Hermeneia: Old Testament (39 vols.)

Claus Westermann’s 3-volume commentary on Genesis stands as one of the most exhaustive treatments of the first book of the Bible available today. The first volume of Westermann’s commentary introduces readers to the first eleven chapters of Genesis. For each section of Scripture, Westermann translates the text, introduces the literary form and the setting in life, offers a detailed commentary, shows readers the purpose and thrust, and offers a detailed analysis of secondary literature—all with thoroughness, clarity, and fairness.

The second volume of Westermann’s commentary on Genesis expounds on the patriarchal story—the figures of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their significance not only for Israel, but for human history. Their stories deal with the beginnings of human society, and of the family in particular. Through them, God reveals his action in families, politics, lifestyles, and social norms, making these stories fundamental for understanding both God and ourselves. Westermann also outlines the theological implications of the patriarchs, and implores modern readers to discover their implications for theology in the church today.

This third volume of Westermann’s masterful commentary on Genesis offers a stimulating treatment of one of the most poignant and unified of the narratives in Genesis—the Joseph story. English-speaking readers now have access to Westermann’s thorough introduction to Genesis 37–50 as a whole, as well as treatments of the individual passages familiar from the first two volumes:

• Rich bibliographies
• A new translation with linguistic notes
• Analysis of form and setting
• Word studies and short essays on particular themes
• Theological assessment

Values are what Leviticus is all about. They pervade every chapter and almost every verse. Underlying the rituals, careful readers will find an intricate web of values that purports to model how we should relate to God and to each other. Ritual is the poetry of religion that leads us to a moment of transcendence. When a ritual fails because it either lacks content, or is misleading, it loses its efficacy and purpose. A ritual must signify something beyond itself, whose attainment enhances the meaning and value of life. This is the achievement of Leviticus.

Building upon his life-long work on the book of Leviticus, Milgrom makes this book accessible to all readers. He demonstrates the logic of Israel's sacrificial system, the ethical dimensions of ancient worship, and the priestly forms of ritual.

This volume provides a readable introduction to the narrative book of Ruth appropriate for the student, pastor, and scholar. LaCocque combines historical, literary, feminist, and liberationist approaches in an engaging synthesis. He argues that the book was written in the post-exilic period and that the author was a woman. Countering the fears and xenophobia of many in Jerusalem, the biblical author employed the notion of hesed (kindness, loyalty, steadfast love), which transcends any national boundaries.

LaCocque focuses on redemption and levirate marriage as the two legal issues that recur throughout the text of Ruth. Ruth comes from the despised people of Moab but becomes a model for Israel. Boaz, converted to the model of steadfast love, becomes both redeemer and levir for Ruth and thus fulfills the Torah. In the conclusion to his study, the author sketches some parallels with Jesus’ hermeneutics of the Law as well as postmodern problems and solutions.

This volume provides a readable introduction to the narrative books of 1 & 2 Kings appropriate for the student, pastor, and scholar. Fritz combines historical, literary, and archaeological approaches in an engaging synthesis. While he addresses issues of the deuteronomic redaction, the author does not become bogged down in technical discussions or allow this to overshadow the holistic interpretation of the text.

This commentary takes full advantage of recent advances in the textual history of Samuel and Kings, demonstrating in many cases that the differences often ascribed to the Chronicler came in fact from the divergent copy of the canonical books he was rewriting. Klein brings to lively expression the unique theological voice of the Chronicler and demonstrates there have been far fewer secondary additions to the text than is normally assumed.

This newest contribution to the acclaimed Hermeneia series provides in-depth analysis of Psalms 51–100. It is volume 2 of a three-volume work; volume 3 (Psalms 101–150) will come next, followed by volume 1 (Psalms 1–50), which will include the comprehensive introduction.

In this thorough commentary, Professor Kraus takes each Psalm in turn, offers a fresh translation, a bibliography, linguistic notes, discussion of the form and origin of the passage, a verse-by-verse commentary, and a summary of the particular Psalm’s main theological points. In addition, Professor Kraus discusses the poetic form and titles of the Psalms, the relation of the Psalms to the history of Israel, and the Masoretic Text and the ancient translations. Indices of biblical references and names and subjects are included. Psalms 1–59 is translated from the German Biblischer Kommetar series.

This volume completes the publication in English of Kraus’s classic work on the Psalms in the Biblischer Kommentar series. Like the first volume, Psalms 60–150 offers a fresh translation of each Psalm, a bibliography, a discussion of the form and origin of the passage, and a verse-by-verse commentary.

Hans-Joachim Kraus’s Theology of the Psalms is meant to accompany, enrich, and complement his magisterial 2-volume commentary (also available in this collection). In the Psalms, Yahweh reveals himself in the history of his people. The Psalms point beyond themselves to the mystery and wonder of revelation and concealment, of the presence and distance of the God of Israel. The Theology of the Psalms could be called “a biblical theology in miniature,” for in them are revealed the complexity of the manner in which Israel’s faith, confession, praise, and prayer are brought together.

Qoheleth presents a special challenge not only for professional commentators but also for 'normal' readers of the Hebrew text (or a modern translation). Most people in modern Western industrial societies can relate without great difficulty to the reflections of the book of Qoheleth on work and rest or on behavior vis-á-vis those in power, and they can understand these reflections in terms of their own experiences. Nonetheless, the way in which these and other themes are handled in Qoheleth is a little puzzling. The fact that the book reveals no clear organization and no overall progression of ideas may be accepted as a literary peculiarity and perhaps even strike one as interesting. Yet when one finds on various themes many statements that are highly contradictory in both the broad and the narrow context, one begins to ask what could be the point of this book and what is the purpose expressed in it. The present commentary seeks to help answer these questions.

This new addition to the successful Continental Commentary Series is a significant and fresh treatment of Qoheleth (or Ecclesiastes). A famed professor presents a startlingly new translation of this often perplexing book of the Old Testament. Lohfink also argues for a rather different interpretation of the book than one finds elsewhere. Rather than reading the book's perspective as depressing, lost, or cynical, he highlights the elements of joy and balance. The volume includes introduction, new translation, commentary, parallel passages, bibliography, and indexes.

Murphy offers a representative sounding in the major periods of the Song's exegetical history. Attention is given to the hermeneutical principles operative in the development of Jewish and Christian exposition. Murphy examines the literary character and structure of the Song, aspects of its composition and style, and its meaning and theological significance.

In addition to a comprehensive introduction and an analysis of text and form, Othmar Keel focuses on the metaphorical and symbolic language of the Song of Songs. He makes full use of parallels—textual and iconographic—from Palestine, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. More than 160 illustrations, prepared by Hildi Keel-Leu, add to the interpretation of the songs.

With this first of three volumes of Wildberger’s commentary on Isaiah 1–39, English-speaking readers have access to the most exhaustive and, in many respects, the most helpful analysis of a major prophetic voice from eighth century Israel. The pattern of other Old Testament volumes in the Continental Commentaries Series is followed here also. Each successive unit of the text is treated under six headings:

• Text—a fresh translation and text-critical notes
• Form—literary form and metrical patterns
• Setting—date, place, sitz im leben, authenticity
• Commentary—verse-by-verse discussion of what the text meant to its original hearers and readers
• Purpose and Thrust—the theological intention of the text

The middle chapters of Isaiah are more difficult to understand than the chapters which precede and follow them. They constitute a complex portion of the book of Isaiah, and have consequently received a relative lack of attention. This commentary demonstrates that a study of this part of Isaiah is rewarding and fruitful. A careful reading promises to be both stimulating and satisfying to those who are willing to devote their attention to this part of the book.

This is the final volume in Wilberger's comprehensive treatment of Isaiah 1–39. In addition to verse-by-verse commentary, the author provides a systematic overview of the entire book of Isaiah. This introduction to Isaiah covers the book and the text, the formation of Isaiah 1–39, the prophet Isaiah and his religious roots, the theology of post-Isaianic materials, language and forms of speech in Isaiah, and a listing of recent Isaiah scholarship.

Deutero-Isaiah's work, which comprises Isaiah chapters 40–55, has exerted its influence on testimonies of faith in both Jewish and Christian tradition down to the present day. Baltzer's magnificent commentary places the document in the new context after the Exile. The experience of catastrophe, the need to grapple with new problems, and hope for a peaceful future are linked in Deutero-Isaiah's composition. The work aims to establish accord between adherents of the Jacob/Israel tradition on the one hand and those committed to the Zion/Jerusalem tradition on the other—the background being the tensions between the exiles and the people who had remained on the land. Along with masterful presentation of the book's themes, Baltzer also develops a creative hypothesis about the work's genre, identifying it as a "liturgical drama" in six acts, which makes it possible to understand the text's function in worship and its significance as a literary text of supreme artistry.

Holladay's English rendering translates identical words and phrases consistent, and compares the parallel passages which are a prominent feature of Jeremiah.

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Author's Foreword
• Reference Codes
• Editor's Note
• A Chronology of Jeremiah's Career
• Commentary

This volume includes a full introduction, which deals with the development of the text and the literary development from the earliest dictated scrolls to its final form.

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Author's Foreword
• Reference Codes
• Editor's Note
• Introduction
• I. The Text of the book of Jeremiah
• II. Analysis of the Literary
• III. The Prophet Jeremiah
• A. The Life and Times of Jeremiah
• B. The Sources on Which Jeremiah Drew: The Data
• C. The Person and Proclamation of Jeremiah
• Commentary
• Bibliography
• Indices
• Deisgner's Notes

This book will become one of the classic works on Ezekiel. It is so thorough that it will be most useful to the scholar and serious students.

Contents:

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Foreword to the German Edition
• Reference Codes
• Note on Endpapers
• Introduction
• Commentary

A major achievement—an essential tool for any serious study of Ezekiel.

Contents:

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Preface to the Second German Edition
• Reference Codes
• Editor's Note
• Commentary
• Bibliography
• Indices

The most comprehensive English-language commentary on Daniel in 65 years. Collins situates the Old Testament in its historical context and offers a full explanation of the text, especially its religious imagery.

A fascinating commentary on one of the most difficult of the Old Testament prophets.

• Introduction
• 1. The Period
• 2. The Prophet Himself
• 3. The Language of Hosea
• 4. The Theology of Hosea
• 5. The Transmission of Hosea's Prophecy
• The Commentary
• The Title of the Book
• The Prophets Family
• The Great Day of Jezreel
• Legal Proceedings Against Unfraithful Israel
• The Day of the New Covenant
• Now Yahweh's Love Works
• Yahweh's Lawsuit Against Israel
• A Spirit of Whoredom in Israel's Worship
• The Teacher of the Unrepentant
• Return in the Midst of Collapse?
• Sow the Wind and Reap the Whirlwind
• The End of the Festivals
• Ephraim's Glory Has Vanished
• Shattered Altars
• War—The Fruit of False Trust
• Love's Consequences
• Betrayal of the Prophetic Word
• Israel's Revolt Against Her Deliverer
• The Healing of Spontaneous Love
• The Traditionist's Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Indices
• Designer's Notes

Joel and Amos provides a thorough examination of these two prophetic Old Testament books. With clear, concise commentary, Wolff elucidates the theology found within.

Paul's work makes extensive use of ancient Near Eastern sources, and employs medieval Jewish exegesis along with modern Israeli biblical scholarship. A fantastic study of the book of Amos.

Contents:

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Author's Foreword
• Reference Codes
• Editor's Note
• Introduction
• I. General Introduction of the Book of Amos
• II. Introductory Material concerning the "Oracles against the Nations"
• Commentary
• Bibliography
• Indices
• Designer's Notes

This volume contains Professor Wolff's clear and thorough orientation to the collection of oracles in the book of Obadiah and to the narrative art of the book of Jonah. Differently, both prophets provide an answer to what the interaction is between the whole of humanity God has created—and His people in particular.

With refreshing respect for the reader, Hillers lays out the evidence for his case cautiously and asks the readers to form their own decisions. He very sensitively explicates the many figures of speech and collects a most helpful set of biblical passages which illuminate the text. His skill in saying much in a few, well- chosen words is impressive.

Wolff's commentary on Micah is one of the most thorough works available in English. His insightful observations on the message of the prophet make this book a standard commentary on Micah for years to come. It is highly recommended to scholars, ministers, and theological students as an indispensable aid.

The Book of Zephaniah poses a full range of interpretive and hermeneutical issues for the modern reader. Sweeney's keen reading of this small, prophetic book opens new doors for Hebrew Bible research. He situates the reading of Zephaniah in the early sixth century b. c. e. rather than the late seventh century b.c.e. Sweeney's interpretation pays close attention to the often subtle differences between the Masoretic Text, Septuagint, Dead Sea Scrolls, Peshitta, and targums. His methodology includes form criticism, tradition history, and social history.

In this distinguished commentary, Wolff's task is to defend Haggai as much more than a minor prophet. He was a man whose feet were placed firmly on the ground, one of the dominating figures of the postexilic community, the main instigator of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, and so responsible for inaugurating a new era in Jewish history.

1 Enoch is one of the most intriguing books in the Pseudepigrapha (Israelite works outside the Hebrew canon). It was originally written in Aramaic and is comprised of several smaller works, incorporating traditions from the three centuries before the Common Era. Employing the name of the ancient patriarch Enoch, the Aramaic text was translated into Greek and then into Ethiopic. But as a whole, it is a classic example of revelatory (apocalyptic) literature and an important collection of Jewish literature from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. This volume represents the culmination of three decades' work on the Book of 1 Enoch for Nickelsburg. He provides detailed commentary on each passage in chapters 1-36 and 81-108, and an introduction to the full work. The introduction includes sections on overviews of each of the smaller collections, texts and manuscripts, literary aspects, worldview and religious thought, the history of ideas and social contexts, usage in later Jewish and Christian literatures, and a survey of the modern study of the book.

Fourth Ezra is a magnificent commentary, the definitive and standard work for generations to come. Brimming with outstanding biblical scholarship, this volume is a fantastic companion to Bible study.

Contents:

• Foreword to Hermeneia
• Preface
• Reference Codes
• Editor's Note
• Introduction
• Section 1: Text and Transmission
• Section 2: Date, Place, and Original Language
• Section 3: Chief Critical Issues
• Section 4: The Present Commentary
• Section 5: 4 Ezra in Jewish Literature An Apocalypse
• Section 6: Ezra in Christian Tradition
• Commentary
• Bibliography
• Indices

"The anonymous early church order that became known as the Apostolic Tradition and conventionally attributed to Hippolytus of Rome has generated enormous scholarly discussion since its discovery in the nineteenth century. Surprisingly, however, there has never before been a comprehensive commentary on it such as there is for other patristic works. We have here attempted to remedy this defect, and at the same time we have offered the first full synoptic presentation in English of the various witnesses to its text. We have also taken the opportunity to develop our argument that it is neither the work of Hippolytus nor of any other individual. Instead, we believe that it is a composite document made up of a number of layers and strands of diverse provenance and compiled over a period of time, and therefore not representing the practice of any one Christian community." —from the Preface

This Hermeneia volume provides an important contribution to New Testament research as well as the study of the patristic era.

One hundred twenty-five years ago, Philotheos Bryennios discovered the text of the Didache in an eleventh-century manuscript version. In 1883 he edited the manuscript for publication, and its special fascination for scholars remains undiminished. One of the oldest extracanonical Christian documents, the Didache's origins can be traced to the first century. It is apparently a catechism, intended to provide basic instruction in the Christian lifestyle and worship for persons preparing for baptism. The Didache exhibits fascinating echoes of Jesus' teaching in its Matthean form, along with rare glimpses into the life of an early Christian community--its values, its observance of the Eucharist, its leaders, and the character of its hope. Niederwimmer's wonderful commentary is a model of clarity and learning and a splendid addition to this premier commentary series.

This book belongs on the shelf of every minister who takes seriously the history and theology of the early church. A fascinating look at Ignatius of Antioch.

Contents:

• Foreword
• Preface
• Introduction
• 1. The Letters of Ignatius in the Christian Tradition
• 2. Literary character of the Letters of Ignatius
• 3. Historical and Social Context
• 4. Religious and Intellectual Background
• 5. Ignatian Themes
• Bibliography
• Indices

Extremely popular in its time, The Shepherd of Hermas is a second-century work often used for instruction of catechumens, and in fact, is widely regarded as scripture. In it Hermas, a rich freed slave whose wealth was not always lawfully obtained, undergoes and relates several visions (including one from an angel disguised as a shepherd), repents, and offers advice on Christian teaching and behavior. Comprehensive and careful, Carolyn Osiek's is the only full-length commentary on "The Shepherd" in English. Hermas's revelations afford us glimpses of religious imagination, social world, and moral ideals among early second-century Rome.

Known until the 18th century only from fragmentary quotations and references in patristic literature, more recent discoveries of Greek, Coptic, and Syriac manuscripts have drawn fresh interest and attention to the Odes of Solomon, a collection of Christian poetry from the second century rich in imagery and exhibiting an exotic spirituality. Internationally renowned expert on the Odes Michael Lattke provides a meticulous translation and discussion of the textual transmission of the Odes, along with judicious commentary on the place of the Odes in the development of Gnosticism, Logos theology, and early Christian worship. Historians and students of early Christianity will find this commentary a valuable resource for years to come.