Includes bibliographical references (pages 170-173) and index.

"The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents the information needed to move seamlessly from the meaning of the text to its effective communication. By keeping the discussion in each carefully selected preaching unit to six pages of focused commentary, the volumes allow pastors to quickly grasp the most important information. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage; sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text; and full-color images. How do we find meaning in life when it seems futile and meaningless? Ecclesiastes takes readers on a journey pondering this timeless question, and this commentary helps set the book within a biblical worldview in order to help teachers communicate and apply the profound truths of Ecclesiastes today. Song of Songs is full of evocative poetry, but centuries of interpretation have produced little consensus about how this unique book should be understood. Edward M. Curtis lays out the key themes of the book and provides carefully organized commentary for interpreting, teaching, and illustrating this book" -- Publisher description.

Introduction to Ecclesiastes -- Qoheleth and the issues of life: a broader biblical perspective -- Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 -- where all is Hebel, can life have meaning? -- Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11 -- Qoheleth's futile search for meaning in a world where all is Hebel -- Ecclesiastes 2:12-26 -- enjoy life despite its difficulties and the reality that all will die -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 -- everything is beautiful in its time, but we cannot understand God's work and timing -- Additional insights -- God's providence and the limits of human understanding -- Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3 -- tension between the experiences of life and the assertions of faith -- Additional insights -- justice after death -- the dignity of humans -- Ecclesiastes 4:4-16 -- on achieving the balance that reflects God's order -- Ecclesiastes 5:1-9 -- wisdom and propriety in dealing with God -- Ecclesiastes 5:10-6:9 -- the folly of greed: be content with what God provides -- Additional insights -- the mystery and complexity of life under the sun -- Ecclesiastes 6:10-7:14 -- humanity's inability to know what is good -- Additional insights -- teaching the tensions of life -- Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 -- affirming human limits and fearing God -- Additional insights -- wisdom and gender -- the scheme of things -- Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 -- the power of wisdom and folly -- Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 -- live with trouble and uncertainty -- then you die -- Additional insights -- justice in life and in life after death -- Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 -- embrace wisdom as you face life's folly and uncertainty -- Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8 -- take risks wisely, remember God, and enjoy life while you still can -- Additional insights -- a poem about death -- Ecclesiastes 12:9-14 -- the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments

Introduction to Song of Songs -- the greatest song: a song about love -- Song of Songs 1:1-2:7 -- passion, praise, and delight -- Song of Songs 2:8-3:5 -- my beloved is mine, and I am his -- Additional insights -- boundaries as part of God's order -- Song of Songs 3:6-5:1 -- you are beautiful, my love: delight and consummation -- Additional insights -- a wedding describe -- beyond physical beauty -- Song of Songs 5:2-6:3 -- what is so special about your beloved? -- Song of Songs 6:4-7:13 -- the spectacular delights of love -- Additional insights -- relationships that reflect Yahweh's order: moving beyond Song of Songs -- Song of Songs 8:1-14 -- the awesome power of love -- Additional insights -- love and the choices we make.