WJK Hebrew Bible Background Collection (2 vols.)
Overview
The Westminster John Knox Bible Backgrounds collection introduces readers to two essential pieces of research for understanding the Old and New Testaments in his cultural and historical context. Now in its third edition, From Maccabees to the Mishnah continues to be a go-to resource for understanding the development of Judaism in the intertestamental period up to the 300 CE. It is perfect for contextualizing Jesus and Paul's interactions with Jewish factions in the New Testament. Christopher Hay's Hidden Riches provides an extensive collection of fascinating primary sources for understanding the Old Testament/Hebrew bible in its Ancient Near Eastern context.
Key Features
- Rely heavily on primary sources
- Accessibly written and fully of insightful details
- Includes extensive bibliographies and thorough indexes
Product Details
- Title: WJK Hebrew Bible Background Collection (2 vols.)
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Volumes: 2
- Pages: 770
- Resource Type: Monographs
- Topic: Bible Background
Partially includedIn the Logos edition, these volumes are enhanced by an incredible set of digital research tools. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
This is the third edition of Shaye J. D. Cohen's important and seminal work on the history and development of Judaism between 164 BCE to 300 CE. Cohen's synthesis of religion, literature, and history offers deep insight into the nature of Judaism at this key period, including the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, the function of Jewish religion in the larger community, and the development of normative Judaism and other Jewish sects. Cohen offers students more than just history, but an understanding of the social and cultural context of Judaism as it developed into the formative period of rabbinic Judaism. This new edition includes a brand-new chapter on the parting of ways between Jews and Christians in the second century CE. From the Maccabees to the Mishnah remains the clearest introduction to the era that shaped Judaism and provided the context for early Christianity.
Cohen's 1987 volume was widely acknowledged to be a superb overview of Jewish life in the pivotal era from 200 BCE to 200 CE. This extensively updated and expanded third edition is supplemented by a masterful presentation of a crucial issue that has been debated during the past few decades, namely, Judaism and Christianity's parting of ways in antiquity. The present volume guarantees that Cohen's work will remain indispensable for many years to come.
—Lee Levine, Professor Emeritus of Jewish History and Archaeology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Shaye J. D. Cohen is the Nathan Littauer Professor of Hebrew Literature and Philosophy in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University. One of the foremost experts on Jewish history and culture, he is the author of several books, including The Beginnings of Jewishness: Boundaries, Varieties, Uncertainties and Why Aren't Jewish Women Circumcised? Gender and Covenant in Judaism.
This study considers the historical, cultural, and literary significance of some of the most important Ancient Near East (ANE) texts that illuminate the Hebrew Bible. Christopher B. Hays provides primary texts from the Ancient Near East with a comparison to literature of the Hebrew Bible to demonstrate how Israel's Scriptures not only draw from these ancient contexts but also reshape them in a unique way.
Hays offers a brief introduction to comparative studies, then lays out examples from various literary genres that shed light on particular biblical texts. Texts about ANE law collections, treaties, theological histories, prophecies, ritual texts, oracles, prayers, hymns, laments, edicts, and instructions are compared to corresponding literature in the Pentateuch, Prophets, and Writings of the Hebrew Bible. The book includes summaries and reflection questions to help instructors and students identify key points for comparison. By considering the literary and historical context of other literature, students will come away with a better understanding of the historical, literary, and theological depth of the Hebrew Bible.
This collection of ancient Near Eastern texts for the study of the Hebrew Bible is wonderful! For each ancient Near Eastern text paired with a biblical text, the author provides a very engaging and helpful discussion followed by thoughtful study questions. Ideal—and most highly recommended—for a semester introduction to the Hebrew Bible.
—Mark S. Smith, Skirball Chair of Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, New York University
Christopher B. Hays is the D. Wilson Moore Associate Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Death in the Iron Age II and in First Isaiah.
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