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Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
http://jot.sagepub.com Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 2006; 30; 63 DOI: 10.1177/0309089206065407 The online version of this article can be found at: http://jot.sagepub.com
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[JSOT 30.5 (Book List 2006) 63-90] DOI: 10.1177/0309089206065407
5. EXEGESIS AND MODERN TRANSLATIONS
AARON, CHARLES L., JR, Preaching Hosea, Amos, and Micah (St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2005), pp. xii + 148. $18.99. ISBN 0-827229-82-8. Aware that many clergy feel unable to preach from these texts, A. seeks to encourage a renewal of prophetic preaching. By this he means preaching that addresses wider social issues for which these texts provide a rich body of material for proclamation. At the same time, he is aware that these texts frequently present themselves in ways with which contemporary culture is uncomfortable. A. thus seeks to negotiate these issues by promoting a hermeneutic that is critical of those areas where the cultural forms of the eighth century are offensive to modern readers but which still takes their message seriously. This is done by providing an introduction to each of the three prophets with an eye to the themes in them suitable for preaching and then providing examples of exegesis and sermons. The introductions and exegesis follow within the mainstream of critical study, though the possibility that certain portions of the books might be later than the eighth century does not signicantly impact the sample sermons. A. offers sermons of his own on Hos. 2.14-23; 11.1-11; Amos 5.18-24; 7.10-17; and Mic. 4.1-7; 5.1-5a; 6.1-8. In addition, a sermon from another preacher is offered for each text, except Mic. 6.1-8 which has two. The sermons themselves are strongly North American in their orientation, and their relationship to the exegesis offered is not always clear, but provide one model (among others) that could be adopted for these books. D.G. FIRTH ASSIS, ELIE, Self-Interest or Communal Interest: An Ideology of Leadership in the Gideon, Abimelech and Jephthah Narratives (Judg 612) (VTSup, 106; Leiden: Brill, 2005), pp. xiv + 263. 89.00/$127.00. ISBN 90-04-14354-8; ISSN 0083-5889. A.s goal is the construction of the historical circumstances of the composition of Judges through precise analysis, literary and ideological, of the three narratives of the title. Repeatedly A. asks about the purpose of narrative detail and almost always it is to illustrate the interests of the protagonist under consideration. Herein lies a real achievement. A. draws attention to the considerably complex rendering of Gideon and Jephthah, made all the more impressive by the more simply drawn characterization of Abimelech (despite that narratives complex plot-line). In reading the oscillation between self- and communal interest in the Gideon and Jephthah narratives, A. argues
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 2006 SAGE Publications Book List 2006 The Society for Old Testament Study
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Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)
that the task of the exegete is to take account of how inconsistencies, repetitions and tensions in the text shape its meaning (p. 127). This programmatic question pays off in particular in the analysis of the Jephthah narrative, where A. enables readers to see more clearly Jephthahs seeking of personal status, for when his daughter comes out to meet him, she is the only one; that is, she is not accompanied by the grateful elders of Mizpah as he had hoped. As well as arguing that the purpose of the whole book is to prompt (public) reection on the desirability of the governmental models on offer, A. suggests that these stories in particular reveal the danger of egocentricity in leaders. While some points are, I think, somewhat inadequately addressed (namely reading Ehud and Deborah as uncomplicated hero narratives, and the premonarchic dating of Judges), A. has provided a stimulating approach to the many ideological questions raised by Judges. E. CHRISTIANSON BARR, MICHAEL L., The Lord Has Saved Me: A Study of the Psalm of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:920) (CBQMS, 39; Washington, DC: Catholic Biblical Association of America, 2005), pp. x + 294. $12.00. ISBN 0-915170-38-8. This is the rst monograph-length treatment of the Psalm of Hezekiah since that of J. Begrich in 1926 (though there have been a number of articles, of course), and it is far more substantial. It is mainly devoted to a very detailed text-critical and philological analysis, in which poetic and rhetorical-critical considerations are allowed to play their full and proper part. After a brief introduction to the methods involved, B. works phrase by phrase through the entire passage, setting out all the readings in the Scrolls (unknown to Begrich of course) and ancient versions and judiciously weighing their merits. Some broader issues are tackled in a concluding chapter: he agrees with Begrichs categorization of the poem as a psalm of thanksgiving, for instance, but, contra Begrich and most others, he nds after a full discussion of the linguistic evidence that there is nothing to preclude a pre-exilic date. It existed prior to its incorporation into the book (as v. 9 makes clear), but it is well integrated into its new context, where it serves to gather up the themes of chs. 3638 in particular. This clearly written book is likely to be chiey prized for its careful analysis of the sometimes difcult Hebrew text of this passage. H.G.M. WILLIAMSON BECKING, BOB, Between Fear and Freedom: Essays on the Interpretation of Jeremiah 3031 (OTS, 51; Leiden: Brill, 2004), pp. viii + 338. 95.00/$128.00. ISBN 90-0414118-9. B.s book consists of ten chapters on Jeremiahs Little Book of Consolation: 1. A Dissonant Voice of Hope: An Introduction to the Interpretation of Jeremiah 3031; 2. Abbreviation, Expansion or Two Traditions: The Text of Jeremiah 30 31; 3. Cola, Canticles and Subcantos: The Macrostructure of Jeremiah 3031; 4. I Will Break His Yoke from Off Your Neck: An Interpretation of Jeremiah 30.5-11; 5. Divine Changeability: An Interpretation of Jeremiah 30.12-17; 6. Between Anger and Harmony: An Interpretation of Jeremiah 30.15-22; 7. Sour
BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations
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Fruit and Blunt Teeth: The Metaphorical Meaning of the ml in Jeremiah 31.29; 8. Covenant and Creation: An Interpretation of Jeremiah 31.31-37; 9. Is the Conceptual Coherence of Jeremiah 3031 Based on an Exodus-Theology?; 10. Overwhelming Wisdom, Divine Battle and New Life: The Symbol System of Jeremiah 3031. The chapters can be read independently of each other, as separate articles. As is evident from these titles, B. uses a variety of methods. According to B., the constituent elements of this book have been written over several years, in differing circumstances; he has gone through several processes of rethinking and rewriting his ideas. Here there is no space for going into details, but the result is a ne volume from a distinguished scholar. H. HAGELIA BEN ZVI, EHUD, Hosea (FOTL, 21A.1; Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005), pp. xiii + 321. $55.00/32.99. ISBN 0-8028-0795-X. This work continues the Forms of the Old Testament Literature series, several of whose volumes have been reviewed in the B.L. (see especially B.L. 1983, p. 73, for a description of the series as a whole) where some of the strengths and weaknesses of the particular approach of the series have been noted. This volume follows the format of an Introduction (Introduction to the Book of Hosea, a Particular Instance of YHWHs Word), and then a consideration of the Individual Units under the subheadings Structure, Genre, Setting and Intention, with a Bibliography for each unit. It will immediately be clear that some of the traditional concerns of form criticism are still to the fore. But of particular interest, in view of the feeling that the concentration on form criticism has meant a lack of concern for some of the newer literary critical approaches, is the fact that this volume places considerable emphasis on the reader. The overall structure of Hosea is envisaged as a series of sets of readings, and the introductory comments on the books Intention include the following statement: The stress here is on those which the intended and primary readership of the book could have considered as possible messages encountered or developed through the reading, rereading, reading to others, and studying of the book of Hosea (p. 20). The nal verse is seen as the interpretative key that characterizes the book as a didactic book (p. 317). There is a wealth of useful exegetical material, and detailed consideration of the signicance of many key Hebrew words and phrases. A valuable addition to the series. A.H.W. CURTIS BODI, DANIEL, in collaboration with BRIGITTE DONNET-GUEZ, The Michal Affair: From Zimri-Lim to the Rabbis (Hebrew Bible Monographs, 3; Shefeld: Shefeld Phoenix Press, 2005), pp. ix + 169. 50.00/$85.00/37.50. ISBN 1-905048-17-3. As the subtitle suggests this book has two sides. The rst half of the book examines the story of Michal in 1 and 2 Samuel with the use of ANE parallels (particularly from Mari). This is achieved by working systematically through the fragments of the story examining Michal as a political gure. One particular parallel is of such signicance that it merits a sustained treatment in its own chapter. This is a comparison
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of Davids marriage of Sauls daughters, Merab and Michal, to the marriage of two daughters of Zimri-Lim of Mari to a vassal. The second half of the book examines the role of Michal in rabbinic literature. Each reference to Michal is translated into English and provided with a brief interpretation. This volume makes no claims to provide an exhaustive treatment of Michal and situates itself within the current methodological pluralism that can seat Zimri-Lim alongside Rabbi Aqiba. For the author this is a book that should be used to complement the essays that appeared in the volume on Michal edited by D.J.A. Clines and T.C. Eskenazi, Telling Queen Michals Story: An Experiment in Comparative Interpretation (JSOTSup, 119; Shefeld: JSOT Press, 1991). N. MACDONALD COOK, STEPHEN L. and CORRINE L. PATTON (eds.), Ezekiels Hierarchical World: Wrestling with a Tiered Reality (SBL Symposium Series, 31; Atlanta, GA: SBL, 2004), pp. xiii + 288. $39.95. ISBN 1-58983-136-5. This book presents the papers from a recent meeting of the Ezekiel Seminar. The editors stress the innovative nature of the topicthat of hierarchypointing out that this concept is not liked by contemporary society but must be taken seriously with regard to the biblical world of the ANE. A number of the papers in the volume focus on the centrality of the heavenly hierarchy in structuring Ezekiel, linking the deity, the temple and the priesthood. Within this frame the prophet is a literary construct who is identied with the hierarchy of priestly and divine purity, even if he is not presented as an actor in priestly liturgies. The theme of hierarchy is well represented in these papers as it is in the chapter on the cherubs and the Kabod, but seems to be less directly attached to the other papers. The chapters on land issues are, however, interesting in their own right since they raise concerns about the proper use of land and its availability as human property. Issues concerning the proper use of power and military force are addressed and the whore imagery of Ezekiel is taken in the widest sense of degradation of the human person and compared with the Abu Graib scandal in recent times. The book concludes with some responses to the emerging shape of Ezekiel studies, which show signs of tension between historical-critical methodologies and those of a synchronic approach to the text. M.E. MILLS CRONAUER, PATRICK T., The Stories about Naboth the Jezreelite: A Source, Composition, and Redaction Investigation of 1 Kings 21 and Passages in 2 Kings 9 (LHBOTS, 424; New York: T & T Clark International , 2005), pp. xi + 244. 70.00. ISBN 0-567-02490-9. This is a revision of a doctoral dissertation defended in 1999 at lcole Biblique in Jerusalem. Briey put, C.s argument is that the story of Naboth in 1 Kgs 21.1-16 is a didactic parable which is to be dated to the postexilic Persian period on linguistic, thematic and historical grounds which link it to Ezra, Nehemiah and Chronicles. Its purpose was to warn the returning community not to repeat the error that had led to dispossession, and especially to keep clear of foreign women or risk losing their
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land and patrimony again. It was inserted into 1 Kings at a point where there was already a development by Dtr of an older fragment of tradition about Naboth in 1 Kgs 21.17-29. C. points out a series of structural and thematic parallels between this latter passage and the David and Bathsheba material in 2 Samuel 11. Where they differ is in the explicit verdict against Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kgs 21.25-26. C. takes such passages as evidence of the invention of Jezebel as archetypal foreign woman who is then edited into Ahabs story by a gure he calls the anti-Jezebel redactor, the one responsible for 1 Kgs 21.1-16. C.s account is thorough and ingenious, although it is not quite clear how one can square his later claim that the whole of 1 Kings 21 as presently constituted reects the structure of 2 Samuel 11 when his case is that 1 Kgs 21.17-29 was already shaped by that chapter before 1 Kgs 21.1-16 was ever thought of. On p. 108, C. is reduced to describing the elements in 1 Kgs 21.1-16 as implicit in 1 Kgs 21.17-19, which seems a questionable move and might lead to different conclusions about narrative analogy. That said, however, there is much food for thought and careful analysis of the text in C. s work which will reward the reader. H.S. PYPER CURTIS, ADRIAN H.W., Psalms (Epworth Commentaries; Peterborough: Epworth Press, 2004), pp. xxxvi + 266. 14.99. ISBN 0-7162-0585-8. Designed for the use of ministers, preachers, teachers and students, using the Revised English Bible (1989), the Epworth Series aims to bring the ancient texts into contemporary multi-faith settings. A brief introduction of some 25 pages deals with issues such as the psalms in Jewish and Christian worship, music and art; the origins of psalmody and the compilation of the Psalter; early interpretation of the psalms and more recent scholarly attempts at classifying them; the poetry and music of psalmody; and key themes within the Psalter as a whole. The commentary on each psalm covers on average some two pages, beginning with a brief paragraph on the key themes in the psalm and signicant aspects of its reception history, then highlighting important verses or phrases. The concerns are very similar to those in J. Eatons The Psalms: A Historical and Spiritual Commentary (London: T & T Clark International, 2003), although Eaton is more expansive (C.s commentary on individual psalms becomes increasingly shorter towards the end of the book), and C. is often more cautious in offering an overtly Christian interpretation of the more controversial psalms (for example, Psalms 1, 8, 72). However, C. fulls admirably the aims of this Series, showing how the different views of God found throughout the Psalter correspond with those expressed through the ages, and illustrating how the experiences of the psalmists, in their heights and their depths, resonate with those who read and pray the psalms today. S.E. GILLINGHAM DAY, LINDA M., Esther (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries; Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005), pp. xi + 177. 13.99. ISBN 0-687-49792-2.
NRSV
In accord with the editorial policy of this series the commentary is based on the reading of the text. D. mentions the existence of two Greek versions of Esther
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in the introduction, but indicates that her focus is solely on the Hebrew version in the MT. The introduction begins by noting that religion and identity are signicant factors in human power struggles in a divided world. D. illustrates this by reference to the Shoah and more recent world events, and then makes connections with issues of gender and sexual identity referring to Esther as becoming a fully outed Jew by the end of the story. In the body of the commentary, however, these topics are rarely mentioned in D.s exegesis of the text, where she offers clear comments and insight into the fruits of much scholarship. Her theological and ethical analysis of each section of text engages with a breadth of contemporary issues relevant to Western society, although the post-9/11 American context out of which D. writes has so inuenced her analysis that this commentary may date very quickly. This is a very readable commentary that fulls the aim of the series well in that D. succeeds in helping readers of the book of Esther, which does not mention God, to recognize its many biblical echoes and its ongoing theological signicance. J.E. TOLLINGTON DIM, EMMANUEL UCHENNA, The Eschatological Implications of Isa 65 and 66 as the Conclusion of the Book of Isaiah (Bible in History, 3; Bern: Peter Lang, 2005), pp. xviii + 409. 41.10. ISBN 3-03910-596-5; ISSN 1422-5972. After dealing with a range of introductory issues, D. undertakes a lengthy verseby-verse text-critical and exegetical study of Isaiah 65 and 66. Based upon this, he reaches the anticipated initial conclusion that these chapters depict a major division as having taken place in the restoration community (the faithful and the rebels, for each of which varying terminology is used) and the nal destination of each. He then moves on in the second main part of the book to a more thematic study of the eschatological implications of all this, grouped around such topics as the transformation of human society, of the human person, of nature and Jerusalem, and so on. The connections between these chapters and the rest of the book are then explored, and in their light the same themes are revisited to show how these chapters serve to bring them to a conclusion when looked at from the point of view of their canonical position at the end of the work. D. tends to argue by choosing between previously canvassed options, so that there are few startlingly original insights here, but the material has not been collected and arranged in quite this way before, so that this thesis (Gregorian University in Rome, supervised by C. Conroy) should serve as a useful resource for future study. H.G.M. WILLIAMSON FOX, MICHAEL V., Ecclesiastes (The JPS Bible Commentary; Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 2004), pp. xxxviii + 87. 25.95. ISBN 0-8276-0742-3. F. has produced a ne commentary particularly suited for general readers. The commentary includes an introduction to the biblical book of Ecclesiastes (Qoheleth), as well as verse-by-verse elucidation. In the introduction, readers will welcome the inclusion of an overview of rabbinic interpretations of Ecclesiastes (including those by Ibn Ezra, Rashbam, Samuel ben Judah Ibn Tibbon, Alsheikh, Mendelssohn and
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Shadal). F. provides a similar survey of commentators past and present including G. Barton, C.D. Ginsburg, R.E. Murphy, and C.L. Seow, but oddly missing R. Gordis and including M. Hengels Judaism and Hellenism. The commentary itself is neatly laid out with the Hebrew text and NJPS translation at the top of the page with notes where applicable. It is less focused on text-critical matters and more on the plain reading of the text along with its reception history. Appropriately for the series, F. includes the classic understanding of the Hebrew text as found in Ecclesiastes Rabbah and rabbinic comments (including Rashi), as well as parallels from ANE wisdom literature. As is well known, F. has produced a signicant amount of research on Ecclesiastesespecially on its contradictions. This has naturally informed his present work, but without overshadowing it. He lets the text speak for itself. The disadvantage of this approach is that on occasion the general reader is left without guidance to clarify a textual discussion. For instance, see the comments on 9.4 where the readings of the kethib/qere could be explained, as well as why the verse was long considered especially offensive. On the whole, with F. readers of Ecclesiastes have an informed and able guide. J. MIDDLEMAS GAUKROGER, STEPHEN, Discovering Daniel (Crossway Bible Guides; Leicester: Crossway Books, 2005), pp. 103. 4.99. ISBN 1-85684-223-1. This is the latest in a series aimed at conservative evangelical Bible study groups; a sixth-century date for Daniel is assumed and constant links are made to the NT. It will go down well in the circles aimed at, but others will want to ask deeper questions than allowed here. P.S. BALLANTINE GREEN, BARBARA, Jonahs Journeys (Interfaces; A Michael Glazier Book; Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2005), pp. xix + 172. 8.40. ISBN 0-8146-5038-4. As with the rest of the series of which G. is editor, this treatment of Jonah is designed not just to explain the text but to draw the reader into an encounter with it and to make the reader more conscious of the problems and possibilities of the reading process. Through Jonah, G. hopes to open up the wider question of meaning in texts. There is a conscious pedagogical aim here. We and you are the pronouns of choice as G. draws on a whole range of readings and of intertexts to bring the reader towards a more dialogic understanding of what it is to read Jonah in keeping with her own predilection for the work of M. Bakhtin. In the process, she provides insightful introductions to and reections on the interpreters and interpretations of Jonah. Her questions are more to the point than her answers, I think she would agree, as she is offering her readers a way to recapture some of the contemplative aspect of biblical reading while taking scholarly questions seriously. Not all readers of B.L. will respond to this approach, but to those for whom biblical spirituality is a meaningful category, G.s work will suggest many avenues. H.S. PYPER
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HARGREAVES, JOHN, A Guide to Psalms (SPCK International Study Guide, 6; London: SPCK, 2nd edn, 2005), pp. xii + 193. 8.99. ISBN 0-281-05679-X. A second edition of a book published in 1973 (B.L. 1974, p. 33), spruced up to appeal to todays Western market. The original was part of a series of TEF Study Guides, written primarily for the Third World and intended for readers using English as a second language. With a revised text, more contemporary examples and appropriate illustrations, an updated bibliography and a set of questions and activities reecting todays methods of learning the publishers claim that what you now have is virtually a new book without losing much of the value of the original. Without a copy of the 1973 edition it is difcult to evaluate the extent of the changes but some of the suggestions for further study still have something of a 1970s feel about them, the learning methods seem more appropriate to methods of instruction thought appropriate to the Third World of then rather than those of education in the Western world of today, much recent discussion on the psalms seems to have been overlooked and the bibliography (though updated) is still rather sparse. However, if the raison dtre for a re-issue is that this series, planned for the Third World, spilled over successfully into the West the possibilities are that titles like this designed for the West will continue to nd a new niche overseas. A. GILMORE HARSTAD, ADOLPH L., Joshua (Concordia Commentary, A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture; St Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2004), pp. xxxii + 906. $42.99. ISBN 0-570-06319-1. It is difcult to nd anything positive to report about this large-volume commentary beyond the fact that it pays closer attention to the wording of the Hebrew text than many others. H. believes that Joshua was the sixth book of the Bible to become canonical, and was probably authored by Joshua himself. Much space is devoted to an apologetic defence of the resultant reading, and the secondary authority most often cited is the mid-nineteenth century commentary of C.F. Keil and F. Delitzsch. A.G. AULD HESS, RICHARD S., Song of Songs (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005), pp. 285. $29.99. ISBN 08010-2712-8. H.s volume is the rst in a commentary series dedicated to the psalms and the so-called wisdom books, and it sets a high standard for it. A short introduction addresses standard questions of date, authorship, poetics (unity, structural features, imagery), canonicity, and history of interpretation in a clear and helpful manner. The ANE context receives little attention, though references to parallels and linguistic evidence appear here and there throughout the commentary. The commentary proper is divided into seven sections corresponding to the major divisions of the text: 1.1; 1.22.7; 2.83.5; 3.65.1; 5.26.3; 6.48.4; 8.5-14. Readers without a knowledge of Hebrewand thus unable to tell at a glance in most cases whether
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the speaker is a female, a male or a groupwill appreciate the decision to identify speakers in the translation. The notes to the translation are well chosen and informative, covering exegetical and philological points and directing the reader to further literature. Like many modern interpreters, H. treats the Song as a unied whole, without making too much of the issue of an overarching literary structure. In the Interpretation, he discusses the poetic development of each unit and offers a judicious verse-by-verse exegesis. Each section concludes with Theological Implications, brief remarks on the meaning of the Song for the Christian reader. H. views the Song as rst and foremost a celebration of physical love, mutuality and commitment. He nds love and marriage at the heart of the Song (3.65.1), while recognizing that the Song is not a description of a married relationship. In interpreting the Songs erotic imagery, he is critical of attempts to match obscure terms to specic acts and body parts while sensitive to nuance. This accessible commentary has much to offer scholars and students alike. I hope the citing of articles by one ill-chosen word (e.g. From, New, Note, Exegetical) will not become standard practice. J.C. EXUM HOSSFELD, FRANK-LOTHAR and ERICH ZENGER, Psalms 2 (Hermeneia; Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2005), pp. xxvi + 552. 37.99. ISBN 0-8006-6061-7. This English edition of the rst of three volumes in the Herders theologischer Kommentar series is most welcome. The translation reads well, and some spotchecking against the original suggests its accuracy. The German original (2000) was not noticed in B.L., though the summary presented in Die Neue Echter Bibel (2002) was reviewed in B.L. 2003, p. 63. Only a brief introduction is offered for the present (a detailed one is reserved for the nal volume to appear), with a preliminary sketch of the successive stages in the growth of Psalms 51100 (pp. 1-7), in the light of which carefully planned, theologically oriented, arrangement the authors insist the interpretation of individual psalms is to be seen: this is an already-familiar and very prominent feature of their work, and each psalm is in turn expounded not only as a distinct unit, but also in relation to those surrounding it in its narrower and broader contexts; some are held to have been composed specically for their literary context (e.g., Ps. 100). Consequently, for the treatment of each psalm (explicitly attributed to H. or Z. respectively) there is a similar format: bibliography, translation, textual notes (with a marked respect for MT), analysis (including consideration of research issues, structure, genre, redaction, and dating), exposition, context in the Psalter, aspects of reception-history (especially LXX and NT), and (sometimes) reection on possible present-day theological signicance (of varying scope and character). There is a strong tendency towards a late (exilic or early postexilic) dating of individual psalms, and often the authors trace multiple stages of redactionperhaps not always convincinglywithin them: as an example, in Psalm 68, vv. 8-32 come from late pre-exilic times, vv. 5-7 from the exilic period, and vv. 2-4 are postexilic. Throughout, a great wealth of material is presented, marked by close attention to the biblical text and the mass of scholarly discussion, and the volume is full of stimulating observations and insights which, for all their often rather hypothetical and probably
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controversial nature, may by that very token help to foster fresh understanding of the Psalter. It is a ne achievement. E. BALL JACOBSON, ROLF A., Many Are Saying: The Function of Direct Discourse in the Hebrew Psalter (JSOTSup, 397: London: T & T Clark International, 2004), pp. xi + 165. 55.00. ISBN 0-567-08193-1. This book was originally presented as the authors dissertation at Princeton Theological Seminary. Nothing is said about adjustments being made to the manuscript before being published in the book. The author describes direct discourse to be a neglected feature of biblical poetry (p. 1), and thereby justies his project. One of the basic assumptions of his investigation is said to be that the choice of direct discourse will shape the rhetorical impact of the psalm differently than if the author had not used direct discourse (p. 2). The scope of his study is those psalms using direct discourse. In ch. 1 J. investigates how quotations function linguistically. Chapter 2 treats quotations from enemies, ch. 3 self-quotations, ch. 4 quotations of God, and in ch. 5 J. investigates passages referring to voices from the community. In chs. 25 he investigates a series of psalms viewed from a range of different angles which are summarized in his conclusion. In his concluding chapter there is no overarching conclusion on the function of direct discourse; the chapter has more the character of four different summaries. But the book is well organized, and with indexes of references and authors, it is easy to nd ones way around. The book is also well written and can be recommended as a solid foundation for the further study of direct discourse in the Psalms. H. HAGELIA JOHNSTON, PHILIP S. and DAVID G. FIRTH, Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches (Leicester: Apollos, 2005), pp. 332. 16.99. ISBN 1-84474-077-3. This collection of essays is the fruit of a Tyndale Fellowship OT Study group, held in 2004. The authors are a mix of older and younger scholars, but the majority write from their areas of special expertise and often summarize lengthier contributions published elsewhere. Two introductory articles look at the Psalms in current study (D.M. Howard) and the Psalms in relation to ANE prayer (T. Longman III). Next, various themes in the Psalms are discussed: distress (P.S. Johnston), praise (J.H. Hutchinson), the king (J.A. Grant), the cult (J.F.D. Creach), and the cherubim-ark (C.C. Broyles). The third section treats broader issues of interpretation: the teaching of the psalms (D.G. Firth), their ethics (G.J. Wenham), body idioms (A.L. WarrenRothlin), and Torah meditation (M. DeFebvre). The nal section looks at later interpretative traditions: the structure of the Psalter (G.H. Wilson), Qumran and the Psalms (D.D. Swanson), the evangelists and the Psalms (D.A. Brueggemann), and the Targum of Psalms (T.M. Edwards). Many of the essays are surveys rather than original contributions, but the result is a very helpful survey of many key issues in Psalms research as well as some more specic studies. The usefulness is enhanced by two
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indexes, a comparative chart of seven proposed form-critical categorizations from H. Gunkel onwards, and a list of Psalms discussed by a dozen selective commentaries. P.P. JENSON JOHNSTONE, ROBERT K., Useless Beauty: Ecclesiastes through the Lens of Contemporary Film (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2004), pp. 208. 13 gures. $17.99. ISBN 0-8010-2785-3. The aim of this book is to work back from lm to the biblical text, thus providing an entry into Ecclesiastes for the popular reader. The author picks up broad themes and attitudes rather than working at close textual analysis. The key concept is the empty nature of materialism, within the biblical book and also within our contemporary world. Material rewards appear to be beauty but are experienced as useless. Our contemporary postmodern understanding of a fragmented world raises issues about the ultimate realities of life and death as opposed to the physical, material versions. Film scenarios act as spectacles to clarify our vision of the enigmatic world of the biblical book and are used to provide an intertextuality of textual and visual narratives. M.E. MILLS KALIMI, ISAAC, An Ancient Israelite Historian: Studies in the Chronicler, His Time, Place and Writing (Studia Semitica Neerlandica, 46; Assen: Van Gorcum, 2005), pp. x + 209. 79.50. ISBN 90-232-4071-5. K. has usefully brought together in this volume various articles he has published over the years, including The Capture of Jerusalem in the Deuteronomistic and Chronistic History, which was originally presented at the SOTS Summer Meeting 2000 and published in VT in 2002. Several other articles explore further aspects of the representation of Jerusalem in Chronicles over against SamuelKings and other biblical and postbiblical writings, and there is also treatment of such questions as the date of Chronicles (K. argues for the early fourth century BCE) and the characterization of the Chronicler (a genuine historian, according to K., rather than a midrashist [contra J. Wellhausen], exegete [contra T. Willi], or theologian [contra P. Ackroyd, R. Coggins, and W. Johnstone]). K.s excellent article on Paranomasia in the Book of Chronicles (JSOT 67 [1995], pp. 27-41) is also to be found here, and there are two new contributions not previously published: a short chapter on Jerusalem versus City of David and a more substantial Historical and Theological Observation on Cyrus Decree in Chronicles. All in all, the collection offers many riches from over a decade of solid engagement with the text of Chronicles on the part of K. Nonetheless, it must be noted that the Ofcers of SOTS are not well treated in the book: J. Jaricks literary-critical reading of Chronicles independently of SamuelKings is dismissed as unacceptable (p. 36), and A.G. Aulds important hypothesis that both SamuelKings and Chronicles are dependent on a common source is not even mentioned. J. JARICK
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KALIMI, ISAAC, The Reshaping of Ancient Israelite History in Chronicles (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2005), pp. xiii + 473. $44.50. ISBN 1-57506-058-2. K. has here translated from Hebrew, expanded, updated and revised his The Book of Chronicles: Historical Writing and Literary Devices (2000). After an introduction he offers twenty chapters, a conclusion, a bibliography and three indices. K. supposes that the Chronicler was a prolic, industrious, and creative writer who should be considered an author as well as a redactor. [He] worked from the full range of biblical sourcesto mention some of them: the complete Torah, early historical writings, early and late prophetic sources, Psalms, and even Ezra-Nehemiah. This book argues that Chronicles, in the main, represents a unied composition (p. 412). For K. the Chronicler revised his sources, completed them and added to them, omitted material, removed difculties in the sources and harmonized them, and created characters out of the persons mentioned in them. In this he employed the literary techniques of allusion, chiasmus, inclusio, repetition, antithesis, simile, key words, numerical patterning, generalization and specication. He also made mistakes and created inconsistency and disharmony. This book sums up in a comprehensive and illustrative way a series of studies on Chronicles by the author. He provides us with a wealth of examples throughout the book, and this is its strength and weakness: the material is at hand, but discussion is limited to comments on the examples. The overall structure of Chronicles is not in focus, but smaller units and details. M. KARTVEIT KESSLER, MARTIN (ed.), Reading the Book of Jeremiah: A Search for Coherence (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2004), pp. xiv + 204. $29.50. ISBN 1-57506-098-1. This collection of fourteen essays by thirteen authors is dedicated to reading the nal form of Jeremiah. A range of approaches is represented, with R.P. Carroll, for instance, presenting Jeremiah as essentially and importantly polyphonic while A.J.O. van der Wal assumes the book to be a carefully considered, coherent composition. According to the editorial introduction, the volume is for those who do not claim to be biblical experts but who may appreciate some guidance as they read the book of Jeremiah. Footnotes are thus kept to a minimum, the little Hebrew is explained, and a concise bibliography is limited to English. Many typical critical questions are deliberately sidestepped to focus on the kerygmatic stamp of authors/ editors. A main concern of the volume is the theological ramications of Jeremiah for faith communities reading the book as Holy Scripture. The rst seven essays discuss Jeremiah as a whole (K.A.D. Smelik; A.J.O. van der Wal; J. Dubbink; L. Stulman; M. Kessler; C.R. Seitz; R.P. Carroll), the following six focus on specic parts (K.A.D. Smelik; J.G. Amesz; W. Brueggemann; R.E. Clements; J. Hill; B. Becking), while the closing essay considers citations in the NT (J.W. Mazurel). Three essays (K.A.D. Smelik, W. Brueggemann, L. Stulman) have been published previously; and six are translated from Dutch by the editor. This volume would not be the rst book I would recommend to a newcomer and is perhaps not as approachable as it claims. However, it will attract attention from those interested in literary and theological approaches to biblical books, and particularly Jeremiah. S. MOUGHTIN
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KESSLER, MARTIN and KAREL DEURLOO, A Commentary on Genesis: The Book of Beginnings (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2004), pp. xi + 244. 15.99/21.95. ISBN 0-8091-4205-8. This volume originated from the work of Deurloo in Dutch, translated and edited by Kessler. It is said to reect the exegetical tradition of the Amsterdam School founded on the theology of Karl Barth. It is a literary commentary in which the Book of Genesis is treated as a unity. The central question tackled by the book is said to be: What is Israels place in the world that God created? The answer to which is simply: Israel is the rstborn among the nations. The Creation story, although it is universal in scope, is nevertheless a story of Israel, composed on the pattern of the days of Israels week of creation (p. 33). Thus the primeval history has its narrative focused on Israel and her origin among the nations (p. 71). The main protagonists in the second part of Genesis are treated in pairs: Abram and Sarai, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and Judah. The main purpose of this commentary may be theological, but discussion of disputed points of exegesis is not neglected. At the end of each section there is a summarizing conclusion, which together with its vivid style enhances its usefulness for Bible study groups. Indeed, nothing is taken for granted as regards the potential readership, for at the end there is appended a short glossary of terms used in the commentary, which also includes translations of words from the ancient languages. Unfortunately the phrase from Gen. 1.2 is transliterated as tohu wabonu (sic). Representations of scenes from Genesis by Rembrandt add to the attractiveness of this thoroughly useful commentary. J.T. WILLIAMS KIRKPATRICK, SHANE, Competing for Honor: A Social-Scientic Reading of Daniel 16 (Biblical Interpretation Series, 74; Leiden: Brill, 2005), pp. xvii + 196. 89.00/ $127.00. ISBN 90-04-14487-0; ISSN 0928-0731. This revised version of a doctoral dissertation submitted to Notre Dame University provides a social-scientic critique of Daniel 16. K.s plan of approach is set out in the rst chapter, Introduction (pp. 1-39), which places his study on the map of biblical interpretation and also on that of the social sciences; this is followed by K. providing a specic model for reading Daniel 16 in which the notion of honour is explained in terms of its sources, achievement, replication, symbols and related institutions, as well as the dynamic of envy and group identity. K. reads Daniel 16 in the MT as a literature of resistance, which favourably contrasts the Judean tradition with that of various foreign oppressorshence it celebrates the identity of the Judean audience. Chapters 2 to 5 analyse Daniel 26, bringing out notions of the excellence of Daniel who is winning honor, reversing the envy of foreign powers, and articulating the claim that God is the ultimate ruler, while mortal kings are his clients. There is a bibliography, and indexes of subjects, authors and texts. W. SMELIK
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KNIERIM, ROLF P. and GEORGE W. COATS, Numbers (FOTL, 4; Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005), pp. xii + 367. $55.00/34.99. ISBN 0-8028-2231-2. A foreword by the general editors explains the composite authorship of this volume: C.s earlier work on chs. 1136 has been editorially revised and sometimes directly commented on (see, e.g., pp. 145-46, 196-97). The general character of the FOTL series is now well known, and this substantial contribution ts its established pattern. Consideration is given to the overall structure of the book (a well-known problem), characterized as the Saga of the Migratory Campaign 1:136:13, and to its two major subsections, the Legend of the Organisation of the Sanctuary Campaign 1:1 10:10 and the Saga of the Campaign Itself 10:1136:13, before attention turns to the multiple smaller units that together constitute these larger structures. K. presents detailed argument for his form-critical categorizations of the larger units just noted another good illustration of how far the project has moved beyond the concerns of form criticism as earlier practised, with the questions about its continuing validity and usefulness this raises. Here, all the macro- and the micro-units are handled, as in other volumes of the series, in terms of structure, genre, setting, and intention. It is not apparent that the generic descriptions (helpfully dened in a glossary, as well as extensively discussed throughout) are always particularly appropriate and illuminating in themselves or useful for interpretation, and the concepts of setting and intention seem to be applied in several different ways, with source-critical and historical judgments also variously brought into play. The principal contribution of the work lies in its detailed analysis of the literary structure of the larger and smaller units, and the exegetical material interwoven therewith; various errors of detail (e.g., the attribution of E.W. Daviess commentary to G.I. Davis [sic. Davies] on p. 4) do not seriously detract from the books value as an important resource for work on Numbers. E. BALL LANGSTON, SCOTT M., Exodus through the Centuries (Blackwell Bible Commentaries; Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006), pp. xiv + 294. 24.99. ISBN 0-631-23524-8. This latest volume in Blackwells fascinating series addresses a biblical book where the interpretative material is especially rich, in both quantity and signicance, as readers of B.S. Childss Exodus commentary will already know. The net is cast wide and takes in not only the religious interpretations of classic Jewish and Christian sources, but political and artistic uses (visual and musical) of the text. After a useful general essay on the various kinds of interpretation of the book, the text is divided up into sections and a variety of treatments of each section is expounded in a very readable way, in roughly chronological order. Not everything is there that could be there, and the selection tends to focus heavily on the modern period, but it is interesting to see the ways in which Exodus has continued to resonate in the modern world. There are also some surprises, such as the use of the Exodus paradigm by both sides in the struggle over slavery in nineteenth-century America. The examples quoted are helpfully linked to a bibliography of 25 pages, which is a valuable resource in its own right. This is a mine of information which should both delight and inspire. G.I. DAVIES
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LEE, EUNNY P., The Vitality of Enjoyment in Qohelets Theological Rhetoric (BZAW, 353; Berlin: W. de Gruyter, 2005), pp. xiii + 168. 68.00. ISBN 3-11-018441-9. In her published doctoral thesis, L. argues for the unity of Ecclesiastes and for the authenticity of verses generally agreed to stem from later hands. With this as her starting point, she explores how ideas long thought to be tangential are, in fact, clearly integral to the purpose of the author. The themes of enjoyment and the fear of God serve a constructive purpose in that they provide signposts for how to live life. It is clear that in a nal form reading of the book it is both possible and fruitful to make a positive correlation between the joy passages and those about the fear of God in the rhetoric of Qoheleth, but the stress placed on proving authorial intention seems odd. It becomes clear in the conclusion that L. seeks authorial intention as a means to legitimize what she believes is a powerful message for modern society: Qohelets commentary on his social world, then, is precisely what contemporary society needs to hear; The disease of dissatisfaction that Qohelet observes in his world in fact takes on a heightened virulence in todays culture, shaped by its sophisticated technology of mass communication in service to a consumerist ethos; Following the lead of Qohelet who speaks of enjoyment as an expression of piety The life of piety is cultivated not only by prayerbut also by concentrating on the responsibility of what is at hand, and engaging joyously in the ordinary activities of daily life with gratitude and contentment (pp. 128, 129). Appropriating the message of Qoheleth to confront the challenges faced by modern society and Christian communities is an important task of exegetes, but arguing for authorial intention is a questionable way to approach it. J. MIDDLEMAS LESSING, R. REED, Interpreting Discontinuity: Isaiahs Tyre Oracle (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2004), pp. ix + 313. $37.50. ISBN 1-57506-800-1. The purpose of this work is an investigation that specically explores how two of the dominant OT methods of interpretation understand discontinuity in the prophetic texts, i.e. redaction and rhetorical criticism (p. 1). Discontinuity is understood as changes in grammar, syntax, perspective, genre and/or motif, and the particular focus is the Tyre Oracle in Isaiah 23. The works on Isaiah of O. Kaiser, H. Wildberger and M.A. Sweeney are taken as representative of the redaction criticism approach, and are shown to differ considerably in their analyses of Isaiah 23, and in particular their historical dating of various verses within it. L. then goes on to study the same material from the approach of rhetorical criticism, and is able to hold the chapter together, arguing that every historical allusion in this chapter points to Sennacheribs invasion of Phoenicia in 701 B.C. (p. 197). To do this he offers some cautious speculations in an attempt to reconstruct the Jerusalemite court in the year ca. 701 (p. 193). There is much to be appreciated in this study, not only concerning Isaiah 23, but also about the whole of the book of Isaiah, especially Isaiah 139. Also, the juxtaposition of the parallel approaches of redaction and rhetorical criticism is revealing and helpful. Nevertheless, we are left with questions about discontinuity, and how it is to be handled responsibly. The thesis here is that the answer lies in the
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rhetorical approach which, in working with the nished text, is not troubled as redaction critics are with discontinuity. But rather than understanding discontinuity, is that not sidestepping it? M.E.W. THOMPSON MARIOTTINI, CLAUDE and HARRY BYRD, Levtico, Nmeros y Deuteronomio (Commentario bblico Mundo Hispano, 3; El Paso, TX: Editorial Mundo Hispano, 2nd edn, 2004), pp. 558. $19.98. ISBN 0-311-03127-7. This commentary, the rst edition (1998) of which was not reviewed in the B.L., is in the Evangelical tradition: Of course, we reject many of the presuppositions and conclusions of liberal criticism (p. 140). There is some reference to ANE texts such as the Code of Hammurabi and Hittite laws, but the whole presentation seems old-fashioned, even down to the black and white photographs. However, the maps are clear. On most pages little boxes appear, summarizing the text but also giving pious reections, brief lives of missionaries, etc. The volume includes a 26-page excursus on the Law (the Torah). W.G.E. WATSON MEYERS, CAROL, Exodus (New Cambridge Bible Commentary; Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005), pp. xxiii + 311. 12.99/$21.99. ISBN 0-521-00291-5. This is the second OT volume in the new Cambridge Bible Commentary (all the contributors announced so far, as well as the editors, seem to be American!). It is in some ways a strange commentary. Its introduction begins with an unduly long discussion of historical questions, which aims to do justice both to current questioning about the early history of Israel and to Egyptian evidence which makes both the overall story-line and some details plausible. The book is seen as presenting a collective memory (a valuable concept), which not only helps to dene the identity of later Israel but is grounded in the experiences of some. But there are no maps or plans, to avoid giving an impression of reality. Pentateuchal criticism is practically ignored. There are occasional references to priestly vocabulary, but only the tabernacle chapters are clearly identied as Priestly texts. Much is now in question about the composition of the Pentateuch, but one could reasonably have hoped for more attention to it in a volume which is pitched at a higher academic level than the old CBC. The distinction between P and not-P remains largely unchallenged and could surely have strengthened the overall approach adopted. There is, however, much that is good in the detail. There are over twenty extended notes on important topics (A closer look) and the subsequent inuence of the text (Bridging the horizons). Footnotes give many up-to-date references to scholarly publications (though only in English). The authors background in archaeology is used to good effect in the comments on material culture and the social signicance of the book. G.I. DAVIES
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MILLER, BARBARA, Tell it on the Mountain: The Daughter of Jephthah in Judges 11 (Interfaces; A Michael Glazier Book; Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2005), pp. xxiv + 144. ISBN 0-8146-5843-1. This addition to the Interfaces series continues the tradition of introducing students to the implications of contemporary ways of reading scripture by the study of a particular passage. In this case, M. stages a debate between medieval rabbinic exegetes and feminist critics, arguing that both seek to ll in silences in the text. She offers a close reading of the narrative of Judges 11 to illustrate literary approaches and then a succinct account of the development of midrashic exegesis. A brief history of the development of various forms of feminist criticism follows. The following two chapters adopt the useful device of setting out rabbinic and feminist readings respectively under the headings of the major concerns of the critics. These turn out to be rather different, reecting the different value systems of the two groups, which are then brought into conversation with each other and shown to share interests in compassion and justice, but within different frameworks. The nal chapter is devoted to modern midrash produced by the authors students and colleagues. An appendix gives a useful collection of midrashic texts on this story. For the right group of students, this twin introduction to rabbinics and feminism could be both informative and moving. H.S. PYPER MORLA, VCTOR, Lamentaciones (Nueva Biblia Espaola, Poesa; Estella: Editorial Verbo Divino, 2004), pp. 500. 29.81. ISBN 84-8169-640-4. M. is professor of Medieval Philosophy and Classical Languages at the Deusto University, Bilbao. His publications include commentaries on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (1992) and Song of Songs (2004). This commentary is set out clearly with a general introduction concerning authorship, literary genre, theological themes and the setting of Lamentations in relationship to the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and interpretation for todays world. For each Lamentation there is a verse-by-verse exegesis, with textual observations and then a commentary. M. often refers to the city (ry() of Jerusalem/Zion/Judah as the pueblo, which has a uid meaning of town or village, people or nation. This is helpful in the social and psychological pain-process experienced not only in the vanishing of the pueblos political and religious institutions, but also in the absence of Yhwh. M. divides the poems between an elegy element, which causes a looking back to remember the past, and a lamentation element, which speaks out with foresight into the future. The giving vent to individual feelings and communal emotion throughout the lyrics is developed in the commentary through careful reference to the Hebrew and its poetic form. Although there is little mention of ANE customs, there is a strong emphasis on the inner and outer experiences of the pueblo. In Lamentations 2, M. illustrates this point by drawing attention to the metaphorical aming re, which leads the reader to pass from a psychological and physiological plane of heat and anger, to the material realm where the ames cause physical destruction (p. 162). This is a valuable commentary, which, with literary and philosophical skill, questions the naive theology that Yhwh has abandoned his pueblo,
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and shows the boldness of the dramatis persona of the personied city. This commentary should be translated into English so that it is available to a wider readership. G. KNIGHT MORLA, VCTOR, Poemas de amor y de deseo: Cantar de los Cantares (Coleccin Estudios Bblicos, 26; Estella: Editorial Verbo Divino, 2004), pp. 411. n.p. ISBN 84-8169-634-X. Here the Song of Songs is divided into 42 poems and each is given a separate section comprising translation, notes on the text (with extensive reference to the versions) and a commentary in the form of an essay rather than notes. There are many quotations from ANE texts, including Greek (Theocritus, etc.). Throughout, he is very critical of G. Garbinis 1992 commentary. An index of authors cited and a bibliography are provided, but no text index. Finally, there is a brief excursus on the possible connection between the descriptive songs sung at springtime feasts called Mayos in Teruel (Spain) and the Song of Songs. The commentary is intended for readers with a working knowledge of Hebrew (which is quoted in transliteration). While in general conservative, M. is not afraid to propose new solutions of his own. W.G.E. WATSON MOTYER, ALEC, The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage (The Bible Speaks Today, Old Testament; Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2005), pp. 327. 9.99. ISBN 0-85111-296-X. This series will be known to many readers of the B.L. for it is commonly used in church Bible study groups and, no doubt, pressed into service for sermon preparation. M.s handling of Exodus bears the hallmarks of the series: it is accessible while being informed by technical biblical scholarship; it eschews traditional commentary in favour of a more discursive approach; and it is explicitly Christian and devotional. At rst it struck me as a sort of Christian version of Cassutos venerable Exodus commentary, but this impression faded. M. is a veteran commentator with a warm faith, and there are some memorable turns of phrase. Still, the readership might have been better served: frequent recourse to the NT often distracts from Exodus itself; real difculties are glossed with some superciality; different and competing literary structures are offered without reection; historicity is pressed to a surprising degree (e.g., ch. 19 based on eye-witness records), and in such a way that any literary development is precluded. The Decalogue receives 24 pages of discussion, while the entire Covenant Code gets only 12. Perhaps it is a matter of taste, but the small chunks into which the discussion is broken struck me as working against readability. Even so, the authors enthusiasm for his task, and his text, remains clear. D.J. REIMER
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NET Bible: First Edition. A New Approach to Translation, Thoroughly Documented with 60,932 Notes by the Translators and Editors (Dallas, TX: bible.org, 2005), pp. 26* + 2534. 12 satellite maps. CD-ROM. $99.95 (leather bound). ISBN 0-73750103-0. The New English Translation was published in 1996 and not noted in the B.L. Here it is offered with a CD-ROM and is now readily available online at bible.org. A generous percentage of the text can be cited in any publication without requesting permission and copies can be distributed free. For the OT the vast majority of annotations provide literal translations of the Hebrew; many of the rest refer to particular Hebrew words and the difficulties associated with reading and rendering them, sometimes offering information from BDB and HALOT, or from other modern translations. There is occasional reference to the Qumran manuscripts and to modern scholarly commentaries. The MT is preferred over the versions, but not in every case. G.J. BROOKE NICCACCI, A., M. PAZZINI and R. TADIELLO, Il libro di Giona: Analisi del testo ebraico e del racconto (Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, Analecta, 65; Jerusalem: Franciscan Printing Press, 2004), pp. 134. $15.00. ISBN 965-516-059-9. In another elegant little monograph Niccacci and Pazzini follow up their successful study of Ruth (B.L. 2002, p. 90) with a similar detailed analysis of the novella of Jonah. This time they are joined by a younger Franciscan scholar, R. Tadiello, who adds to their excellent verse-by-verse morphological and syntactic sections, a third and extremely interesting narratological analysis of the book as theatre, with discrete scenes, well-developed characters and a rhythm that gives the whole text its literary unity. The volume, which also contains a new Italian translation of Jonah and numerous very valuable up-to-date bibliographical footnotes, is thus not only suitable for students of Biblical Hebrew, but a signicant contribution to scholarly debate on the form and meaning of the book of Jonah. J.F.A. SAWYER NOSS, PHILIP A. and KENNETH J. THOMAS (eds.), A Handbook on Ezra and Nehemiah (UBS Handbook Series; New York: United Bible Societies, 2005), pp. xi + 611. $49.99. ISBN 0-8267-0015-9. These handbooks are not aimed at the biblical scholar but the translator who in many cases will not be very well acquainted with the languages of the original biblical text. The comments are thus designed to help such translators and will usually be superuous to biblical scholars, but sometimes a discussion of translation possibilities and even some of the other notes here might be helpful even to specialists. In the bibliography an extensive list of commentaries is given, along with a helpful collection of articles on EzraNehemiah; unfortunately, the latest dictionary of Biblical Hebrew listed is BDB. L.L. GRABBE
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OBRIEN, JULIA MYERS, Nahum (Readings: A New Biblical Commentary; Shefeld: Shefeld Academic Press, 2002), pp. 162. 22.50. ISBN 1-84127-300-7. This volume offers a rhetorical and ideological reading, from a feminist perspective, of what is arguably the most violent book of the HB. This approach enables O. to engage with ethical questions, both descriptively, i.e. how the text presents ideas of the good and of who or what matters, and normatively, i.e. how it raises issues which touch a readers own sense of life. Historical and literary issues all receive attention and O. engages with a wide range of recent scholarship relating to Nahum. Occasionally she draws attention to the impact on interpretation, usually unacknowledged, that arises from a commentators personal Christian or Jewish perspective, reminding readers of the extent to which we are inuenced by our own religious stories. Throughout the commentary she stresses that this is her reading, born out of her context as a white American woman before the events of 9/11 in 2001, and dependent on her choice of intertexts against which she has read Nahum. In each chapter she reads the text from different perspectives initially reading sections of Nahum in the light of other parts of the same text, and later in relationship to other prophetic material designated Oracles against the Nations. Her nal chapter reads the text with the suffering, in partnership with Lamentations. The effect of this strategy is to confront the reader with the ways in which Nahum challenges each of us with questions about how we see ourselves, God, our nation, our enemies. This is a powerful book that brings the poetic artistry of Nahum into todays world. It encourages a reader to consider the consequences of demonizing the Other, of dividing society into them and us, of ignoring the complexities involved in issues of evil and justice, and of trying to own God. O.s reading is a very welcome and thoughtprovoking addition to this commentary series. J.E. TOLLINGTON RONCACE, MARK, Jeremiah, Zedekiah, and the Fall of Jerusalem (LHBOTS, 423; London: T & T Clark International, 2005), pp. ix + 193. 65.00. ISBN 0-567-02671-X. This study applies a synchronic and nal form reading to Jer. 37.140.6. As analysed, the subsection (chs. 3740.6) contains parallel episodes with one recounting the events leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem in 587 BCE while the other records those following the destruction. Although notas R. admitsa perfect chiasm, the two sections, when each episode is delineated and outlined, place attention on the intercession of Ebed-melek for Jeremiah (38.7-10). Although it seems an odd subunit, a reading of 3740 is a possibility, especially if one takes into consideration the emphasis in Jeremianic studies on the importance ascribed to the few individuals who respond to the prophet Jeremiah (like Ebed-melek). Wrested from an historical discussion, the author focuses attention instead on a variety of literary categories including characterization, point of view, contextual analysis, and intertextual theory. This analysis contributes a preliminary study of a portion of the book of Jeremiah as narrative and shows how the nature of the book itself invites intertextual readings. The unit falls under a rubric thought to be related to a larger genre of literature in the HB about prophets and kings. The presentation of the characters
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leads R. to align gures alongside others in the HBan intertextual enterprise signalled by like stories rather than allusion or quotation. For instance, he aligns Zedekiah with Saul, David and Rehoboam. On the one hand, the application of his reading raises some interesting points. On the other hand, there is very little within the texts themselves that would persuade one that these allusions were intentional or that the ancient readers would have associated the characters in this way. J. MIDDLEMAS ROTH, MARTIN, Israel und die Vlker im Zwlfprophetenbuch: Eine Untersuchung zu den Bchern Joel, Jona, Micha und Nahum (FRLANT, 210; Gttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2005), pp. 316. 64.00. ISBN 3-525-53074-9. This reworked Basel dissertation makes a worthwhile contribution to the burgeoning discussion of the redaction-history and theology/theologies of the Book of the Twelve. An introductory chapter usefully summarizes much recent work on the changing political, social and religious circumstances and beliefs in the early centuries of the second-temple period, and, in general terms, the development and role of eschatological prophecyunderstood as a fundamentally literary and expository phenomenon within this variegated setting. The core of the work is four substantial exegetical chapters focused on selected material particularly concerned with the place of the nations as a prominent element in such prophecy: Joel (the Day of Yhwh as judgement of the nations), Jonah (hope for the nations; this book is regarded as an original literary unity), Mic. 7.8-20 (hope for the one who prays), and Nahum (the enemies of Yhwhbut understood now not just as those who belong to foreign nations); and these different perspectives are tentatively related to specic groups and circumstances in relation to which they may have emerged, down to the third century BCE. There are valuable surveys of research and much illuminating detailed comment. The method is predominantly redaction-critical, though R., while sometimes seeing editorial links between individual books, is decidedly cool towards hypotheses of comprehensive redactional levels running across the Twelve, and often stresses the tentative nature of his own proposals, especially those regarding historical settings for the editorial compositions. These are indeed sometimes less than convincing, and it remains a question how far redactional material may in general be tied to external circumstances; but the strength of the work lies in the detailed analysis of the varied portrayals of the nations futurenot, perhaps, wildly surprising in its broad conclusions, but always clearly and carefully argued, and therefore always worthy of consideration. E. BALL SCHARFSTEIN, SOL, The Five Books of Moses: An Easy-To-Read Torah Translation (Jersey City, NJ: Ktav Publishing House, 2005), pp. 534. 29 gures. $19.95. ISBN 0-88125-853-9. This is precisely what it says on the box: a translation of the MT into current English simple enough for a child to understand (though it is not explicitly aimed at children). The text is divided according to the traditional sidrot and aliyot, and the
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chapters and verses are also marked. A thirty-page introduction, with coloured illustrations (there are none in the text itself), summarizes the story and otherwise concentrates on the place of the Torah in Jewish life. The translation is not to be relied on for accuracy, even allowing for its slightly paraphrastic character; for example, Gen. 6.11-12: But the people were evil, and the land was lled with violence. Elohim saw all the evil that was in the world. The divine names used are Adonai and Elohim, but not infrequently S. revises the usage in the MT, apparently for consistency. This is not clearly explained in the introduction. W.J. HOUSTON SCHNEIDER, TAMMI J., Sarah: Mother of Nations (New York: Continuum, 2004), pp. xii + 146. 16.99. ISBN 0-8264-1625-X. This is a study of Sarah as she is presented in the book of Genesis from a feminist and literary perspective. S. pays close attention to MT, both in terms of its consonantal roots and to ways in which the Masoretes divided the text into blocks. She argues that this process was itself a work of interpretation, noting that the divisions guide readers towards making certain connections or disconnections between aspects of the narrative which might not otherwise be apparent. In her concluding chapter and a brief appendix indicating how NT texts interpreted the character of Sarah, S. argues that the patriarchal and theological purview of interpreters, rabbinic and Christian, through the centuries has led to a wrong understanding of Sarah as simply a supporting character in the story of Abraham. S. generally provides her own translation of verses or phrases under discussion, paying attention to other contexts in which a root occurs, and this leads her to offer fresh interpretations. For example on p. 87 she renders l(b tl(b in Gen. 20.3 as the owner of an owner, rather than a mans wife, leading her to consider whether Sarah is important because she is a possessor or a possession. Her thesis reads Sarahs story as beginning at Babel and continuing beyond her death in Isaacs memory and her role as matriarch in Israels traditions. S. concludes that Sarah was chosen by the Deity just as much as Abraham, and that unlike Abraham she obeys the Deity and helps to make the promises become reality. The argument is well made by S. and this study adds to the weight of recent scholarship urging for rethinking about the role of biblical women in our interpretation of texts. J.E. TOLLINGTON SEERVELD, CALVIN, Voicing Gods Psalms (Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies; Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005), pp. xxiv + 164. Audio CD. $20.00/12.99. ISBN 0-8028-2806-X. This unusual book gives us new and stimulating translations of a number of biblical psalms. It is arranged into nine themes or focuses: Torah; Melchizedek; Enemies; Repentance and Forgiveness; Wrestling with the Lord; Comfort; Trusting God; God-promises; and Hallelujah. In total, S. translates 37 psalms from the book of Psalms and 6 psalm passages from elsewhere in the HB and 3 from the NT. Each section begins with the author bringing the relevant theme into todays context. He
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also includes at the beginning of each psalm or psalm passage a general summary of its message. The book is accompanied by a CD which contains recordings of a selection of the texts powerfully read by the author as well as some versication melodies. S.s translations are strongly poetic and powerfully invoke the images of the psalms. Deserving of special mention are his rendition of Matthew 5, Psalm 23 and the versication of Hannahs Song. S. reads the psalms he translates from a Christian perspective and this does give his work a particularly confessional quality. The CD in particular demonstrates S.s faith and prayerful use of these passages. In a Christian context, for individual believer or church communities, this book and CD might well bring these timeless psalm passages to life and generate fresh insights. J. ARMSTRONG SEREMAK, JERZY, Psalm 24 als Text zwischen den Texten (sterreichische Biblische Studien, 26; Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2004), pp. 487. 69.60/48.70/$83.95. ISBN 3-631-52885-X; ISSN 0948-1664. As the title suggests, this study of Psalm 24 focuses on intertextual exegesis, with the aim of understanding the text in the full linguistic communicative context of the HB. The intertextual reading brings out the canonical overtones of the psalm. The author gives an introduction to the language-theoretical foundations of textual communication and to the concept of intertextual reading and understanding. He argues that Psalm 24 concerns the highly explosive theme of folk pilgrimage to Zion and the approach of the people to the believing community of Israel. A by-product of the study is a new interpretation of the decalogue prohibition against misuse of the divine name (pp. 214-57), in which it is argued that Exodus 20.7//Deut. 5.11 refer to giving honour to other gods in place of that due to Yhwh. L.L. GRABBE SIMUNDSON, DANIEL J., Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries; Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005), pp. ix + 350. 18.99. ISBN 0-687-34244-9. This volume follows the pattern of the series and uses the NRSV text as the basis for the commentary. Since its scope covers six of the Minor Prophets, the background comments and analysis of each is inevitably limited. However, it is clear from the Key Issue sections, that S. does not attempt to introduce readers to many of the ndings of critical scholarship, and the exegesis that follows lacks any real depth of engagement. S. writes succinctly and his interpretation is helpful as an introductory commentary, but he provides little fresh insight in relation to any of these well-studied texts. The theological and ethical comments are also rather general and rarely make connections with issues facing todays readers and so I found this volume somewhat disappointing overall. J.E. TOLLINGTON
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SMITH, CRAIG R. and MARK D. BUCKLEY (eds.), The Inclusive Hebrew Scriptures. II. The Prophets (Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 2004), pp. xxv + 719. $35.00. ISBN 0-7591-0763-7. This is the second volume of a three-volume translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, previously published by Brentwood, Maryland (c. 19992000). None of these volumes was previously noted in the B.L. The AltaMira website ascribes the authorship of the translation to Priests for Equality, and comments: Priests for Equality is a movement of women and men throughout the worldlaity, religious and clergywho work for the full participation of women and men in church and society. A project of the Quixote Center in Brentwood, Maryland, Priests for Equality is a grass-roots organization committed to creating a culture where sexism and exclusion are left behind and equality and full participation are the order of the day. The renderings are very readable, often fresh, though sometimes forced (is naar best translated as worker?). It is at least a stimulating, if not always persuasive response to those who say that the Bible is simply a mans book which we cannot do anything about. There are some oddities about the volume. It is said to follow the Palestinian canon; but the Twelve constitute a third section of the volume, after Former and Latter Prophets. And nb (prophet) is improbably derived (p. xiii) from nb eptim (fruit of the lips), although Isa. 57.19 is not so translated (p. 388). A.G. AULD STINE, PHILIP C., Let the Words Be Written: The Lasting Inuence of Eugene A. Nida (Biblical Scholarship in North America, 21; Atlanta, GA: SBL, 2004), pp. xii + 199. $24.95. ISBN 1-58983-137-3. Eugene Nida was the American Bible Societys Executive Secretary for Translations from 1946 to the 1980s, but through his many scholarly publications, notably the pioneering Toward a Science of Translating (1964), made an immense contribution to translation theory and practice far beyond the Baptist tradition, the Summer Institute of Linguistics and the Bible Society work to which he devoted his life. S., who worked closely with him for nearly 30 years, assigns a signicant section of his eminently readable and balanced biography to Nidas New Approach and in particular his theory of dynamic equivalence, taking on his critics and showing how Nidas work evolved over the years, informed by current linguistic theory as well as other disciplines such as communication studies and cultural anthropology. The study of Nidas global connections contains numerous anecdotes, photographs and the reminiscences by colleagues and friends, and concludes with some statistics, a useful bibliography and a full index of people and subjects. J.F.A. SAWYER STULMAN, LOUIS, Jeremiah (Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries; Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2005), pp. xxi + 400. 22.99. ISBN 0-687-05796-5. This book follows the general structure for the series: 1. introduction; 2. literary genre and structure; 3. occasion and situational context; 4. theological and ethical
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signicances. Naturally S. adapts this scheme somewhat to t the book of Jeremiah. The themes of the series are dealt with primarily in the Introduction, rather than in the commentary where S. follows consistently his own survey with only a few exceptions: for each section of text he offers a short summary of the text, literary analysis, exegetical analysis, and theological and ethical analysis. Although the series is designed for a broad range of ecclesiastical afliations, confessional stances, and educational backgrounds, this volume is primarily addressed to OT scholars and scholarly clergy, rather than to the general reader. The clear structure and the unambiguous clarity of S.s ideas help the reader at every stage. There is an excellent detailed bibliography. S. follows the traditional critical approach and acknowledges some recent attempts to make sense of Jeremiah. In all this it is surprising that S. barely mentions the rhetorical critical method, although he names J.R. Lundboms Jeremiah: A Study in Ancient Hebrew Rhetoric (Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1975). Nevertheless S.s commentary will take a signicant place among the several excellent works on the book of Jeremiah. P. LOMENT SSSENBACH, CLAUDIA, Der elohistische Psalter: Untersuchungen zu Komposition von Ps 4283 (FAT, 2.7; Tbingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2005), pp. x + 415. 74.00. ISBN 3-16-148356-1; ISSN 1611-4914. This Gttingen doctoral thesis (written under the supervision of H. Spieckermann) offers a careful synchronic and diachronic reading of the Elohistic Psalter (Psalms 4283). S. argues that the book of Psalms is not an incidental collection of single texts but rather a carefully structured entity with a complex literary history. Here, she opts for three phases in the literary history: (1) grouping of single Psalms according to content and themes; (2) emergence of collections (Teilsammlungen) of such groupings; and (3) grouping of such collections into larger entities such as the Elohistic Psalter. In the following chapters she sets out to demonstrate the existence of such phases by offering a close reading of the so-called second group of the Davidic Psalter (Psalms 5071). Here, she nds two blocks that were composed from earlier smaller groupings within the Davidic Psalter (Psalms 5255; 5660; 6164; 6568). This Davidic group is later joined by the Psalms of Asaph and then by the Psalms of Korah but instead of simply adding psalms to the already existing collections several Psalms (such as Psalms 58, 60 and 72) are composed to link the collections. Thus the picture of a careful overall composition emerges in which the individual Psalms supplement and interpret each other. S.s detailed and sophisticated analysis is a further step towards understanding the complex literary history of the book of Psalms. A.C. HAGEDORN TEUGELS, LIEVE M., Bible and Midrash: The Story of The Wooing of Rebekah (Gen. 24) (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis and Theology, 35; Leuven: Peeters, 2004), pp. v + 246. 32.00. ISBN 90-429-1426-2. This book, a revised doctoral dissertation, also includes updated versions of several articles. The book is in two parts, a biblical and a rabbinic, reecting the authors
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double approach. Throughout the book, T. stresses the distinction she makes between biblical and rabbinic studies. Both parts move from a discussion of methodology to its application; T.s presentation both of various scholars methodologies and her subsequent application of them is excellent. The midrash section includes an extensive and important discussion of the ination of the term midrash, particularly in biblical studies. Chapters 7 and 8, Midrash and the Academic Study of the Bible and The Formal Study of Midrash would stand alone as an introduction on the evolution and uses of midrash. (A surprising omission in her overview of midrash scholarship is D. Weiss Halivnis Peshat and Drash [New York: Oxford University Press, 1991]). In many places it would have been preferable to have had Hebrew text together with the discussion of cantillation marks, in light of her extensive discussion of specic words and phrases. In treating Genesis Rabbah, it is unclear why only certain passages appear in Hebrew. Some of her conclusions are refreshing; for example, suggesting that the term patriarchal stories be replaced with stories of the ancestors, based on the dominance of Rebekah, not Isaac, in that generation. A great shortcoming of this otherwise excellent volume is the lack of an appropriate feminist response to the deeply disturbing misogynist mishnaic texts found here (dealing with the taking of virginity of 3-year-old girls). When such texts are presented, a more thorough discussion of context is required than the casual one T. offers. H. LENEMAN TIDBALL, DEREK, The Message of Leviticus: Free to be Holy (The Bible Speaks Today, Old Testament; Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 2005), pp. 327. 9.99. ISBN 0-84474-069-2. The series in which this book appears aims to expound the biblical text with accuracy, to relate it to contemporary life, and to be readable. Although the series editors refuse to call their books commentaries, this one is certainly a commentary, and is not among the least informative commentaries on Leviticus. T. is familiar with most of the recent literature on Leviticus, and employs it to advantage in his normally precise exposition. Still, there are lapses from accuracy: for example, T. says that the clean beasts are domestic animals as opposed to wild ones. More problematic is the way in which the need to relate the text to contemporary life (in practice, of course, mostly evangelical Christian life) impacts on its interpretation and creates the danger of distortion. T. takes this second head of his remit with great seriousness, and nds it easier than might be supposed; for there is after all an afnity between the moral seriousness of evangelicalism and the moral seriousness of the priestly writers. There is a richness of reection here that will be found helpful by those who share the authors viewpoint. But the danger has perhaps not been avoided when, for example, the inadvertence for which the sin-offering is prescribed becomes the error of sin as such, so that the usual sins we fall into are covered by it, a view T. quotes with apparent approval. It only remains to say that the third head of the remit is admirably fullled. W.J. HOUSTON
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VOS, CAS J.A., Theopoetry of the Psalms (London: T & T Clark International, 2005), pp. 423. 25.00. ISBN 0-567-03078-4. This work aims to read the psalms as poetry about God, and apply that reading in a homiletical context. An initial chapter briey describes the main poetic features of psalmody. The bulk of the book consists of commentary on seventeen psalms, selected to represent the range of genres. Detailed comments on the structure and content of each psalm are presented together with a consideration of original context, ANE parallels, dating and redaction history. The format is similar to that of the Word biblical commentaries, but not so consistent. Brief sections on the reception history and message of each psalm are almost entirely Christian in their perspective. A separate chapter discusses homiletical theory and practice, with some comments on how this applies to preaching the psalms. The nal chapter reviews the history of psalm usage, and concludes with suggestions for contemporary use of psalm texts in liturgy and a sample sermon. This was an ambitious project which sought to encompass the breadth of scholarship on the psalms and to apply that work in a homiletical context. As such, it has probably overstretched itself, and failed to do justice to many topics. For example, parallelism is described in the categories of R. Lowth, but with no reference to Lowth, nor an adequate explanation of the terms, nor reference to more thorough treatments by R. Alter, J. Kugel and others. Nevertheless, the book will form a worthwhile addition to a collection of commentaries for those seeking to engage with the psalms in a Christian homiletical context. S. STOCKS VOS, CHRISTIANE DE, Klage als Gotteslobe aus der Tiefe: Der Mensch vor Gott in den individuellen Klagepsalmen (FAT, 2.11; Tbingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2005), pp. x + 261. 49.00. ISBN 3-16-148700-1; ISSN 1611-4914. This study of the individual lament psalms begins with challenging the usual formcritical denition of them. V. observes that in none of them are all the supposedly regular features present: the only feature found in every lament is the complaint itself. She therefore prefers to describe the lament psalms not as a Gattung but as a group. Since these psalms in her view do not have a standard form, it is inappropriate to attempt to illuminate a particular psalm by comparing it to some supposedly normal lament psalm or by exegeting it by reference to some original Sitz im Leben. V. therefore adopts a quite different approach. First, she examines and comments on three different lament psalms, 56, 88, 38. Their quite diverse structure, content and tone lend support to her contention that they do not constitute a Gattung, and give some provisional insight into the shape of the theology that the laments share. Second, and this constitutes the bulk of her discussion, she offers a series of word studies of the vocabulary of all the individual laments. This is thorough and sober, but the synthesis at the end is brief and does not take one much further than the title. So long as a person prays, even if he laments, he is not dead. So the lament is praise of God, even if it comes from the depths of distress. G.J. WENHAM
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WALTKE, BRUCE K., The Book of Proverbs: Chapters 1531 (NICOT; Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005), pp. xxxiii + 589. $50.00/29.95. ISBN 0-8028-2776-4. The second and nal volume of W.s magisterial commentary on the book of Proverbs, this volume begins at Prov. 15.30 and takes us to the end of the book. The exegesis in this volume is impressive, close attention being given to translational issues, weighing of scholarly views on solutions to textual problems and a verse-byverse analysis. Wider points concerning structure, form, imagery, genre and theology are also brought in where relevant. W.s interpretation is a Christian one and he has an eye to the need for the church to take this book seriously (a lack of which he bewails in the Preface). His interpretation of Proverbs emphasizes, against much former interpretation, the divine dimension rather than the humanthe Godcentredness of the proverbs (despite the absence of reference to God in many of them) and the need for a pious human response (summed up in the phrase the fear of the Lord). In this context, he stresses the important place that Proverbs holds in biblical theology. He also stresses Solomonic authorship, even in the edited sections, such as Proverbs 2529 where he sees the role of Hezekiahs men as being that of moving the proverbs of Solomon, i.e. transmitting and arranging them (p. 301). He sees different authors only for chs. 30 and 31. He puts a strong emphasis on the equation of the fathers wisdom with that of Solomon and indeed sees woman Wisdom as a personication of the fathers teaching. This is a major contribution to commentaries on Proverbs and its chief strength lies in the depth of discussion of translational issues and the impressive presentation of secondary scholarship. K.J. DELL WILLIAMSON, H.G.M., The Book Called Isaiah: Deutero-Isaiahs Role in Composition and Redaction (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1994; pbk edn, 2005), pp. xvii + 306. 18.99. ISBN 0-19-928107-6. This is the paperback edition of the book reviewed in B.L. 1995, p. 78. There are no changes, and W.s argument has lost none of its cogency in the intervening years. W.J. HOUSTON

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Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

http://jot.sagepub.com Exegesis and Modern Translations

[JSOT 30.5 (Book List 2006) 63-90] DOI: 10.1177/0309089206065407

5. EXEGESIS AND MODERN TRANSLATIONS

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

BOOK LIST 5. Exegesis and Modern Translations

Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 30.5 (2006)

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