Personal Review of “John Gill’s Ecclesiology with Reference to His Work: An Exposition of the Book of Solomon’s Song Commonly Called Canticles” (Edited by Jared File)

Amazon Summary: This work was produced as a thesis for a Master in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The book begins with an introduction to the life of John Gill, and it examines Gill’s ecclesiology–both in his Body of Divinity as well as within his commentary on the Song of Solomon.

My Review:

Ecclesiology and The Song of Songs? They Just. Don’t. Mix.

Even though I personally rated this book on the low end, this editor’s summary of John Gill’s work is appreciated. First, to understand what a religious (ie. institutional) and “allegorical” understanding of the Song of Songs can look like. Second, to influence my decision not to bother purchasing anything else of Gill’s.

Not that I mean to disregard what Gill brings to the table. Even though this book was only a summary of Gill’s understanding of the Song, I took a lot of notes. If I had the entire work, I’d be quite full of knowledge. Gill obviously has a wide gamut of Scriptures in his hopper, from Old to New. But is this all that is needed? If so, then any well-studied person can unlock the secret. But as it stands, The Song is SO much more than matching scripture against scripture. It is a heavenly book that needs a heavenly understanding, and while allegories are important, they have to be infused with the Spirit of God, as well as personal experience in that divine relationship. And at times, even the seasons of life itself (i.e the ones that can’t be forced or rushed). Scripture alone can’t be the interpreter, as scripture can easily be seen in whatever religious slant one is currently in. This is obviously the case with Gill, in how he sadly interprets so much of the Song from a an ecclesiastically church-going mindset. (I have to say, I’ve never heard of anyone seeing “church membership” in the text!) But that was where Gill was at, I guess.

Anyway, I for one won’t be purchasing any of Gill’s unedited works on The Song, thanks to this editor. BUT… that’s only because I have a broad understanding of the Scriptures.