Old Testaments Books

Book SynopsisTranslation, Jewish philosophy, and social and cultural historyTrade ReviewThe intertwined goals of this ambitious monograph by Hughes (Univ. of Buffalo--SUNY) are expressed in the work's full title: to discern patterns that connect three discrete subjects--Bible, philosophy, and translation--and to explore their contributions to the development of Jewish identity. The author's success results largely from his creativeapproach, first by making his centerpiece the analysis of Bible translation within the context of Jewish philosophy. Second, he selects seven individuals from six distinct periods and cultures, each of whom has been a worthy subject for at least one book-length study; among them are Saadya Gaon, Maimonides, and Franz Rosenzweig. He then allows these individuals to converse, as it were, with each other, jarringly out of chronological order but with surprisingly productive results. Thus, not only can one study Rosenzweig (late 19th-early 20th century) in terms of the influence of Saadya (tenth century).... But one can also see Saadya himself in a new light (or, many new lights) through the lens of Rosenzweig. This is not a book for the beginner or even for the expert who is faint of heart. But for those with the requisite background and fortitude, it offers rich intellectual rewards. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty. --ChoiceL. J. Greenspoon, Creighton University, December 2011"Shows how Bible translation strategies verify claims about the constant need for self-making that are usually associated with existentialism, claims about the constructedness of 'tradition' that are usually associated with postmodernism, and claims about the need to construct 'tradition' that are usually associated with cultural theorists." —Martin Kavka, Florida State University"Translation, as Hughes perceives it, becomes a major cultural monument rather than merely a philological exercise in transferring the semantics and syntax of one language into those of another." —Kalman Bland, Duke University"This is not a book for the beginner or even for the expert who is faint of heart. But for those with the requisite background and fortitude, it offers rich intellectual rewards." —ChoiceTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments 1. Introductory and Interpretive Contexts2. The Forgetting of History and the Memory of Translation3. The Translation of Silence and the Silence of Translation: The Fabric of Metaphor4. The Apologetics of Translation5. Translation and Its Discontents6. Translation and Issues of Identity and TemporalityConclusions: Between SpacesNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisThe topic of the election of Israel is one of the most controversial and difficult subjects in the entire Bible. Modern readers wonder why God would favor one specific people and why Israel in particular was chosen. One of the most important and theologically incisive voices on this topic has been that of Jon D. Levenson. His careful, wide-ranging scholarship on the Hebrew Bible and its theological reuse in later Judaic and Christian sources has influenced a generation of Jewish and Christian thinkers.This focused volume seeks to bring to a wide audience the ongoing rich theological dialogue on the election of Israel. Writing from a variety of disciplines and perspectives, the authorsJews, Catholics, and Protestantscontribute thought-provoking essays spanning fields including the Hebrew Bible, apocryphal and pseudepigraphic literature, New Testament, rabbinics, the history of Christian exegesis, and modern theology. The resulting book not only engages the lifelong work of JonTrade Review"The scholarship in The Call of Abraham is magnificent. The essays are uniformly of a very high quality. Depending on the essay, the fields that benefit from the scholarship of this volume include Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, intertestamental/Second Temple Judaism, Jewish theology, New Testament, and Christian theology. This work is of profound significance for scholars in all these areas." —Matthew Levering, Perry Family Foundation Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary“This volume is an excellent contribution to a crucial question of both ancient and contemporary importance. The essayists give a whole range of ways to consider Jewish election both in its historical and conceptual incarnations. The complexity and richness that emerge from this range is a major strength of the collection and one that is without parallel.” —C. Kavin Rowe, Duke Divinity School"The Call of Abraham is an extraordinary collection that will interest several groups: not only scholars of scripture, ancient Judaism and Christianity, and theology, but any Jews or Christians who wonder how their own tradition has viewed the idea of the chosen people, how those views developed, and how they relate to those of the other community that calls the Hebrew Bible its scripture. The book contains essays of real depth and learning, yet they are accessible to readers outside the academy. They are an appropriate tribute to Jon Levenson, whose depth, clarity, and theological honesty they imitate." —Benjamin D. Sommer, The Jewish Theological Seminary"D. Levenson is seen by many to be the premier biblical theologian today: a scholar who has illuminated the theology pervading the Hebrew Scriptures, and who has explicated its deeper meaning for both Jews and Christians. The excellent essays in this volume, dealing with the election of Israel, a persistent theme in biblical theology and a persistent concern of Levenson's, are a fitting tribute to the importance of Levenson's thought for the distinguished authors of this volume. The Call of Abraham deserves the serious attention too of all theologically interested Jews and Christians, especially those who like these authors are in sustained conversation with one another." —David Novak, J. Richard and Dorothy Shiff Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Toronto“. . . the studies in this collection all focus on one theme, namely, the theological meaning of Israel’s election and the implications of this for both the Jewish and the Christian communities. The collection is also unique in that it seeks to further Levenson’s own thinking on the topic rather than offer new insights into unrelated issues.” —Bible Today“A number of the essays are by former students of Levenson, and the eirenic manner in which the debate is conducted as well as the breadth of the topics grouped under the overarching rubric of election are a fine testimony to the significant impact that Levenson himself as well as his research has had.” —Journal of Jewish Studies“Presented to Jon D. Levenson on the occasion of his sixty-fifth birthday, the essays cover issues that interact with Levenson’s interest and scholarship on the theological meaning of Israel’s election and the implications of this for both the Jewish and the Christian communities . . . . A finely researched and argued thematic tome celebrating the Jewish faith and academic scholarship of the honoree.” —The Catholic Biblical Quarterly“This book is an impressive collection of 15 essays, each dealing with the theme of Israel’s election by God, written in honour of Jon Levenson, whose own research on this theme has been so influential within both Jewish and Christian scholarship.” —Journal of Theological Studies“The Call of Abraham is an ambitious volume that sets out to consider this shared affirmation of election theology in light of Levenson’s opus while building upon it across a wide range of fields. By mining the tradition both ancient and new, the authors of this volume have ably carried forward their honoree’s legacy and pointed the way for a new generation to walk in his footsteps.” —Cithara: Essays in the Judeo Christian Tradition“. . . This volume is an excellent and satisfying tribute to its honoree [Professor Jon D. Levenson] and his research. With scholarship, clarity and interreligious sensitivity that equal Levenson’s, co-editor Kaminsky asks, ‘Can Election Be Forfeited?’” —Biblical Interpretation

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Book SynopsisThe third release in a major new series of guides to the books of the Old Testament written in an accessible and anecdotal style. The series is suitable for personal or group use and the format is also appropriate for daily study.

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Book SynopsisThe latest release, covering Joshua, Judges and Ruth, in a major new series of guides to the books of the Old Testament, written in an accessible and anecdotal style. The series is suitable for personal or group use and the format is also appropriate for daily study.

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Book SynopsisA new release, covering the Books of Samuel, in this major series of guides to the books of the Old Testament, written in an accessible and anecdotal style. The series is suitable for personal or group use and the format is also appropriate for daily study.

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Book SynopsisGood kings and bad kings, good faith and bad faith - these are the themes of 1 and 2 Kings, from the wise King Solomon to the consequences of his successors' folly. Using personal anecdote, a lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament.

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Book SynopsisHow to read, interpret and preach the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets.Trade ReviewIn the crowded field of textbooks that introduce students to the Old Testament prophets, Aaron Chalmers has written one of the most useful yet, especially for those whose studies have a ministerial dimension. Eschewing systematic coverage of content, he offers a remarkable breadth and depth of material at quite some speed, with many supporting pictures and illustrations. The key focus is on the task of facilitating interpretation. The first chapter is a lucid review of ‘what is a prophet and what is a prophetic book?’ The latter section emphasizes, rightly, that it is the text that is the primary focus of interpretation, which allows us to sit light to the limits of our historical knowledge regarding how such books were formed. The next three chapters round up three angles of approach: the historical, the theological and the rhetorical. This works extremely well. The first is a masterly overview of Israel’s history in dialogue with both the canon and external historical reference points. The second majors on Sinai and Zion traditions as a theological matrix within which to read the prophetic texts. The third is a mini-introduction to prophecy-related hermeneutics, working with the rhetorical grain of the text(s), and covering aspects of form-critical classification as well as literary characteristics. In all three chapters Chalmers offers clear examples, and pointers for further reflection by way of text boxes on specific themes. Chapter 5 explores apocalyptic, with a little more confidence that this is a separable genre than might be warranted, though Chalmers finds helpful ways to characterize apocalyptic texts. Chapter 6 then turns to ‘preaching the prophets’, with homiletical wisdom alongside caution about ‘prophecy and fulfilment’ schemas. Both these final chapters engage with refuting popular and/or conservative approaches that locate prophetic fulfilment today. In the UK I think a more common problem is simply a biblical illiteracy (even in churches) that simply does not know what to do with these texts. For revised editions I would encourage a more spacious page layout, and less text set against dark text-box backgrounds, especially when that text is often small. Pictures could be more clearly printed. Chalmers could also cite fewer specifics from other introductory books, and handle more of the issues in his own, generally elegant, prose. But I am confident that there will be revised editions, since overall this is an unusually successful textbook. The whole is a student-friendly guide that I will gladly adopt forthwith as recommended reading to accompany a course on the prophets. It is the combination of compressed introduction and the emphasis on developing tools for further interpretation that makes it work. Whereas many guides seem to imagine leisurely classes that wend their canonical way through text after text, the reality of theological education today is that Chalmers’s six chapters will probably match up to the full extent of most such courses. The book would also be an admirable refresher for those whose studies were longer ago. -- Richard S. Briggs * Theology journal *This book can be recommended as a short and easily readable introduction to the prophetic books, it does not try and go through the prophets one by one or in chronological order: rather it is divided up into easily comprehensible themes that extend across all the prophetical books of the Bible. It starts by considering what is a prophet and what makes a prophetic book; reflecting on modern ‘prophets’ and prophecy elsewhere. The author then loos at their historical, theological and rhetorical backgrounds. For example, he considers who a phrase ‘cows of Bashan’ is meaningless without its historical context. The use of language by the prophets to proclaim their message and influence the hearers is well covered. The chapter on apocalyptic writings looks at the dangers of trying to apply such sayings to modern times. However, he also brings out the peril of pinning them down such that they no longer speak to us today. The last chapter – a very useful set of guidelines for preaching on the prophets – should be beneficial to all Readers. -- Tim Whittle * The Reader *

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Book SynopsisComprehensive, up-to-date and student-friendly introduction to the book of Psalms: its structure, content, theological concerns, key interpretative debates and historical reception

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Book SynopsisThe first volume in a major new series, Old Testament Origins and the Question of God, The Old Testament and God offers a fresh examination of the Old Testament against its historical background.Trade Review‘Within the sometimes bewildering world of Old Testament scholarship, with its modern and postmodern presuppositions, Craig Bartholomew charts a new way forward, one that takes fully seriously the historical, literary and theological dimensions of the Old Testament, and above all takes the God of the Old Testament fully seriously as one who acts and reveals. For anyone who finds the Old Testament irrepressibly fascinating, this will be an exciting as well as a learned and coherently argued book.’ * Richard Bauckham, Emeritus Professor of New Testament Studies, University of St Andrews, Scotland *‘In this far-reaching and ambitious work, Bartholomew compellingly contends for an audacious notion: the Old Testament needs God and, above all else, enacts deific truth. This claim stands in sharp contrast with modernity reinforced by its tacit atheism and sardonic rejection of the supernatural. Consequently, the most central aspect of the Scriptures is absent in most post-Enlightenment biblical criticism. The Old Testament and God models an alternative, post-critical approach that is both overtly theistic and particularly Christian.’ * H. H. Hardy II, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary *‘In this introductory volume, Bartholomew makes an impressive start to a project that seeks to do for the Old Testament what N. T. Wright has done for the New Testament. A great strength of his approach is an in-depth philosophical and methodological awareness. This enables him to provide a sharp critical evaluation of a number of traditional scholarly views. His careful attention to the historical, literary and theological dimensions of the Old Testament sheds new light on many disputed issues, as well as illuminating the rich Old Testament portrayal of the living God.’ * Philip Jenson, Teaching Associate in Old Testament, Ridley Hall, Cambridge *‘Only Craig Bartholomew could have written this book! The range of interlocutors is vast; Old Testament scholars mingle with philosophers, literary theorists and historians of the Ancient Near East, and Bartholomew’s immensely creative and constructive mind orchestrates a powerful symphony by means of a running commentary upon the scholarship. At the heart of the matter is the possibility – indeed the firm conviction – that the living God has revealed himself to Israel. A joy to read, this book should fund a new and multifaceted conversation grounded in the question of God.’ * Matthew Levering, James N. Perry Jr and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary *‘Craig Bartholomew brings his wide knowledge and insight to the question of God in the Old Testament. His training and sensibilities as both an Old Testament scholar and a philosopher are on full display here. This book, the first of four, is a big book in the best sense of the term. He considers the most important questions and utilizes the best approaches to study of the Old Testament. In my opinion, Bartholomew sets the study of God in the Old Testament on its proper foundation, which makes this essential reading for all scholars and serious students alike.’ * Tremper Longman III, Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Westmont College *‘Who but Craig Bartholomew could have imagined this book, much less actually written it? In The Old Testament and God, he takes the reader on an exhilarating quest to answer the biggest question not only in biblical studies, but in our lives: the question of God. Along the way, Craig introduces us to a vast array of voices, from philosophers and historians to narrative critics and specialists in the Ancient Near East. The end result is part manifesto, part invitation. The Old Testament and God is sure to guide and inspire students and scholars alike.’ * Michael J. Rhodes, Lecturer in Old Testament, Carey Baptist College, Auckland, New Zealand *‘This opus breathes intelligence, learning and creativity as it frames what it means – and could mean – to study the Old Testament. True to form, Bartholomew assesses the academy critically, with breadth of vision and philosophical rigour. He methodically advances a theological vision of the Old Testament that takes as fundamental its kerygmatic force. Faith and theology inform Bartholomew’s work as resources rather than obstacles, while he rightly pleads for genuine pluralism in the academy. Although it will be possible to interrogate Bartholomew’s argument, it will be impossible to ignore it. This volume exhibits the characteristics of a classic.’ * Heath A. Thomas, President and Professor of Old Testament, Oklahoma Baptist University *‘Many of us were apprenticed into the guild of Old Testament scholarship under the paradigm of alleged academic "objectivity" in which "God" could not be the subject of a sentence that presumed his living reality and power, other than as a fictive character in the narrative. Craig Bartholomew challenges that paradigm in a way that enables an encounter with the living scriptures to be an authentic encounter with the voice of the living God.’ * Chris Wright, Global Ambassador and Ministry Director, Langham Partnership *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deuteronomy is arguably the most important book in the Pentateuch, if not in the entire Hebrew Bible. With his trademark clarity and rigor, Stackert compellingly explains what Deuteronomy is, what it does, and how it works, both on its own and in its broader literary context. Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch is unquestionably the best book out there on this central biblical text, and should be standard reading for scholars and students alike.”—Joel Baden, Yale Divinity School“Jeffrey Stackert is known for his thoughtful and theoretically informed contributions to Pentateuchal scholarship. In this new work, he tackles the range of complex issues surrounding the compositional history of Deuteronomy with characteristic acumen and clarity.”—Molly Zahn, author of Genres of Rewriting in Second Temple Judaism“Stackert’s new volume on the book of Deuteronomy is a priceless contribution to the field. His analysis is incisive and accessible in equal measure. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in Deuteronomy, from its inception to its early reception.”—Shimon Gesundheit, Hebrew University of Jerusalem“A compelling and original exploration of Deuteronomy, its composition, its use of earlier sources, its use in later sources, its ancient Near Eastern influences, and its date.”—Marc Zvi Brettler, Duke University“In this exciting addition to the Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, Stackert offers something genuinely new: he brilliantly weaves together biblical scholarship, cuneiform literature, and contemporary literary theory. This clearly written and engaging volume examines how the concept of scripture shaped ancient readers’ understanding of Deuteronomy.”—Bernard M. Levinson, University of Minnesota

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Book SynopsisAn ambitious introduction to the Apocrypha that encourages readers to reimagine what “canon” really meansTrade Review2022 PROSE Award Finalist, Theology and Religious Studies category“A work of first-rate scholarship that makes ancient Jewish apocrypha, ranging beyond the traditional Greek and Latin collections, accessible to the non-specialist audience. I cannot see teaching my Bible courses without it.”—Benjamin G. Wright, Lehigh University“In this comprehensive introduction, Wills shows that neither ‘canon’ nor ‘apocrypha’ is a simple, consistent idea. This should now be the standard introduction to the Apocrypha.”—John J. Collins, Yale University“Introductions to the Apocrypha used to be dull, dutiful little books. Not any more! In this engaging study Wills demonstrates the sophistication and significance of these compositions. In addition, he dismantles the prevailing Eurocentric construction of ‘apocrypha’ and embraces a long overdue global perspective.”—Carol A. Newsom, Emory University“A thorough, comprehensive, and insightful examination of texts, regarded as non-canonical for the Hebrew Bible, that were quite influential in later Jewish and Christian sources. Organizing these texts according to genre is a special feature of this study.”—Gale A. Yee

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Book SynopsisAn award-winning translation brings new immediacy to these beloved books of the Bible. Read them for the first time, again.Trade Review"Encountering these books in this form—as ancient literature, laid out as poetry, with copious footnotes—allows you to be dazzled by their range, from the frank eroticism of the Song of Songs to the bucolic idyll of Esther and the downright weirdness of Daniel." -- New Statesman"Robert Alter's continuing project of translating the Old Testament is perhaps one of the most important literary/religious endeavours of recent times...Alter adds new levels of richness and poetry to the text, while adding an illuminating commentary to untangle the snuggles of time." -- Catholic Herald"In each of the Biblical books in this volume a balance of explanation, translation and commentary is offered. In each of them the reader is made a partner in an adventure of scholarship and clarification which is both rare and exemplary. " -- Eavan Boland - The Irish Times

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsList of Illustrations xiii Series Editors’ Preface xix Acknowledgments xxi Testimonia xxv Jeremiah the Man xxv The Book xxvii Actualizations xxix Introduction 1 Theory and Practice of Reception History 3 Jeremiah in Three Guises 4 Jeremiah in Antiquity 5 Medieval Jeremiahs 17 Early Modernity 24 Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries 47 Practical Notes for Using the Commentary 64 Jeremiah 1 67 Word of the Lord or Words of Jeremiah? (Jer 1:1) 67 Jeremiah Before Birth (1:4–5) 69 A Prophet to the Nations (1:5) 77 Resisting God (1:6) 77 Filling Jeremiah’s Mouth 81 The Job Description (1:10) 82 God’s Pun (1:11–12) 84 What’s Cooking? (1:13–16) 88 Jeremiah 2 93 God’s Lawsuit (2:1–13) 94 Leaky Cisterns or Living Water? (2:12–13) 95 A Puzzling Verb Becomes a Word of Salvation (2:20) 98 Prophetic Pornography (2:20–25) 99 Jeremiah in the Synagogue (2:4–28) 101 Jeremiah 3 103 A Rare Allusion to God the Father (3:4,19) 103 Holy Forgetting (3:15–18) 105 3:24–25 106 Jeremiah 4 107 A Subversive Translation (4:1–2) 107 The Circumcised Heart (4:4) 108 Reading Metaphor (4:7) 109 Does God Deceive? (4:9–10) 110 Body and Soul (4:19–22) 110 Apocalypse Now (4:23–28) 112 Contradiction as Problem and Opportunity (4:27) 113 Dressing Down a Gussied‐Up Female (4:29–31) 113 Jeremiah 5 115 Nothing Bad Will Happen to Us (5:12) 115 Divine Fire Consuming Human Wood (5:14) 116 An Appalling and Horrible Thing (5:30–31) 118 Contents ix Jeremiah 6 119 Two Roads Diverged (6:16) 119 Buying Salvation (6:20) 120 Jeremiah as Fortress and/or Refiner (6:27) 120 Jeremiah 7 123 A Den of Thieves (7:1–15) 123 A Troubling Contradiction (7:21–24) 124 Jeremiah 8 127 Reading Jeremiah as Science (8:7) 127 The Balm of Gilead (8:22) 130 Jeremiah 9 135 A Fountain of Tears (9,1,18) 135 Internalizing the Prophet’s Cry (9:2) 140 Death Climbs in the Windows (9:21) 141 Jeremiah 10 145 Superstition and Science (10:2–5) 145 Who Will Not Fear You? (10:7) 147 Wise Fools (10:12–16) 147 Humans Are Not Masters of Themselves (10:23–24) 149 Correct Me, O Lord (10:24) 151 Pour Out Thy Wrath (10:25) 151 Jeremiah 11 153 Let Us Put Wood in his Bread (11:19) 153 Jeremiah 12 157 A Lawsuit Against God (12:1–4) 157 Shameful Revenues (12:13) 160 Jeremiah 13 161 Jeremiah’s Loincloth (13:1–11) 161 Jeremiah’s Tears (13:17) 164 Unsettling Images (13: 22–27) 164 Jeremiah 14 167 The Inn and the Manger (14:7–9) 167 Jeremiah 15 169 Saints Alive (15:1) 169 Woe is Me, My Mother (15:10) 170 Changing Fashions in Prayer (15:15) 171 Is Jeremiah Blasphemous? (15:18) 172 A Divine Reprimand Reconsidered (15:19) 174 Jeremiah 16 177 Prophetic Celibacy (16:1–4) 177 Hunters and Fishers (16:16–18) 179 Jeremiah 17 181 Misplaced Trust (17:5) 181 Is the Human Heart Deep, or Depraved? (17:9–10) 182 The Partridge (17:11) 185 Jeremiah 18 187 The Surprise of Divine Freedom (18:1–12) 187 Jeremiah 19 193 Jeremiah Smashes a Jug 193 Jeremiah 20–21 197 Jeremiah in the Stocks (20:1–6) 197 Divine Deception (20:7) 199 Whose Violence and Destruction? (20:8) 207 A Reproach and a Derision (20:8) 207 A Burning Fire (20:9) 208 Do Saints Curse? (20:13–18) 212 Jeremiah 22 219 The Burial of an Ass (22:18–19) 219 Jeremiah and the Lost Ark (22:29) 220 Jeremiah 23 223 The Righteous Branch (23:5–6) 223 False Prophets (23:9–40) 226 Jeremiah 24 229 Two Baskets of Figs (24:1–10) 229 Jeremiah 25 231 The Cup of the Wine of Wrath (25:15–31) 232 Jeremiah 26–28 235 Jeremiah’s Yoke (Jer 27:2; 28:1–17) 235 False Prophets 237 Jeremiah 29 239 Build and Plant (29:1–6) 240 Praying for the Enemy (29:7) 240 Seventy Years (29:10) 242 God’s Inscrutable Plans (29:11) 244 Jeremiah as Contemporary Prophet (Jer 29:19) 245 Jeremiah 30–31 247 Hope in the Midst of Trauma (30:1–3) 247 Rachel Weeps in Every Century (31:15–17) 248 Gender‐Bending (31:22) 250 The New Covenant (31:31–34) 252 Jeremiah 32–33 257 A Strange Real Estate Deal 257 Jeremiah 34 259 Taking Back the Gift of Freedom (34:8–22) 259 Jeremiah 35 261 Jeremiah 36 267 Free Will and Divine Omniscience (36:3, 7) 268 Word, Scroll, Book (36:2, 5, 18) 268 Jehoiakim as Perennial Tyrant (36:20–26) 269 Words and the Word (36:27) 272 Jeremiah 37–38 277 Dungeon and Cistern 277 Ancient Allegories (38:1–13) 278 A Model for Political Resistance (38:1–16) 280 The Cistern as Spiritual Prison (38:1–6). 285 Ebed‐Melek Rescues Jeremiah (38:7–13) 287 Jeremiah’s Lie (38:24–27) 295 Jeremiah 39 299 Zedekiah Captured (39:4–7) 299 Ebed‐Melech Becomes Abimelech (39:15–18) 301 Jeremiah 40–43 303 How Did the Prophet Escape the Burning City? (40:1–6) 304 The Murder of Gedaliah (40:7– 41:17) 305 How Long, O Lord? (42:7) 305 The Stones of Tahpanhes (43:8–13) 306 Jeremiah 44 309 Uppity Women (44:15–19) 310 Martyrdom of Jeremiah 312 Jeremiah 45 319 Jeremiah 46–51 323 Babylon, the Golden Cup in God’s Hand (51:7) 325 Jeremiah Speaks to a War‐Torn Twentieth Century (51:11) 326 Thus Far the Words of Jeremiah (51:59–64) 328 Glossary 329 Brief Biography 333 Bibliography 341 Index 357

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Book SynopsisOffers a philosophical meditation on the problem of evil. This title uses the Genesis story of the Fall as the starting point for a profound articulation of the human condition. It shows us that evil expresses the rage of a subject who knows both that he is an image of an infinite God and that he must die.Trade Review"A book which begins with the sentence 'Evil makes us Human' must surely compel attention. This is no ordinary account of what is usually meant by the problem of evil... Instead, Paul W. Kahn's aim is to explore the nature of evil itself... A rich and fascinating book full of unusual conjunctions and insights."--John Habgood, Times Literary Supplement "Kahn makes a powerful case for the reality of good (which he calls 'love') as a form of self-sacrifice, and of its opposite, evil, which constitutes a denial of one's finitude."--Whitley R. P. Kaufman, Philosophy in Review "Brilliant and essential... [Kahn] establishes an enormously clarifying political theology of modernity, one that investigates the limits of our contemporary imagination."--Igor Webb, Common Review "In Out of Eden, Paul W. Kahn ... argues that the human condition--rather than political or social conditions--is the locus of evil. Using the lenses of political and cultural theory, law, and philosophy, Kahn takes a hard look at modern forms of evil, namely slavery, torture, and genocide. Evil, Kahn posits, in an existential problem."--Yale Law ReportTable of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction: The Study of Evil 1 Chapter 1: A Preliminary Meditation on Oedipus and Adam 16 Chapter 2: Evil and the Image of the Sacred 53 Chapter 3: Love and Evil 106 Chapter 4: Political Evil: Slavery and the Shame of Nature 143 Chapter 5: Political Evil: Killing, Sacrifice, and the Image of God 174 Conclusion: Tragedy, Comedy, and the Banality of Evil 211 Index 223

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Book SynopsisRife with incest, rape, and murder, the biblical story of Jacob and his children must have troubled ancient readers. This title traces the steps of ancient biblical interpreters as they struggled with such problems. It reveals how they often fixed on a little detail in the Bible's wording to 'deduce' something not openly stated in the narrative.Trade ReviewOne of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2007 "The Ladder of Jacob is one of the most readable and attractive introductions to the general style of traditional Jewish reasoning from Scripture. It captures the strange combination of playfulness with deadly seriousness that characterizes this exegetical tradition, and which makes studying it so enjoyable. The methods it works with are profoundly interesting to the historian of ideas, who will be aware of parallels in other scriptural religions."--John Baron, Times Literary Supplement "James L. Kugel demonstrates that ... ancient sources described the biblical narratives in terms of various motifs that brought fresh meanings to the stories and their place in Israel's religious history... Kugel helpfully guides us through the marvelous world of ancient biblical interpretation."--Publishers Weekly "In his elegant new book, ... James L. Kugel takes on ... perplexing ... questions with great erudition and admirable lucidity... Whether unravelling some philological tangle or reconciling divergent readings, he has the enviable knack of capturing his reader's attention and keeping it firmly tethered... Whether discussing Reuben's sin with Bilhah or the priesthood of Levi or Judah and Tamar, Mr. Kugel moves easily from moral dilemmas to textual enigmas; his book thus serves as a guide to interpretation as well."--Eric Ormsby, New York Sun "Biblical scholar Kugel offers an in-depth study of some of the more difficult stories of Jacob and Jacob's family... [A]ny biblical researcher can profit from understanding the questions raised by these text, and analyzing the answers they provide. A valuable resource."--Library Journal "Highly recommended... James L. Kugel persuasively argues that ancient interpreters did more than simply apologize for the less-than-illustrious behavior of certain biblical figures ... by demonstrating how exegetical motifs arise from some quirk in scripture... Kugel has written a book that is obviously important for specialists (it will certainly be instrumental in reevaluating the history of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs), but he is so remarkably adept at making opaque materials accessible to nonspecialists that both novices and the initiated will read his latest work with evident relish."--Choice "James Kugel...is an expert in the history of biblical interpretation and well equipped to write a book that gives the reader an introduction to and explanation of the ancient exegesis of the particular text from Genesis under discussion in this book... [It] can be recommended for every one interested in the development of certain biblical traditions, but especially for those interested in the way ancient interpreters treated biblical texts."--S I Cronje, Verbum et Ecclesia "[Kugel]...takes half a dozen Biblical stories--Jacob's career, his heavenly ladder, the rape of Dinah, Reuben's dalliance with Bilhah, Levi's elevation to priesthood, Judah's victimization of Tamar--and invites the reader to accompany him in a survey of ancient Biblical commentaries which range far beyond the well known canonical literature...James Kugel has presented the reader with a dazzling array of Midrashic and other texts which testify to the extraordinary vitality of the rabbinic mind and its successors in unpackaging the hidden meanings in the Hebrew Bible."--Arnold Ages, Chicago Jewish Star "[Kugel] masterfully reveals why mishnaic, rabbinic, and targumic commentaries make the moves they do by analytically assessing the how and the why in each step. In this sense what Kugel does, helps the most rigid historical-critical exegetes ... become more alert to the intricacies of the literary-syntactical elements--particularly the cruxes--and also become more appreciative of the artistic aspects of ancient allegorical methods."--Craig D. Bowman, Book Reviews and Notes "Kugel ... most elegantly and convincingly explores how ... early interpreters conceived of the Bible and of their hermeneutical task... This book--and Kugel's major oeuvre of recuperating early exegesis--is an important, fascinating, and often brilliant endeavor."--Ronald Hendel, Interpretation "I can certainly recommend Kugel's book as yet another masterpiece of the history of interpretation. It should serve as a guide for others attempting to do so, as well as a wonderful sourcebook for those working on Genesis."--Dan Clanton, Journal of Hebrew Scriptures "All in all a fascinating and valuable contribution to the history of interpretation."--R. Tomes, Society for Old Testament StudiesTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix List of Abbreviations xi Chapter One: Jacob and the Bible's Ancient Interpreters 1 Chapter Two: The Ladder of Jacob 9 Chapter Three: The Rape of Dinah, and Simeon and Levi's Revenge 36 Chapter Four: Reuben's Sin with Bilhah 81 Chapter Five: How Levi Came to Be a Priest 115 Chapter Six: Judah and the Trial of Tamar 169 Chapter Seven: A Prayer about Jacob and Israel from the Dead Sea Scrolls 186 Notes 223 Subject Index 263 Hebrew Bible Index 271 Index of Motifs Studied 276

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Book SynopsisA philosophical exploration of the question of whether the world we inhabit offers us hospitality or indifference.Trade Review"We Find Ourselves Put to the Test will interest students, scholars, and general readers alike. Crooks approaches the material with freshness and aplomb, and the result is an engaging and thoughtful interpretation of an important canonical text." Ron Srigley, Laurentian University"Crooks argues "that Job is best read as a careful description of how [one finds oneself] put to the test" to meet "reality point blank" and in silence. That experience is what leads Job to restoration. Crooks does not try to solve critical and exegetical issues; he attempts to find usefulness and meaning in what is a most opaque book. Recommended." Choice

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Book SynopsisA highly-respected scholar explores the theological heart of the Old Testament by examining three big ideas that communicate the Old Testament's redemptive theology.Table of ContentsContents1. Taking the Pulse of Old Testament Theology: Past and Present2. The Narrative Rhythm: God's Historical Action3. The Character Rhythm: God's Active Character4. The Relational Rhythm: God's Relational Identity5. Integrating the Creedal Rhythms6. Creation and the Creedal Rhythms7. Taking the Old Testament Pulse in the New Testament8. Taking the Old Testament Pulse in the Christian Life9. Postscript: Calling for ResponseAppendix: Biblical Theology and the Old TestamentIndexes

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Book SynopsisThis handy reference book, featuring key articles from the award-winning Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, provides a book-by-book theological reading of the Old Testament.

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Book SynopsisThis richly illustrated resource offers illuminating archaeological information related to the Old Testament.

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Book SynopsisIn this commentary on Lamentations, a respected Old Testament scholar and volunteer hospital chaplain presents a biblical model for helping those coping with grief.Table of ContentsForeword by Nicholas WolterstorffIntroductionExpositionFirst Poem: Grief, Guilt, and the Need for PrayerHuman Losses (1:1-6)Material Losses (1:7-11)Zion's Cry of Culpability (1:12-16)Comments on Zion's Cries (1:17)Zion's Confession and Prayer of Grievance (1:18-22)Second Poem: Grief, Guilt, and the Need for PrayerGod's Awesome Anger at Work (2:1-5)God's Systematic Destruction of Zion (2:6-10)A Sea of Troubles (2:11-17)A Call to Zion to Pray and Zion's Prayer (2:18-22)Third Poem: The Wounded HealerHis Testimony of Guilty Wounds (3:1-16)His Second Thoughts (3:17-24)The Wounded Healer's Sermon (3:25-39)His Call to the Congregation to Pray (3:40-51)His Testimony of Prayers of Appeal and Grievance (3:52-66)Fourth Poem: Grief and Guilt Prolonged--and to Be ReversedThe Cheapening of Human Life (4:1-6)More Horrors of the Siege (4:7-11)How One Guilty Group Suffered (4:12-16)Despair--and Eventual Hope (4:17-22)Fifth Poem: The Congregation's Prayer as Turning PointPresent Distress and Confession (5:1-7)Humiliation, Sorrow, and Confession (5:8-16)Challenging Cries for Help (5:17-22)

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Book SynopsisExplores perennial theological questions raised by the content of the Old Testament, providing strategies for reading, appreciating, and appropriating these sacred texts.Table of ContentsContents1. Is the Old Testament an Enemy, Stranger, or Friend to the Christian Faith?2. Our Fleeting Moments in Paradise3. Darkness over the Face of the Deep4. The R-Rated Bible5. Killing All That Breathes: Violence in the Old Testament6. Male and Female God Created Them: Gender and the Old Testament7. God Commands Us to Do What?! The Strange Laws of the Bible8. Is the Law Engraved in Stone? The Dynamic Nature of God's Law9. Truth Is Many Sided10. Drowning in Tears and Raging at God11. Great and Terrible Is the Wrath of the Lord12. The Old Testament's AuthorityAppendix: A Literal Translation of Genesis 2:4b-4:16Indexes

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisAn expert on the world of ancient Israel introduces students to the Hebrew Prophets in this substantially revised and expanded edition of a successful text.Table of ContentsIntroduction1. Historical Geography2. Defining and Describing the Prophet3. Premonarchic Prophetic Activity4. Early Monarchic Prophets5. Elijah and Elisha6. Major and Minor Prophets7. The Book of Amos8. The Book of Hosea9. The Book of Isaiah10. The Book of Micah11. Prophetic Voices of the Late Seventh Century12. The Book of Jeremiah13. The Book of Ezekiel14. Postexilic Prophecy15. The Hellenistic Period and the Book of Daniel16. Final ThoughtsGlossaryIndexes

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Book SynopsisA veteran Old Testament teacher shows the theological instincts that are necessary for reading, understanding, and communicating Scripture faithfully.Table of ContentsContents Introduction Part 1: Scripture's Material Form 1. Scripture and Canon 2. Sanding with the Grain: Final Form and Canonical Shape 3. Canonical Intentionality 4. Canon and Textual Criticism: The Search for the Christian Bible Part 2: Scripture's Subject Matter 5. God as Triune and Exegetical Metaphysics 6. The Trinity and the Old Testament Epilogue Indexes

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Book SynopsisThe Teach the Text Commentary Series utilizes the best of biblical scholarship to provide the information a pastor needs to communicate the text effectively. The carefully selected preaching units and focused commentary allow pastors to quickly grasp the big idea and key themes of each passage of Scripture. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.

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Book SynopsisFocused Biblical Scholarship to Teach the Text EffectivelyThe Teach the Text Commentary Series utilizes the best of biblical scholarship to provide the information a pastor needs to communicate the text effectively. The carefully selected preaching units and focused commentary allow pastors to quickly grasp the big idea and key themes of each passage of Scripture. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.The newest release in this innovative commentary series is T. Desmond Alexander''s treatment of Exodus.

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Book SynopsisA respected Old Testament scholar provides an exegetical commentary on Job with theological insights for pastors, professors, and all serious students of the Bible.Table of ContentsPart I. The Prologue: The Suffering and Patience of Job (1:1-2:13)Part II. Job's Lament (3:1-26)Part III. The Debate between Job and His Three Friends (4:1-27:23)Part IV. Job's Monologue (28:1-31:40)Part V. Elihu's Speech (32:1-37:24)Part VI. Yahweh Speeches and Job's Responses (38:1-42:6)Part VII. Job's Restoration (42:7-17)Indexes

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Book SynopsisThis verse-by-verse commentary offers a fresh reading of an intriguing book of the Old Testament.

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Book SynopsisCyril of Alexandria's contributions to theology are not confined to his prominent role in the fifth-century christological conflict, but are also vital to the development of biblical exegesis. Drawing insights from older contemporaries, Cyril examines in depth the historical contexts of prophetic texts.

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Book SynopsisThe biblical book of Genesis stands nearly without parallel in the shared history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The essays in this book study an array of Jewish and Christian responses to Genesis as they took shape in specific literary forms - the unique genres of late antique poetry.

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Book SynopsisProvides an introduction to Jerome’s approach to biblical interpretation, of both the Old and the New Testament. Some letters focus on the historical meaning of Pauline and Gospel texts, while others contain allegorical expositions of Old Testament passages.

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