Varner, William. The Preacher and the Song: A Fresh Look at Ecclesiastes & Song of Songs. Dallas, TX: Fontes Press, 2023, 114 pp., $8.99–13.95 Paperback
In 1968 Addison G. Wright wrote an article on the book of Ecclesiastes (or Qoheleth), the title of which was, “The Riddle of the Sphinx.”[1] The title of this article perfectly captures what many readers of the book have felt about this perplexing book. Wright went on to explain that “Qoheleth is one of the most difficult books in the Bible, and it has long been an enigma and a source of fascination for its readers” (Wright, 313). Many throughout the years have echoed similar sentiments about the Song of Songs as well.
And yet, Dr. William Varner (Professor of Bible exposition and Greek exegesis at The Master’s University), has sought to solve the riddle of both Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs in his 2023 work, The Preacher and the Song: A Fresh Look at Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. While not intended to be an exhaustive commentary on either book, Preacher and the Song instead seeks to provide practical interpretive tools with which one can do their own exhaustive exegesis.
Among the several features that makes this work a unique—and indeed, a “fresh” contribution, is his explanation of the three-character scheme of the Song of Songs, as well as his “goad and nail” paradigm by which to understand the book of Ecclesiastes. Varner states in his preface: “Rather than offering a detailed exegesis . . . my goal is to suggest a strategy for reading these books as a whole” (xiv). What makes this goal unique, however, is that Varner makes a case that the paradigm for accurately interpreting, both Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes, come from the books themselves. That is, each book, he contends, has embedded within it its own interpretive methodology.
Leading up to these reading strategies, however, Varner first provides in the opening chapter a superb overview of Solomon’s life. This, then, prepares the reader to engage the works attributed to Solomon in Scripture, beginning first with the book of Proverbs in chapter 2. Arguing for what he calls a “back door” approach, Varner contends that the interpretive key to the wisdom books of the Bible is strategically found at the end of the book or, as he calls it, at the “back door.” Thus, he reasons that chapter 31 is not intended to describe any actual woman in history, but instead is the personification of wisdom. This “Lady Wisdom” in Proverbs 31, therefore, is but the culminating chapter in a book that has expounded the subject of wisdom throughout its pages.
With this “back door” interpretive method for the wisdom books established, Varner then moves on to explain the Song of Songs in chapters 3 and 4. After working through title and authorship issues, Varner surveys the predominant interpretive approaches to the Song in chapter 3 and argues for what is known as the “Three Character View.” This approach, Varner says, “vindicates the literal interpretation of Scripture and enjoys the privilege of spiritual application within the limits of Biblical history” (35).
This, then, leads to Chapter 4, in which is contained both an outline and translation of the Song, as well as clearly labeled sections for each of the three characters who appear in the book. The end of chapter 4 also includes helpful sections in which Varner discusses a literary approach to the book, as well as a way to locate the book within Solomon’s life. It is clear that Varner seeks not to provide a commentary, but rather a decoder ring with which we, as interpreters, may grapple with the book ourselves at a level of depth and specificity.
Chapters 5 and 6, then, focus on Ecclesiastes which, in many ways, is the “heart” and even culmination of his book. After dealing with preliminary issues like title and author of Ecclesiastes, as well as a history of interpretation, Varner then provides a unique and profoundly helpful strategy for reading and understanding this often-puzzling book. Using the methodology of the “back door” from chapter 2, Varner argues that the interpretive key for Ecclesiastes is found in chapter 12:11 which says, “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd” (LSB).
Using what may be termed the “goad and nail paradigm,” Varner makes a case that the metaphors of “goad” and “nail” at the end of Ecclesiastes actually serve to interpret the entirety of the book. “Goads,” Varner argues, are problems, concerns, or “disturbing matters” (72), while “nails” provide “satisfying interpretations” (72), and solutions to the problems raised by the “goads.” The purpose of such a paradigm, he argues, drives us away from ourselves, and causes us to cast ourselves on God’s wisdom and revelation.
Chapter 6, then, is Varner putting the “goad and nail paradigm” into practice. He provides the entire text of Ecclesiastes (from the LSB translation) and shows us the paradigm in real time. Dividing the text into four discourses, Varner supplies a brief outline before each discourse, followed by the text of that discourse, and yet, to assist the reader, he puts the “nails” of each discourse in bold type. This enables the reader to be struck by the familiar and challenging “goads” of Ecclesiastes, only then encounter the “nails” in bold type that solve the tensions raised by the “goads.”
Varner, then, conclude the little volume with a seventh and final chapter, offering a summary of the book and some final insights and lessons from both Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes. These insights and lessons, by the way, are not mere repeats or regurgitations, but reinforcement of previous material put in a fresh and synthesized way.
In the end, what we have on our hands with Preacher and the Song is a unique and helpful contribution to wisdom literature in general, and Ecclesiastes in particular. Many strengths make this book a useful little dagger in the arsenal of any pastor or exegete that desires to “cut straight” with the Sword of truth (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 4:12).
For instance, Preacher is an excellent tool of hermeneutics. Rather than provide a complicated textbook on the intricacies of interpretation, Varner instead provides an “on the job” hermeneutical training that demonstrates the art and science of interpretation in real time. Chapter 6, especially, was the treasure of the book. Applying the “goad and nail paradigm” not only made Ecclesiastes more accessible to the present reviewer, but also edified and stirred the soul.
Preacher and the Song is also a wonderful tool for pedagogy. That is, anyone who teaches the Bible (be it in the church or the academy)—and in particular, wisdom literature—will enhance their teaching with this book. Proverbs, Song of Songs, and perhaps, especially Ecclesiastes, come rife with interpretive challenges and yet, Preacher might just provide some hermeneutical insights that can unlock these life-changing books of Scripture for students.
Finally, Preacher is also a tool for spiritual encouragement. His commitment and allegiance to the biblical text as inspired and as authoritative is refreshing; his brief points of life application scattered throughout the book are poignant and well-timed; and his personal reflections on how much the wisdom books have meant to him, makes Varner’s book both devotional and academic all at the same time. In the end, Varner has what I call, scholarship with a shepherd’s heart. He’s doing legitimate, academic work that deserves the attention of scholars, and yet, it is skillfully written to bring benefit, edification, and challenge to the reader.
Could the book take more time to exegete the biblical text in more depth? Absolutely. Will we always agree with Varner on what he interprets a “goad” or “nail” in Ecclesiastes? Of course not. But any reader of Preacher will agree that once you finish the book, you will hunger for more, and you will be more equipped to grapple with the sacred text.
Read more from the inaugural issue by downloading the full pdf or accessing the articles below.
[1] Addison G. Wright, “The Riddle of the Sphinx: The Structure of the Book of Qoheleth,” The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 30.3 (1968): 313–34.