Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel (Clarendon Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Michael Fishbane (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198266995 | ISBN-13: 978-0198266990 | Publication Date: January 12, 1989

First published in hardback in August 1985, Professor Fishbane's book offers the first comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of textual analysis in ancient Israel. It explores the rich tradition of exegesis prior to the development of biblical interpretation in early classical Judaism and the earliest Christian communities, and examines four main categories of exegesis: scribal, legal, aggadic, and mantological. In studying this subject, it emerges that the Hebrew Bible is not only the foundation document for the exegetical culture of Judaism and Christianity, but an exegetical work in its own right. Professor Fishbane, who has added new material in appendices to this paperback edition, has been awarded three major prizes for this work: the National Jewish Book Award 1986, the Biblical Archaeological Society 1986 Publication Award, and the Kenneth B. Smilen Literary Award.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the major works of biblical interpretation in the last decade....[The book] is a compendium of exegetical insights rarely equalled in their depth or scope....Any serious interpreter or commentator will find it one of the few genuinely indispensable works of contemporary interpretation."--Theology Today

"What makes Fishbane's monography a magisterial achievement? First, it is comprehensive....Second, the monograph balances textual detail and broad perspective....Third, Fishbane's analysis lets itself be guided by the lexical, syntactical, stylistic, and logic continuities and discontinuities within a unit as well as by the insights of relevant research, new and old."--Journal of Religion

"Immensely important....It will henceforth be impossible to discuss the history of biblical interpretation without considering the material that Fishbane has gathered."--Bible Review

"A sensitive and meticulous study which immediately becomes must reading for all who are concerned with biblical exegesis."--Bibliotheca Sacra

"Fishbane's carefully structured book is packed with such detailed exegesis and close argument that only the serious reader can begin to tap its richness; however, the rewards are great for anyone willing to expend the energy....Fishbane concludes his splendid book by asserting that this is the first comprehensive study of the phenomenon of inner-biblical exegesis of the Hebrew Bible. This claim is justified, and he is to be congratulated on a major contribution to biblical studies."--Journal of Biblical Literature

About the Author

Michael Fishbane is at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 12, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198266995
• ISBN-13: 978-0198266990
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,173,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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