Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook (Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis | HOTE)
Overview
At one time, Old Testament apocalyptic literature was relegated to the more obscure reaches of biblical scholarship, acceptable to occasionally refer to, but too thorny to delve into deeply. However, in recent decades it has moved to the forefront of research. The rich veins of insight to be mined in the book of Daniel and other apocalyptic texts are being rediscovered. Richard A. Taylor has crafted a handbook to explore those riches and uncover a way to understand apocalyptic literature more fully. Taylor begins with a helpful introduction to the genre; surveys the purpose, message, and primary themes of Old Testament apocalyptic literature; and then discusses critical questions and key works for further study. He also provides guidelines for interpreting apocalyptic texts, followed by Old Testament passages that serve to illustrate those guidelines. While primarily written for pastors and graduate students, Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature is nonetheless accessible to those who simply want to study the texts more deeply than previously possible.
Top Highlights
“The following six features of Jewish apocalyptic texts, to a large degree, characterize this genre: (1) a preference for literary rather than oral expression; (2) content that claims to be revelatory in nature; (3) an emphasis on dreams and visions as a means of receiving revelatory messages; (4) pseudonymous authorship that attributes material to a famous hero of the past; (5) an emphasis on hiddenness and secrecy; and (6) pervasive symbolism as a way of describing revelatory messages.” (Page 65)
“Although apocalyptists acknowledged that desperate times had arrived in the struggle of light against darkness, they also believed that there was a faithful remnant that resisted evil and sought to serve God.” (Page 80)
“Fourth, the purpose of an apocalypse is to shed light on present events by appealing to eschatological events” (Page 32)
“The term hypocatastasis is suggestive of its meaning. It derives from three Greek words: ‘under’ (ὑπό), ‘down’ (κατά), and ‘standing’ (στᾶσις). Ancient Greek rhetoricians used this word to refer to an intended meaning that ‘stands down under’ the word actually used by a writer. In other words, there is an implied comparison. Like metonymy, hypocatastasis is less obvious than simile or metaphor tend to be. When this figure of speech is used, the interpreter’s work remains unfinished until the hypocatastatic element is fully recovered and accounted for in the exposition of the text.” (Pages 93–94)
“Good readers develop an awareness of these features and approach such literature in light of the expectations signaled in part by the genre. They resist the temptation to impose on such texts expectations that are contrary to those intended by their author. A proper understanding of genre is therefore an important key to valid interpretation of a text.” (Page 22)
- Title: Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook
- Author: Richard A. Taylor
- Series: Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis
- Publisher: Kregel
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Pages: 205
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Apocalyptic literature › History and criticism
- ISBNs: 9780825427619, 0825427614
- Resource ID: LLS:EXGHBKAPOCLIT
- Resource Type: text.monograph.handbook
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:47:01Z