Anders Max - Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs

T o Doreen: After more than fifteen
years of marriage, I am more in awe of
God's wonderful work of grace in your
life. Your friendship, wisdom in the
ways of God, unflagging loyalty,
steadfast affection for our boys, and
many kindnesses make me proud to be
your husband. You incarnate the
Proverbs 31 woman.

T o David Joseph and Christoper
Daniel: Words are inadequate to
convey the pride and delight Mommy
and I have in raising you. Our prayer is
that you would find your greatest joy
in knowing Jesus.
David George Moore

T o Bill and Jane Cutrer whose
friendship to Charlotte and me cannot
be put into words and whose marriage
beautifully mirrors the teaching
of the Song.
Daniel L. Akin

Today's church hungers for Bible teaching, and Bible teachers hunger for resources to guide them in teaching God's Word. The Holman Old Testament Commentary provides the church with the food to feed the spiritually hungry in an easily digestible format. The result: new spiritual vitality that the church can readily use.

Bible teaching should result in new interest in the Scriptures, expanded Bible knowledge, discovery of specific scriptural principles, relevant applications, and exciting living. The unique format of the Holman Old Testament Commentary includes sections to achieve these results for every Old Testament book.

Opening quotations stimulate thinking and lead to an introductory illustration and discussion that draw individuals and study groups into the Word of God. In a Nutshell summarizes the content and teaching of the chapter. Verse-by-verse commentary answers the church's questions rather than raising issues scholars usually admit they cannot adequately solve. Bible principles and specific contemporary applications encourage students to move from Bible to contemporary times. A specific modern illustration then ties application vividly to present life. A brief prayer aids the student to commit his or her daily life to the principles and applications found in the Bible chapter being studied. For those still hungry for more, Deeper Discoveries take the student into a more personal, deeper study of the words, phrases, and themes of God's Word. Finally, a teaching outline provides transitional statements and conclusions along with an outline to assist the teacher in group Bible studies.

It is the editors' prayer that this new resource for local church Bible teaching will enrich the ministry of group, as well as individual, Bible study, and that it will lead God's people truly to be people of the Book, living out what God calls us to be.

I have incurred many debts in writing my commentary on Ecclesiastes. I gratefully acknowledge those who have offered assistance, guidance, and always love.

Max Anders, the general editor for this series, kindly invited me to contribute. His enthusiasm and conscientiousness fueled mine. Steve Bond, my editor at Broadman & Holman, responded quickly to my many inquiries. Steve's efficiency and gracious spirit relieved me of many burdens.

I am privileged to write and speak under the auspices of Two Cities Ministries. Many thanks to past and present board members who provide sage counsel and support: Joel Altsman, Jane Backus, Roger Berry, Tom Bognanno, Mark Cotnam, Gilbert Hooper, David Lill, Suzanne Schutze, and Trudy Smith. Many friends have financially supported the ministry. To all I owe hearty and humble thanks.

Over the years I have taught the Book of Ecclesiastes in a variety of settings. There are simply too many to recall, but a few bear special mention: the Sigma Chi House at Stanford University, Grace Covenant Church, Westlake Bible Church, Camelback Bible Church, Grace Bible Fellowship, Austin Christian Fellowship, Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, KIXL radio, and the Veritas Forum.

Four men, Roger Berry, Warren Culwell, Darin Maurer, and Tim Taylor, have provided regular accountability, prayers, and many good laughs. My good friend of 25 years, Prof. Robert Pyne of Dallas Theological Seminary, is a consistent source of edifying and stimulating dialogue on the many issues that interest us. My dear friend Kurt Richardson introduced me to Scipio Africanus and always cheers me on.

Three couples, two from afar and one nearby, have provided much encouragement: John and Jane Freeman, O'Neill and Vickie McDonald, and Wylie and Alliene Vale.

My father and my sister Lisa have spurred me on with their many words of encouragement.

Barb Miaso, my secretary for ten years, has provided immeasurable help. Her competence and grace in converting thousands of pages of my pathetic scrawl to the computer is a thing of beauty.

David George Moore