Monday, July 13, 2020

Glenn L. Pearson on Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon

Notwithstanding being rather conservative, Glenn L. Pearson, in a book he wrote on the Old Testament for a Latter-day Saint audience admitted that the evidence against Solomon being the author of Ecclesiastes is very strong:

 

Ecclesiastes

 

The name of this book is a transliteration of a Greek translation of the Hebrew word koheleth, which signifies one who calls a meeting. From this comes the reference to the work as “the preacher.” The koheleth refers to himself in Ecclesiastes 1:1 as the “son of David, king in Jerusalem,” and from this many have concluded that this is another work of Solomon. This title could refer to any royal descendant of David, however. Also, the linguistic evidence does not support Solomon’s authorship. Also, the linguistic evidence does not support Solomon’s authorship, since the Hebrew is reflective of a later stage of development that seems to date the book after his time. (Glenn L. Pearson, The Old Testament: A Mormon Perspective [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], 53)

 

On the topic of the Song of Solomon, while rejecting that it was inspired from God, does not go as far as McConkie and some others have, and instead, (correctly) noted that the book contains very beautiful poetry (I would urge anyone who can to read it in the Hebrew):

 

Song of Solomon

 

This book in the Hebrew is called “Song of Songs,” a phrase which denotes a song selected above others because of its excellence. Actually, it is not a song but an ode containing many beautiful phrases and much lyrical prose. Though its authorship is ascribed to Solomon, its linguistic style is exactly the same as Ecclesiastes, pointing to a late date of composition. The right of this book to be a part of the sacred literature has been questioned by both Jews and Christians. It has retained its place on the argument that it is an allegory setting forth the love of God for Israel or of Christ for his church. (Ibid., 54)