1859
• Pages: 406

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Conceiving the Song of Songs to be half historical and half prophet, Benjamin Weiss undertakes to prove that Solomon’s Song celebrates the most prominent and important events of the ancient church and her relation to the covenant angel, from Horeb to Calvary.

Benjamin Weiss was the author of numerous works, including New Translation and Exposition of the Book of Ecclesiastes and A Christian Jew on the Old Testament Scriptures.

The Song of Songs, Commonly Called the Song of Solomon, or, the Canticle

• Author: Albert Réville
• Publisher: Williams and Norgate
• Publication Date: 1873
• Pages: 76

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

After giving a brief introduction on the Song of Songs’ reception throughout history, Albert Réville divides the poem into separate scenes and provides astute commentary.

One of those masterly papers in which our friend and contributor knows so well how to summarize all that is known and thought upon a difficult religious question.

—The Theological Review

Albert Réville (1826–1906) was professor of history of religions in the Collège de France and the author of numerous works, including Review of the Four Gospels, Lectures on the Ancient Religions of Mexico, and The Devil: His Origin, Greatness, and Decadence.

An Essay on the Canticles or the Song of Songs

• Author: W. Houghton
• Publisher: Trubner & Co.
• Publication Date: 1865
• Pages: 67

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

W. Houghton provides an introductory essay to the Song of Songs, a new translation, and short notes to help the reader in An Essay on the Canticles or the Song of Songs. A controversial essay, Houghton argues that the Song of Songs is a secular poem that still contains a truly admirable lesson, “a high moral teaching of great practical value.”

Mr. Houghton’s essay presents a very useful epitome of the various systems of interpretation—allegorical, typical, and literal—of which this poem has, among both Jewish and Christian scholars, been the unfortunate victim.

—The Theological Review

Every unprejudiced reader of this essay will perceive that the cause of religion has nothing to lose, but everything to gain, from a more free and truthful exposition of the biblical writings than has hitherto been common in this country.

—The Westminster Review

William Houghton was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford and ordained in 1852. His numerous works include Some of Bishop Colenso’s Objections to the Pentateuch and Book of Joshua Examined and Gleanings from the Natural History of the Ancients.

The Song of Songs

• Author: Joseph Francis Thrupp
• Publisher: Macmillan and Co.
• Publication Date: 1862
• Pages: 284

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Defending the view that the Song of Songs’ theme is that of the mutual love of the incarnate song of God and his redeemed church, Joseph Thrupp begins this work with an in-depth discussion on the other varying interpretations. Thrupp then provides astute verse-by-verse commentary on all eight chapters of Solomon’s Song.

We are highly pleased with this work. It defends the usual Christian interpretation by the conclusions of sober criticism, and shows that the spiritual sense is confirmed by the investigations of modern scholarship. In the introduction the author deals heavy blows at the skeptical school, and at those who content themselves with imputing a merely moral meaning to the blessed canticle of love.

—Charles Spurgeon, pastor, founder, Pastor’s College (Spurgeon’s College), London

Joseph Francis Thrupp (1827–1867) was born in Guildford, England, and educated at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1849. He contributed to the Speaker’s Commentary, and his other works include Ancient Jerusalem and Introduction to the Psalms.

The Song of Songs, Which is By Solomon

• Author: Thomas Williams
• Publisher: William W. Woodward
• Publication Date: 1803
• Pages: 354

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Beginning his study of the Song of Songs with a look at the figurative and allegorical language in Hebrew poetry, Thomas Williams then divides the Song into 14 sections and provides verse-by-verse commentary.

This volume is little known, but its value is above the average of Canticles literature. We have read many of the remarks with pleasure . . .

—Charles Spurgeon, pastor, founder, Pastor’s College (Spurgeon’s College), London

Thomas Williams was the author of numerous works, including The Age of Infidelity: An Answer to Thomas Paine’s ‘Age of Reason’, An Historic Defense of Experimental Religion, A Dictionary of All Religions, and The Cottage Bible and Family Expositor.

Reflections on Canticles; or, The Song of Solomon

• Publisher: S. W. Partridge & Co.
• Publication Date: 1870
• Pages: 200

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This useful volume weaves together commentary on the Song of Songs from theological giants such as H. B. Tristram, John Edie, John Gill, Horatius Bonar, Robert Murray McCheyne, and more.

Solomon’s Song: Translated and Explained in Three Parts

• Author: Leonard Withington
• Publisher: J. E. Tilton and Company
• Publication Date: 1861
• Pages: 329

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Leonard Withington divides his study of the Song of Songs into three parts: “The Manuduction,” “The Version,” and “The Supplement.” Throughout, Withington defends the stance that the Song is divine allegory, showing the love that exists between Christ, the bridegroom, and his bride, the church.

We earnestly commend the book to the favor of the Christian public, and trust it will have an abundant circulation.

—Biblio Sacra and Theological Review

Everything on which Mr. Withington lays his hands on receives the unmistakable impress of his genius.

—The New Englander

Leonard Withington (1789–1885) was born in Dorchester, Mass., graduated from Yale University, and pastored First Church of Newbury for 42 years. He published numerous sermons, addresses, lectures, and two volumes of essays entitled The Puritan.

The Song of Solomon Arranged for Sunday Reading with Meditations on Each Portion

• Author: Henry Law
• Publisher: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.
• Publication Date: 1879
• Pages: 208

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Broken down into 52 short studies, this devotional volume on the Song of Songs is meant to be enjoyed as a weekly study. Law begins each study with a verse from Song of Songs and then provides a series of meditations from which to ponder.

We heartily recommend this suggestive work, bright with Christian cheerfulness, firm, and faithful.

—Churchman

Henry Law (1797–1884) was educated at St. John’s College and rose to become dean of Gloucester. A prolific author, his works include The Gospel in the Pentateuch, Gleanings from the Book of Life, Beacons of the Bible, and The Forgiveness of Sins.

The Song of Songs of Solomon

• Author: Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte-Guyon
• Publisher: J. Griffin
• Publication Date: 1865
• Pages: 133

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Jeanne Guyon reported that she wrote this portion of her commentary on the Bible in one-and-a-half days, writing so fast that her arm swelled from the pressure. For hundreds of years, Christians have been reading the words of this important French mystic, and in this volume she provides inspirational verse-by-verse commentary for the Song of Songs.

Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de La Motte-Guyon (1648–1717), commonly known as Madame Guyon, was born at Montargis, France. An advocate of Quietism, Madame Guyon’s life was one of constant persecution for spreading her mystical beliefs. After spending numerous years in prison, she retired to live with her son in a village in the Diocese of Blois, where she focused on prayer and wrote poetry. Her published works grew in popularity after her death, and have been translated all over the world.