For more than five decades, John Hayes's scholarship has had a decisive influence on scholars and students in the field of Hebrew Bible study. This collection of ten essays, written between 1968 and 1995, displays his remarkable and thought-provoking elucidation of Israelite history, prophecy, and law. These essays make significant contributions that challenge the mainstream scholarship establishment with their daring interpretations and explanations, along with their bold, innovative theories. The way in which Hayes approaches the study of seminal figures, biblical texts, and historical reconstructions, combined with his analysis of specific methods, will have lasting implications for contemporary scholarship. He argues that biblical texts must be understood as being embedded within the particular historical, social, cultural, and political matrices from which they emerged. Whether exploring the social formation of early Israel, the final years of Samaria, or the social concept of covenant, he demonstrates a textually focussed and exegetically based approach. Hayes's essays provide valuable insights that help contextualise developments within mid- to late-twentieth-century interpretation, thereby granting scholars glimpses of key moments in the evolution of particular methods, trends, and models that have given shape to current research approaches. Familiarity with Hayes's writings thus allows contemporary interpreters to envisage new avenues and perspectives in critical discussion of the Hebrew Bible.

Haynes disassembles every subject vehicle and documents every step with thorough instructions and clear photos. Haynes repair manuals are used by the pros, but written for the do-it-yourselfer.

This profusely illustrated book introduces the reader to both the content of the Bible and to the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. Part 1 offers an overall introduction to the study of the Bible, including the techniques of Bible criticism. Part 2 discusses the life, faith, and literature of ancient Israel from the earliest times to the end of Babylonian exile. Part 3 presents the history of the restored Jewish community from the days of the return through the early years of Roman rule, with a look at some apocryphal and apocolyptic literature. Part 4 concerns the life and literature of early Christianity from Jesus' life and ministry through Paul's contributions to early Christian theology and the church's ministry, the growing hostility between state and church, and the persecution of Christians, to the church's development of an orthodox faith and a more institutionalized structure.

The volume includes photographic illustrations, a full subject-oriented bibliography for further reading, and the Westminster Historical Maps of Bible Lands.

Synopsis: This semi-autobiographical novel is set in a small, rural Alabama community during the height of World War II. At that time, the modern Civil Rights Movement was scarcely in its infancy. The main characters are two ten-year-old sons of sharecroppers--one black and one white. Amid the difficulties, deprivations, and disadvantages resulting from living on the bottom rungs of the economic ladder, they share a friendship that carries them through tough times and enriches their lives with joy. A terrible sequence of events threatens that friendship and rocks their world. Author Biography: John H. Hayes is Franklin N. Parker Professor Emeritus in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He has authored and edited numerous academic volumes and written a collection of popular essays: If You Don't Like the Possum, Enjoy the Sweet Potatoes: Some Principles for Travel along the Road of Life (Cascade Books). This is his first novel.

Description: Contents The History of the Study of Israelite and Judean History Wellhausen as a Historian of Israel The Twelve-Tribe Israelite Amphicyony: An Appraisal The Final Years of Samaria (730-720 BC) The History of the Form-Critical Study of Prophecy The Usage of Oracles against Foreign Nations in Ancient Israel Amos's Oracles against the Nations (1:2--2:16) Restitution, Forgiveness, and the Victim in Old Testament Law Covenant Covenant and Hesed: The Status of the Discussion

Endorsements: ""There's more wisdom in these pages than in an airlift or convoy of Chinese fortune cookies. John's take on late-night comedians and the news is alone worth the modest price he's charging for opening our eyes and ears to some good 'ol truths from the school of hard knocks. I just wish he'd written this sooner; it might have saved my life."" --Bill Moyers ""This book is proof that John Hayes is far more interested in saying something true than in saying something agreeable. If you have ever worried about the way your toenails look as you get older-or about how to live with integrity in a world full of scoundrels and a few good friends-you will find companionship in this volume. What sets it apart from others in its genre is Hayes's aversion to sentiment and cliche. Every page of this book is as tart as a pickle."" --Barbara Brown Taylor author of Leaving Church and An Altar in the World ""I am recommending this slim volume, but with qualifiers. Do not read rapidly. This book consists of only fifty-two pieces, but they are not pieces; each one is whole and complete. I recommend one a day. But fast or slow, you'll be seduced. Like philosophy? Plato is here but he often sounds like an Alabama farmer. Like poetry? Some of these lines soar, but be prepared to land in the old cat's litter box. Like old maxims? They are here, but John may play the flip side, which is also true. As C. H. Dodd said of Jesus' parables, these musings will 'tease your mind into active thought.' Enjoy."" --Fred Craddock Bandy Professor Emeritus, Emory University ""John Hayes knows how to make people laugh and think at the same time. Both scholar and farmer, the author is equally at home with professors or pigs. His style is satirical and earthy, of the genre of Lardner, Twain, and Rogers. If you don't like the humor, enjoy the wisdom. I relish both "" --Bevel Jones Retired Bishop, United Methodist Church ""Somewhere between Aesop's fables and Damon Runyon's tales, these down home homilies are food for the southern soul-and anyone else who cares to be entertained and edified "" --Judith Landau, MD President, International Family Therapy Association About the Contributor(s): John H. Hayes is Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He is also the author of Understanding the Psalms and coauthor of A History of Ancient Israel and Judah, 2nd ed., and A New Chronology for the Kings of Israel and Judah.

John Hayes and Sara Mandell provide a clear exposition of Jewish history from 333 BCE to 135 CE. This volume focuses on the Judean-Jerusalem community from a historical rather than ideological or theological perspective. With the inclusion of charts, maps, and ancient texts, the authors have constructed a fascinating account that is indispensable for the study of this crucial period.

John Hayes and Frederick Prussner offer a thorough study covering the history, methodologies, and difficulties that are associated with the writing of Old Testament theology. Their impressive work features comprehensive history, summaries, contemporary issues, comparative evaluations, recent developments, and individual sections on more than fifty theologians and Old Testament scholars. Provides insights to the related issues of neo-orthodoxy, archaeology, philosophy, the church, and culture.