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William Varner, the tenured Bible professor of The Master’s University, has done a great service for evangelicalism, whether conservative or liberal, in writing this book. The sub-title of this work is A Fresh Look at Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs and this could have easily been the title of this book. Maybe it should have been. Varner’s work is fresh. It is unique. It is not really a commentary (in the traditional sense). It is not an overt scholarly work. It is not a primer to the genre of wisdom literature. It is a fresh look, meant (as stated by the author) for the zealous layman.

The book begins with the Preface, which must be read to understand the author’s direction. Varner here states that he argues for the “three character view” of Song of Songs and that Ecclesiastes is meant to convey a positive, not negative tone. He also states clearly that Song of Songs is not a sex manual and Ecclesiastes is not a “How Not to Live” resource for the Christian life. Varner also makes it clear that this is not a classic commentary, unpacking each verse, but espouses more of a “big idea” approach. Hence, the descriptor of “fresh” is accurate. 

Next, Varner gives a 14 page overview of the life of Solomon. Quite frankly, this is worth its Amazon price of $19.99. Varner is strictly biblical, leaving out any biographical details found in Jewish tradition, which again is not surprising because at his core, Varner is a BIBLE teacher. There are certainly more compacted biographies of Solomon, but he accomplishes his goal valiantly. 

The next chapter is titled, But what about the Proverbs? In one sense, Varner could have left out this section, but the reader is all the better for its inclusion. Varner argues where it fits in the genre of wisdom literature and though it will not satisfy the worshippers of higher criticism, he presents the view of Solomonic authorship with adequate evidence. The most important focus of this chapter is his view of Proverbs 31. Varner argues that Solomon’s intention is to personify wisdom, not unleashing the qualifications of the ideal woman. Varner calls the traditional interpretation of a “superwoman” as not only inaccurate, but it is often disheartening to the female reader. Lady Wisdom is the ideal, which is actually attainable (or applicable). Whether Varner is exegetically correct is up for debate, but practically speaking, as an expositor and pastor, I find this interpretation far more user-friendly. 

Chapter 3 is called The Challenge of Song of Songs. In this chapter, Varner gives the necessary effort to address the historical interpretations of Song of Songs.Varner is critical of the allegorical interpretation, mainly because it forces Solomon to be a type of Christ. For the layman, this will perk their interest, because the seedy morality of Solomon is difficult to stomach. Varner is convincing here. The allegorical view has much to answer for and the burden of proof is now their responsibility. As was stated in the Preface, according to Varner, the three character view may be the minority view, but is way more palatable for those who hold to Solomonic authorship. 

In chapter 4, Varner presents a translation of Song of Songs and his fresh “big-idea” commentary approach. I must admit that while I found myself appreciating this synopsis, it would only be helpful if I were to preach Song of Songs in one sermon (which Varner might say is the best way to preach it). Furthermore, this reviewer has an affinity for humanist (in the classic sense) commentaries, emphasizing word studies and exegetical summaries. This is not the purpose of Varner’s work. But for the churchman who wants an overview, a brief summary or a succinct answer for a curious baby convert, this chapter should be on his/her bookshelf. 

The final two chapters focus on Ecclesiastes. Varner works hard to help the reader wrestle with the best way to read the book and how to understand the discourses of Solomon. After each discourse, Varner explains the text, though in more detail than he did with Song of Songs, yet still nowhere near the classic commentary method. His “big-idea” concept emerges again, which is helpful, but may frustrate some of the readers who lust for more insights. Specifically, Varner’s methodology of understanding Ecclesiastes by unpacking nails (positive truths) and goads (negative truths) is fresh. I almost want to use the word “innovative”, though that is probably too dramatic. But overall, Varner believes the intent of Solomon is more positive than negative, while admitting the existential tension within. Varner goes on to encourage the reader to land on the overarching truth, God gives life meaning and therefore, life should be enjoyed when this is understood correctly. Not to be overally critical, but one must ask, does Varner strive to help the reader understand the Solomonic discourses? Of course, he does. Does it leave me wishing for a bit more clarity of certain specific verses? Yes, but Varner did not bait and switch. This was not the purpose of a “fresh” look at Ecclesiastes. 

Conclusion

Would I endorse Varner’s work? Absolutely. It is “fresh”. I will even go so far to say that his approach to Proverbs 31 and the Song of Songs has forever changed the way I will teach/preach these texts. Will this turn the tables of modern Christian scholarship on wisdom literature? Probably not (and Varner admits this). But for those who lean towards the conservative view, Varner’s work will bring more certainty, but force a few more questions.