These two books are perhaps the most uniquely challenging books of Scripture. Not only is the language itself is confusing, but it is made even more so because of the seeming contradictions in the text. Furthermore, the writers employ poetic techniques that are relatively unfamiliar for many modern readers. For example, one of the most demanding tasks in the Song of Songs is discovering who’s speaking to whom.

In addition to their challenging structure, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs deal with difficult, complex subjects. Ecclesiastes directly opposes theology found in other books of the Bible, the Song of Songs can be confusing when it comes to interpreting its content on a literal or allegorical level, and these are only two of the numerous debates surrounding these texts.

The NIV Application Commentary series is designed to help you understand these complicated texts by bridging the gap between original meaning and practical, everyday application. In this volume by Iain Provan, you’ll read a thoughtful, faithful work on these texts’ original meanings and also how you can apply them in your life.