The JPS Bible Commentary: Song of Songs By MichaelFishbane. Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society, 2015. Pp. lix + 338. $55.00.

Abstract

This distinguished biblical scholar and professor of Jewish Studies has produced an insightful commentary on the Bible's book of love poetry. The commentary is particularly interested in the centuries of Jewish interpretation of the Song of Songs, interpretation that occurs at four levels: “the plain sense, the communal and religious import, the personal and spiritual value, and the metaphysical secrets” or in Hebrew peshat, derash, remez, and sod. The commentary's introduction helpfully explains various literary features, Hebrew vocabulary concerning love, comparative texts in Egypt and Mesopotamia, and Jewish interpretation and religious practice. The actual commentary section interprets each passage of the biblical book using all four levels of Jewish interpretation. So, though according to the peshat the Song concerns human love and desire, the derash focuses on the relationship between God and Israel as recorded in the Torah. Thus, the commentary does not focus on historical-critical matters; the peshat section however does treat literary and linguistic concerns, even if in a rather brief manner. The volume concludes with an excellent excursus on the history of Jewish interpretation of the Song of Songs. Overall, the commentary stands as a model for contemporary Jewish interpretation. The author clearly interacts with generations of Jewish commentary, while providing fresh readings as well.