Longman's approach to Ecclesiastes differs from that of Eaton somewhat. Like many, Longman argues that the monologue by Qohelet (the main speaker in the book) is framed by the words of a narrator. According to Longman, however, Qohelet is a skeptic with no hope. Longman argues that the narrator uses Qohelet's monologue to teach his son about the dangers of such skepticism. The positive teaching of the book, then, is found in the words of the narrator. Not all will agree with his interpretation, but it is worth examining. [Full Review]

Takes Qohelet as 'a type of pseudonym.' Maintains two speakers 1) Qohelet (1:12-12:7) and 2) an unnamed individual (1:1-11 and 12:8-14). Interesting but too idiosyncratic.

Ecclesiastes is a rarely used and often misunderstood book of the OT. Longman offers a helpful guide to understanding the book. He takes the "framework" approach, meaning the majority of the book is a foil for the editor, who speaks in 1:1-11 and 12:8-14. This allows Longman to read the seemingly unorthodox and contradictory statements in the book as exactly that, which are corrected by the final (orthodox) statements of the editor (in Longman's view). Whether or not you agree with Longman's assessment, this is a helpful commentary. I've found it profitable to use it along side Garrett's commentary in the NAC series.

With great linguistic and literary skill, this Evangelical study demonstrates the argument of Ecclesiastes as a warning against negative, skeptical conclusions about God and human existence. [Full Review]

With great linguistic and literary skill, this Evangelical study demonstrates the argument of Ecclesiastes as a warning against negative, skeptical conclusions about God and human existence. [Full Review]

Tremper Longman's commentary on Ecclesiastes is a welcome addition to the NICOT Series and a solid contribution to the elusive field of wisdom in ancient Israel. Longman exhibits his literary and theological sensitivities in a very accessible style. The commentary represents well the standards of the series: "scholarship of the highest quality"; the fruit of "wide reading and careful, mature reflection" an eclectic and politically sensitive approach; methodological innovation; and an irenic spirit (pp. xi, xii). Longman interacts throughout with the principal Ecclesiastes commentators of modern times. In the first forty pages he succinctly introduces the issues surrounding title, authorship, date, and language; literary structure, genre, and style; text, canon, and theology. He brings his own original research to bear on the genre of the book, citing parallels explored earlier in his Fictional Akkadian Autobiographies. NICOT is intentionally evangelical; the Bible is understood to be God's Word, spoken through gifted human authors. Therefore, criticism of the text is balanced with respect, giving attention to theological themes and their contemporary implications (p. xii). Longman's evangelical commitments are explicit in the introductory sections on theology and the brief "Final Word" on the last page. The work as a whole is "conservative" in that there is respect for the historical value and original meaning of the text, and a preference for the MT except where there is substantial cause to alter it. It is also conservative, according to the editor's definition, by being willing to "conserve" insights gleaned from a broad spectrum of writers. Longman refers frequently to the paraphrase of Ecclesiastes by Gregory Thaumaturgos, a third-century disciple of Origen. [Full Review]