Originally published in 1928, this volume gathers together seven essays on various aspects of the Old Testament. Through the rigorous textual analysis of hints and statements scattered over its several books, a composite picture of the development of the religion of Israel is developed. This reconstructive historical analysis is also informed by a refined knowledge of contemporary theological developments, and a list of the key authors consulted is provided at the end of the text. Additional material includes a detailed index of scriptural passages quoted or referred to. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in theology and religious history.

Middle school students are exposed to a lot of outside influences they don t necessarily understand. It s important to establish moral guidelines and role models early on, so they can grow with a strong understanding of Christian values. Where better to look for these role models than in the godly heroes of the Bible? The Talksheets series returns with another year of thought-provoking stories from the Old Testament to discuss with your youth group or bible studies. David Lynn shares discussion topics and questions written specifically with middle school students in mind, promoting meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. The stories in these pages highlight pure moral principles and practices for teenagers to learn about and emulate. Each of the 52 epic bible stories is easy to use and fit to your lesson plan, including hints and tips to facilitate conversation. These lessons also include optional activities, giving teenagers the opportunity to actively participate and have fun while they learn."

Ecclesiasticus is a religious work, written in Hebrew in the second century BCE by the Jewish scribe Jesus ben Sirach. Although it was not accepted into the Hebrew Bible and the original version is lost, its Greek translation is found in the Septuagint. The focus of this study by Cambridge scholar J. H. A. Hart (1876 1952) is on the Greek text of Ecclesiasticus from a fourteenth-century codex, written in a miniscule cursive hand. First published in 1909, the book contains the text in transcription, based on the work of Charles Taylor, who had previously published a study of the text. Hart next investigates its relationship to surviving fragments of the Hebrew version, and the results of his research are included in his textual commentary. He provides a thorough analysis of the Greek translator's prologue and compares variant Greek versions of the work. Hart's edition remains of use to biblical scholars today.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Thomas Henry Sprott (1856 1942) was an eminent Anglican priest who held the position of Bishop of Wellington, New Zealand, between 1911 and 1936. In this volume, which was originally published in 1909, Sprott explores the development of Old Testament criticism, reaching conclusions based upon the relationship between critical insight and divine inspiration. The Bible, it is argued, cannot be interpreted in the same way as other works because it contains fundamental elements of truth that cannot be changed, or derived, by the reader. From this perspective the fresh interpretations generated by modern criticism of the Old Testament are seen as resulting from 'a special operation of the spirit of God'. This is a concise and highly readable book that will be of value to anyone with an interest in biblical exegesis and theological history.

Lawrence Boadt's Reading the Old Testament was recognized as a classic almost from its date of publication in 1984. Without in any way diminishing its famed clarity, judiciousness, and theological depth, two prominent scholars, Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington, have brought the book into the twenty-first century. In this new revised and updated edition, they have: * Updated the archaeological reports * Incorporated the research of the last three decades of biblical scholarship * Supplied new or redrawn illustrations and maps * Increased attention to Jewish-Christian biblical interpretations * Continued the Christian-Jewish dialogue that was a feature of the original "Larry Boadt was a long-time generative force in Old Testament study. This book, as a part of his legacy, assures that his influence will continue to be generative and rewarding for those who seriously engage his work....This is, in sum, a major offer for serious, faithful reading, and we may be grateful that it is now issued in a new, welcome edition." -Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia "We owe a great debt of gratitude to Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington for bringing this classic introduction to new life. It still speaks with the clarity of Larry Boadt, but with new energy." -Irene Nowell, St. John's University "Richard Clifford and Daniel Harrington were the right persons to revise this book. Like Larry Boadt, they are most accomplished scholars and teachers with a keen pastoral sense. Leading people to appreciate the Bible was Larry Boadt's mission in life. This book is a fitting tribute to his fidelity to this mission." -Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM Catholic Theological Union "When Larry Boadt was asked why his book was so popular, he replied simply: 'I knew what students needed; I provided it.' The needs are still there and the book still provides for them. Since the book was written, much has changed in some areas of Old Testament study. Dick Clifford and Dan Harrington are well qualified to bring it up-to-date-and they have done a measured job." -Antony F. Campbell, SJ Jesuit Theological College, Parkville, Australia

This book was first published in 1920. Its author, Thomas Wilfred Crafer, wrote extensively on Christianity and the Bible. Here, he focuses on two of the last books of the Old Testament, prophetic writings which are essentially interconnected. To study Haggai and Zechariah side by side is always fruitful, and this is certainly the case for this work. Crafer guides the reader through the books, presenting a short history of Haggai and Zechariah before addressing each book in turn. For each, Crafer writes extensively of the prophets' personalities, their theology and their language. The shared and individual visions of the prophets are also dissected. Originally, this commentary was intended for students and general readers looking to become better acquainted with the context and themes of these two companion books. Today, Crafer's lucid and accessible scholarship will continue to impress and educate.

The book of Isaiah is a composite work whose formation took place over a long period of time, incorporating the work of many different hands rather than the work of a single author. A crucial stage in this process came with the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, and the subsequent efforts at restoration. In this new context, how were the older Isaianic oracles to be seen? What did they say? Isaiah After Exile examines this question in depth from the point of view of the book's formation. Jacob Stromberg illuminates the textual hermeneutics embedded in the post-exilic shape of Isaiah, contributing to our understanding of the dynamics of scriptural formation in this influential period of Jewish history. The author of Third Isaiah is shown to have edited the book in line with his reading of it to project the old word into the new post-exilic situation.
Stromberg unfolds this argument in three parts. The first defines Third Isaiah's final form, finding the work of its author especially in its 'frame' (56.1-8; 65-66). The second part analyzes this 'frame' for references to earlier Isaianic oracles, uncovering allusions to older material from throughout the book. A portrait emerges of the author of Third Isaiah as a reader of the book, providing an important key to unlock the door on his work as a redactor - the premise being that his hermeneutics as a reader would inevitably reflect his hermeneutics as a redactor. Working in the light of this portrait, the third part examines the author of Third Isaiah as a redactor of the book, uncovering several examples throughout Isaiah where probability seems to favor this hand at work.

Methods for Exodus is a textbook on biblical methodology. The book introduces readers to six distinct methodologies that aid in the interpretation of the book of Exodus: literary and rhetorical, genre, source and redaction, liberation, feminist, and postcolonial criticisms. Describing each methodology, the volume also explores how the different methods relate to and complement one another. Each chapter includes a summary of the hermeneutical presuppositions of a particular method with a summary of the impact of the method on the interpretation of the book of Exodus. In addition, Exodus 1-2 and 19-20 are used to illustrate the application of each method to specific texts. The book is unique in offering a broad methodological discussion with all illustrations centered on the book of Exodus.

The Millstatter Exodus, a German epic of the twelfth century, is a poetic version of the opening chapters of the book of Exodus, treating the events of the early life of Moses and culminating in the crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Hebrews' pagan enemies. In form it represents the second attempt at a biblical epic on the large scale after the revival of German vernacular literature in the late eleventh century. Professor Green analyses the Millstatter Exodus in form and in context. He compares it with its predecessor, the Wiener Genesis, and with its biblical source, throwing light on the early development of the German epic in the twelfth century and on the poetic intentions of the author of the Exodus. Professor Green believes that the Millstatter Exodus can best be understood allegorically against the background of the crusading movement, and he shows that it is one of the first literary attempts in Germany to come to terms with the crusades and the problem of Christian warfare.

An image rich, passage-by-passage commentary that integrates textual and artifactual context from the ancient Near East to inform our understanding and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible-while remaining respectful to the inerrancy of Scripture. Without a deep knowledge of the ancient cultures the Old Testament was born from, we can be tempted to impose our own culture on the text, potentially distorting it. This unique Bible backgrounds commentary examines: The history of the ancient Near East as a means of recovering knowledge of the events that shaped the lives of the people. The archaeology as a means of recovering the lifestyle reflected in the material cultures. The literature of the ancient Near East as a means of understanding the heart and soul of the people who inhabited the ancient world that Israel shared. Detailed exegetical notes are combined with comparative discussions of the cultural settings that help scholars interpret the remaining historical/narrative books: 1 & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. This volume of the celebrated Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary series brings these seven books of the Bible into sharper focus-enabling scholars, pastors, and laity to access rich data from over one hundred and seventy years of explorations and excavations in the Near East. THE ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED BIBLE BACKGROUNDS COMMENTARY SERIES Invites you to enter the world of the Old Testament with a company of seasoned guides, experts who will give new insights into these cherished writings. Features: Over 2000 photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams, and charts provide a visual feast that breathes fresh life into the text. Passage-by-passage commentary presents archaeological findings, historical explanations, geographic insights, notes on manners and customs, and more. Analysis into the literature of the ancient Near East will open your eyes to new depths of understanding both familiar and unfamiliar passages. Written by an international team of 30 specialists, all top scholars in background studies.

The site of the city of Gibeon is now identified with a fair degree of certainty with el-Jib, a site about eight miles north-west of Jerusalem. Gibeon is mentioned about forty times in the Old Testament, and was clearly a city of some significance, particularly at the time of Saul, David and Solomon. Dr Blenkinsopp examines the evidence, principally contained in the Bible, relating to Gibeon and the Gibeonites, making use of confirmatory evidence provided by excavations at el-Jib and ancient Near Eastern non-biblical writings. He discusses the ethnic identity of the Gibeonites, the obscure history of the ark before the transfer to Jerusalem, the role of local sanctuaries, the political and religious significance of Saul and the events which are described in the books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles as taking place in and around Gibeon. Gibeon and Israel is likely to become a standard work of reference on the subject.

The story of Ahikar has appeared in various forms and numerous languages over the course of the last two and a half millennia. Long known to readers of the Arabian Nights, it was not until the end of the nineteenth century that scholars began to suspect that the legend had semi-biblical origins. Cambridge University Press had already published the first edition of The Story of Ahikar in 1898 when an enlarged and corrected second edition was prompted by the discovery of a series of Aramaic papyrus fragments on the island of Elephantine, dating from the fifth century before Christ. It is the second edition of The Story of Ahikar, first published in 1913, which is reproduced here. Meticulously assembled, this edition contains the Armenian, Old Turkish, Syriac, and Arabic versions of the story in their original source language with accompanying English translations. Also included are translations of the Slavonic, Ethiopic, and Aramaic versions, as well as fragments of the sayings and parables of Ahikar and the Greek text of the story.

This monograph is a study of the Hebrew word bama, which is used frequently in the Old Testament to describe cultic sites and has commonly been translated 'high place'. The word however occurs in a variety of contexts, which would indicate a wider range of meanings. By careful analysis of these occurrences in the Old Testament and by comparison with cognate words in Semitic languages and with the translations in the Septuagint, the author attempts to categorise these meanings and to challenge certain current views. Three groups of meanings of bama emerge from this study: topographical, as in 'hillside' and possibly 'grave-mound'; anatomical, as in 'backs' and possible 'beasts'; and cultic senses, as in 'cultic platform' (bamah) and by extension 'altar' and 'sanctuary'. This first book-length study of all aspects of the meaning of bama will be of interest equally to Old Testament scholars and archaeologists of the near East and is likely to be an invaluable monograph on its subject.

David Daube (1909 1999) was an eminent authority on Talmudic, Roman and ancient law, who taught legal history and jurisprudence at Cambridge, Aberdeen, Oxford and Berkeley. He was also in the vanguard of scholars who established the importance of Jewish and Talmudic perspectives to the understanding of the New Testament. This book, first published in 1947 and now reissued, contains five ground-breaking essays on the legal issues present in a number of Old Testament narratives including the story of Joseph and his brothers. Among the topics discussed are theft, deception, evidence, liability and punishment. These are set in the wider context of the growth of codes in the Pentateuch, Rabbinic interpretations of the Torah, and Roman sources including Macrobius and Gaius. Daube's book will resonate afresh in the scholarly climate of the twenty-first century, where the relationships between law and religion and between Judaism and Christianity are again the subject of lively debate.

This book suggests that Old Testament scholars should strengthen their growing links with neighbouring academic disciplines and encourage a number of interpretative interests within biblical studies. Given such a pluralistic context, the author's contention is that the 'canonical' approach to Old Testament study will have a distinctive contribution to make to the discipline without necessarily displacing other traditions of historical and literary inquiry, as many scholars have assumed. Dr Brett offers a comprehensive critique of the canonical approach as developed by Brevard Childs, and examines the development of Childs's exegetical practice, his hermeneutical theory, and the many critical responses which his work has elicited. In responding to these criticisms, the author examines the most problematic aspects of the canonical approach (notably Childs's inadequate reply to those who emphasize the ideological conflicts that lie behind biblical texts in their final form) and seeks to reconstruct the approach in light of contemporary discussions of interpretation in literary theory and the social sciences.

Perceiving within evangelical studies the lack of a robust canonical biblical-theological treatment of the book of Daniel, James Hamilton explores how it contributes to the Bible's unfolding redemptive-historical storyline. First, he shows how the book's literary structure contributes to its meaning, and then addresses key questions and issues. He argues that the four kingdoms prophesied by Daniel are both historical and symbolic; that the 'one like a son of man' seen by Daniel is identified with, and distinguished from, the Ancient of Days in a way that would be mysterious until Jesus came as both the son of David and God incarnate; that the interpretations of Daniel in early Jewish literature attest to strategies similar to those employed by New Testament authors; that those authors provide a Spirit-inspired interpretation of Daniel that was learned from Jesus; and that the book of Revelation uses Daniel's language, imitates his structure, points to the fulfilment of his prophecies and clarifies the meaning of his 'seventieth week'. Hamilton concludes by examining typological patterns.

Key second-temple texts with introductions and notes by an international team of scholars--now available in affordable softcover bindings.

The writers of the Bible lived in a world filled with many writings. Some of these documents are lost forever, but many have been preserved. Part of these extant sources are the Pseudepigrapha. This collection of Jewish and Christian writings shed light on early Judaism and Christianity and their doctrines.

This landmark set includes all 65 Pseudepigraphical documents from the intertestamental period that reveal the ongoing development of Judaism and the roots from which the Christian religion took its beliefs. A scholarly authority on each text contributes a translation, introduction, and critical notes for each text. Volume 1 features apocalyptic literature and testaments. Volume 2 includes expansions of the "Old Testament" legends, wisdom, and philosophical literature; prayers, psalms, and odes; and fragments of lost Judeo-Hellenistic Works.

Contributors include E. Isaac, B.M. Metzger, J.R. Mueller, S.E. Robinson, D.J. Harrington, G.T. Zervos, and many others.

Of enormous value to scholars and students, religious professionals and interested laypeople.

Part of Anchor Yale Reference Library.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship. Overview of Commentary Organization Introduction-covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology. Each section of the commentary includes: Pericope Bibliography-a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular pericope. Translation-the author's own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the end result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English. Notes-the author's notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation. Form/Structure/Setting-a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here. Comment-verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research. Explanation-brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues. General Bibliography-occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliographycontains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.

2013 Reprint of 1963 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. K. C. Pillai (1900-1970) was a Bishop-at-large of the Indian Orthodox Church in Madras India. He spent the last twenty years of his life in the United States of America on a special mission to acquaint Christians with the orientalisms and customs of the Bible. He wrote books and worked with western Christians to help clarify what he believed were difficult Scriptural passages through an understanding of the eastern manners and customs. During his time in the United States, he became associated with Victor Paul Wierwille, with whom he worked through every orientalism in the Bible from Genesis through Revelation over a six-week period in 1953.

The environmental crisis has prompted religious leaders and lay people to look to their traditions for resources to respond to environmental degradation. In this book, Mari Joerstad contributes to this effort by examining an ignored feature of the Hebrew Bible: its attribution of activity and affect to trees, fields, soil, and mountains. The Bible presents a social cosmos, in which humans are one kind of person among many. Using a combination of the tools of biblical studies and anthropological writings on animism, Joerstad traces the activity of non-animal nature through the canon. She shows how biblical writers go beyond sustainable development, asking us to be good neighbors to mountains and trees, and to be generous to our fields and vineyards. They envision human communities that are sources of joy to plants and animals. The Biblical writers' attention to inhabited spaces is particularly salient for contemporary environmental ethics in their insistence that our cities, suburbs, and villages contribute to flourishing landscapes.

This amazing, bestselling guide presents hundreds of facts about the Temple. The full-color, glossy 12-panel pamphlet covers the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the Temple built by King Solomon, Zerubbabel, and Herod's Temple, the one Jesus knew so well. The Temple pamphlet has colorful illustrations of the Temple drawn to scale based on Bible measurements. Each of the Temple furnishings are explained in detail, as well as their functions, purposes, and the meanings they have for believers today. Size: 8.5x 5.5 unfolds to 33 long. Fits inside most Bible covers. A beautiful cutaway illustration of the first temple, Solomon's Temple, shows what the Temple may have looked like inside and out. Teachers can show students the outer courtyards of the Temple and the area where Jesus praised the widow who gave sacrificially to the Lord, giving the widow's mite. The Temple pamphlet explains each of the Temple's key features: the Ark of the Covenant, the Veil, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), to name a few. The Temple pamphlet includes: A tour of the temple and its features An historical time line and fascinating facts A Q & A about the Temple A beautiful illustration of Herod's Temple (sometimes called the third temple) References to Jesus in the Temple Biblical encounters that happened in God's Temple The Temple pamphlet provides a numbered list indicating each of the key features of the temple and explains their original purposes and what their uses mean to us today. For example: The Brazen Altar (Bronze Altar). Back THEN it was the place where the perfect animal was sacrificed for the sins of the people. NOW Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. Old andNew Testament Scripture references are provided for each Temple feature: Sacrifice / the Brazen Altar (Bronze Altar) The Sea (Bronze Basin) Brass Pillars (Bronze Pillars) Holy Place Golden Lampstand and Tables of Showbread Golden Incense Altar The Veil Most Holy Place Cherubim Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat Storerooms An historical timeline shows the years the Temples were built, destroyed, and rebuilt. The timeline covers: The Tabernacle Solomon's Temple Zerubbabel's Temple Herod's Temple The Temple pamphlet provides fascinating details: Learn who made the plans for the Temple Who raided and destroyed the Temples Whether the Temple will be restored

Abasciano builds upon his previous LNTS volume, Paul's Use of the Old Testament in Romans 9.1-9, continuing the project begun in that volume and its intertextual methodology. This method incorporates a thorough traditional exegesis into a comprehensive analysis of Paul's use of Scripture, set against the background of interpretive traditions which surround the texts alluded to. Great emphasis is placed on analyzing the original contexts of Paul's citations and allusions. Such an intertextual exegesis is conducted in Romans 9:10-18, with an awareness of the broader unit of chapters 9-11 especially, and the epistle as a whole. Conclusions for the meaning of these passages and their theological significance are thence drawn.