The nature of the Greek of the Septuagint has long been debated. Interference from the original Hebrew is present but scholars continue to disagree on its extent and significance. The Greek of the Pentateuch builds on John A. L. Lee's previous work on the vocabulary of the Pentateuch and its links with documentary texts, while offering a fresh perspective on the field. This timely and authoritative contribution argues that the language the translators used was fundamentally the Greek of their time and that they had full competence in it. The volume is divided into seven chapters which proceed through several topics: use of evidence, language variation, educated language, the presence of Greek idiom, the translators' collaboration, and freedom of choice in dealing with the Hebrew. A final chapter draws conclusions not only about the Pentateuch translators' knowledge of Greek, but about the translators themselves, their achievement, and their audience. The book presents a wide range of examples, comprising both vocabulary and syntax, from the Septuagint itself, Greek papyri of the period found in Egypt, and Classical and Koine Greek literature.

Through these fascinating Old Testament books, Ezra and Nehemiah you will discover a God who is in control of history and the hearts of his people. It is a real encouragement to be reminded how Yahweh can even work through the lives of secular leaders, just as he did with the Persian Kings, Cyrus and Artaxerxes.

This six-session LifeGuide(R) Bible Study of Ruth we meet not only Ruth herself but also other significant players who populate the drama: Naomi, Elimelech, Mahlon, Kilion, Orpah and Boaz. In addition there are other unnamed characters: a kinsman, reapers, elders and neighbors. Like us, each of these characters in their own way needs the Redeemer who is foreshadowed here.These six studies follow the popular inductive study approach that has marked LifeGuide Bible studies for the past thirty years. For over three decades LifeGuide Bible Studies have provided solid biblical content and raised thought-provoking questions--making for a one-of-a-kind Bible study experience for individuals and groups. This series has more than 130 titles on Old and New Testament books, character studies, and topical studies.

Psalms 120-134, possibly the most exquisite single group of psalms, are described as 'Songs of Ascents'. They recall the journeys of pilgrims from all over the land 'up' to Jerusalem to keep the feasts of the Lord. And as the people walked, they sang. God's people today may not make quite such a journey but, as Alec Motyer contests, in living the Christian life we have all embarked on a pilgrimage of the heart. The life of faith is to be lived on the move, through varying terrains but with a single destination - as we walk with eyes fixed on Jesus. A devotional read to hearten both weary and sure-footed travellers.

Academy of Parish Clergy 2022 Top Five Reference Book There are few biblical texts more familiar to Christians than Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want . . ." It is one of the Bible's most popular passages, retaining a special place in ministry and giving hope to the burdened. Internationally recognized Old Testament scholar Richard Briggs helps readers understand the power and vision of Psalm 23. He offers a close word-by-word and phrase-by-phrase reading of this classic and beloved text, showing how it can speak afresh to the life of the church today. Briggs explores the reception of Psalm 23 down through the ages, covers background issues, and examines the ways the psalm addresses practical issues such as stress, death, enemies, and hope. The book helps reconnect the Christian church to the Old Testament, making it perfect for sermon preparation and small group study. The Touchstone Texts series addresses key Bible passages, making high-quality biblical scholarship accessible for the church. The series editor is Stephen B. Chapman, Duke Divinity School.

Die Prophetie im alten Israel ist eine einzigartige Erscheinung von welt- historischer Bedeutung. Tief verwurzelt in den geschichtlichen Zusammen- hangen der ersten Halfte des ersten vorchristlichen Jahrtausends hat sie den drei groBen Weltreligionen Judentum, Christentum und Islam ihr Erbe hin- terlassen, unter ihnen weitreichende Wirkungen ausge16st und Krafte der Hoffnung und Zuversicht, der unbedingten GewiBheit im Vertrauen auf gottliche Zusagen entbunden. Ihre Geltung bis auf den heutigen Tag lebt im religiosen BewuBtsein fort und vermag Grundpositionen religioser, aber zuweilen auch von ihnen abgeleiteter religionsphilosophischer Denksysteme 1 und in ihnen wirksamer Einzelelemente zu stutzen und zu bestatigen - DaB der Prophet, unter welchen Voraussetzungen auch immer, das Kommende mit GewiBheit voraussage, ist selbst dem popularen AllgemeinbewuBtsein eine bekannte und gelaufige Vorstellung. Damit mag es zusammenhangen, daB Prophetie" in erster Linie dem Ressort der Religionswissenschaft und Theologie zugesprochen wird. Histo- rische Wissenschaften und Darstellungen der Geistesgeschichte vermerken das Phanomen am Rande. Es ist fur sie kein Forschungsobjekt von eigen- standiger Bedeutung. So kam es, daB die Masse der wissenschaftlichen Litera- tur zu diesem Thema aus theologischer Feder stammt und sich in der Regel aum in der theologischen Debatte erschopft, ohne den Zusammenhang von t Hingewiesen sei auf die Vorlesungsreihe von W. Zimmerli, Der Mensch und seine Hoff- nung im Alten Testament, Kleine Vandenhoeck-Reihe 272 S, 1968, wo auch die Ausein- andersetzung mit dem nPrinzip Hoffnung" bei Ernst Bloch gefiihrt wird.