Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Lamentations (Matthew Henry's Commentaries)

 

Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations

(Matthew Henry’s Commentaries)

 

Background:

Matthew Henry was a British minister and author who lived from 1662 to 1714.  He was best known for writing his biblical commentary “Exposition of the Old and New Testaments”. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henry ) His detailed theological views covered Genesis through Revelation, and have been widely commended by other Bible scholars because of Henry’s both practical and insightful perspectives.

Some Bible students have had difficulty understanding either the context or substance of some scriptures.  Below I chose to share “Henry’s Commentaries” on three subject Books of the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Lamentations).  I cannot add anything of value to his words .

 

General Notes on the Book of Ecclesiastes

The name of this book signifies "The Preacher." The wisdom of God here preaches to us, speaking by Solomon, who it is evident was the author. At the close of his life, being made sensible of his sin and folly, he recorded here his experience for the benefit of others, as the book of his repentance; and he pronounced all earthly good to be "vanity and vexation of spirit." It convinces us of the vanity of the world, and that it cannot make us happy; of the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable. It shows that no created good can satisfy the soul, and that happiness is to be found in God alone; and this doctrine must, under the blessed Spirit's teaching, lead the heart to Christ Jesus.

 

General Notes on the Book of Song of Solomon

This book is a Divine allegory, which represents the love between Christ and his church of true believers, under figures taken from the relation and affection that subsist between a bridegroom and his espoused bride; an emblem often employed in Scripture, as describing the nearest, firmest, and most sure relation: see Psalms 45:1-17. Isaiah 54:5,6. 62:5. Jer 2:2. 3:1. also in Ezekiel, Hosea, and by our Lord himself, Matthew 9:15. 25:1:. see also Revelation 21:2,9. Ephesians 5:27. There is no character in the church of Christ, and no situation in which the believer is placed, but what may be traced in this book, as humble inquirers will find, on comparing it with other Scriptures, by the assistance of God the Holy Spirit, in answer to their supplications. Much, however, of the language has been misunderstood by expositors and translators. The difference between the customs and manners of Europe, and those of the East, must especially be kept in view. The little acquaintance with eastern customs possessed by most of our early expositors and translators, has in many cases prevented a correct rendering. Also, the changes in our own language, during the last two or three centuries, affect the manner in which some expressions are viewed, and they must not be judged by modern notions. But the great outlines, rightly interpreted, fully accord with the affections and experience of the sincere Christian.

 

General Notes on the Book of Lamentations

It is evident that Jeremiah was the author of the Lamentations which bear his name. The book was not written till after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. May we be led to consider sin as the cause of all our calamities, and under trials exercise submission, repentance, faith, and prayer, with the hope of promised deliverance through God's mercy.

 

Matthew Henry’s Commentaries can prove valuable when studying any of the scripture, especially since they are provided on a chapter by chapter basis.  (http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/index.htm  ) They offer what could be different perspectives of thought that we might not have otherwise considered.

Dr. W. A. Robinson