In this volume, Norman Habel takes on the humbling task of writing a commentary on such a classic work as the book of Job--a text that is complex and unclear at many points.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contrib… Read more…
The book of Esther has been preserved in ancient texts that diverge greatly from each other; as a result, Jews and Protestants usually read a version which is shorter than that of most Catholic or Orthodox Bibles. Jon Levenson capably guides readers through both versions, demonstrating their coherence and their differences.
The Old Testame… Read more…
Ezra-Nehemiah in the context of the biblical narrative as a whole can be read as the gathering up of the past and reshaping it in such a way as to allow for a future, sustaining the life and energy of the community to which the author belonged — despite a historical narrative of great promise ending in disaster. Ezra-Nehemiah gives "the people back their h… Read more…
In this commentary on the books of I and II Chronicles, Sara Japhet directs her attention to the areas which are the heart of the book — the literary aspect, shedding light upon the book as a historical composition and the methods and means chosen to convey the ideas, and theology — to illuminate the author's goals, the spiritual world as reflected i… Read more…
This volume offers a close reading of the historical books of I and II Kings, concentrating on not only issues in the history of Israel but also the literary techniques of storytelling used in these books. Marvin A. Sweeney provides a major contribution to the prominent Old Testament Library series with advanced discussions of textual difficulties in the boo… Read more…
In this new addition to the Old Testament Library series, Graeme Auld writes, "This book is about David." The author demonstrates how all the other personalities in First and Second Samuel--including Samuel, for whom the books were named--are present so that we may see and know David better. These fascinating stories detail the lives of David, his predecesso… Read more…
Kirsten Nielsen's comments on the book of Ruth paint a rich and subtle portrait of its characters, carefully tracing the many connections between this story and other biblical passages, such as the stories of Judah and Tamar. This volume is a powerful addition to this critically acclaimed Old Testament Library series.
The Old Testament… Read more…
Susan Niditch's commentary on the book of Judges pays careful attention to the literary and narrative techniques of the text and yields fresh readings of the book's difficult passages: stories of violence, ethnic conflict, and gender issues. Niditch aptly and richly conveys the theological impact and enduring significance of these stories.
&… Read more…
Richard D. Nelson addresses the textual problems critical to a full understanding of Joshua and offers historical, literary, and theological insights in this balanced commentary.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The co… Read more…
This commentary on Deuteronomy meets and exceeds the high standards of the Old Testament Library series. It provides one of the most sophisticated explanations of the compositional process that produced Deuteronomy, presenting that process as a combination of large-scale redactional activity and "micro- redaction."
The commentary is also a… Read more…
In this examination of Numbers, Martin Noth explores the community of the twelve tribes, the organization of the Levites, various divine ordinances, and other important themes in the book of Numbers. Also included is an appendix on daughters' rights of inheritance.
The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments o… Read more…
Leviticus offers many challenges for interpretation, including the laws contained within the book, as well as questions of the book's origins and compilation. This new commentary by Old Testament scholar Erhard Gerstenberger provides a sure guide through the text of Leviticus and these questions. Gerstenberger understands that Leviticus is the product of… Read more…