The Song of Songs: A New Translation with an Introduction and Commentary (review)

Hebrew Studies 37 (1996) 185 Reviews Course makes a substantial contribution to contemporary research on the book of Job. M. J. Oosthuizen University of Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth. South Africa THE SONG OF SONGS: A NEW TRANSLATION WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTARY. By Ariel Bloch and Chana Bloch. pp. viii + 253. New York: Random House, 1995. Cloth, $27.50. This work is divided into three major sections: First, there is a detailed Introduction by Chana Bloch, followed by a brief introduction to and rationale for the approach adopted in the translation of the Song. Then comes a fresh translation of the Song itself, followed by an "Afterword"a reflective discussion by Robert Alter on the merits of the Blochs' work and the poetry of the Song in general. Finally, Ariel Bloch presents a verse-by-verse commentary. There is also a comprehensive bibliography and index. The intention of the authors is clearly to present a fresh approach to this most delightful book of biblical poetry from the standpoint of both translation and exegetical analysis, and in that they have succeeded admirably. A few general observations may be made at the outset. The tone of the work is refreshingly candid and forthright without being either pompous or sensationalist. The explicit sexuality and sensuality contained in the Song is handled sensitively and expressively. The book contains a very good summary overview of the history of exegesis of the Song of Songs. In this section, Chana Bloch affirms the value of knowing all these different hermeneutical approaches to the Song and learning from them, even though both she and her husband ultimately discard all allegorical and spiritual interpretation of the Song in favor of what is termed a "secular" understanding. At this point, however, it could be argued that a spiritual understanding of the Song may not be lightly cast aside, given the significance of this poem as a prime example of canonical wisdom literature. This is perhaps the one evident weakness of the commentary in that it fails fully to appreciate the importance of the Song's canonical context within Holy Scripture and the overall significance of wisdom as fundamental to a right understanding of Israel's relationship Hebrew Studies 37 (1996) 186 Reviews with Yahweh, depicted symbolically as a marriage bond. Such a relationship may well find a metaphorical reflection in the poetic description of an intimate relationship between a man and a woman. The exegetical analysis of the Song is both thorough and insightful. There is excellent discussion of difficult Hebrew terms, many of them hapax legomena. Great respect is accorded the Masoretic Text, with only one emendation suggested (6:12). Otherwise, the traditional Hebrew text is left intact. Furthermore, the exegesis, while original, is not divorced from contemporary scholarship. Ariel Bloch manages to maintain a fine balance between independent reflection and interaction with other scholarly opinion on the Song. The highlight of the work in our view is the excellent appreciation and discussion of the sensuous and erotic nature of the Song's language. The beauty and delicacy of the expression is given full reign in the original translation offered. In relation to the above, a proper recognition of the distinctive sexuality of the book, something which has been lacking in past commentaries on the Song, is another essential feature of the authors' perspective. The Blochs develop a rationale for an understanding of the Song centered around the exploration and enjoyment of human sexuality for its own sake. The approach is described in their terms as purely "secular," without reference to God. The argument is also advanced that the Lover and his Beloved engage in lovemaking from the outset of the Song and do not wait for marriage in order to consummate their love. Old Testament traditions dealing with acceptable and unacceptable sexual conduct are invoked as support for such a position: For example, the pivotal biblical emphasis on fidelity in marriage and the severe penalties for adultery and incest are duly recognized. Concurrently, it is argued that while the Old Testament maintains the ideal of chastity prior to marriage, there is a much less severe denunciation of sexual intercourse between an unmarried man and woman than is the...