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The Divine Symphony: The Bible's Many Voices

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Knohl gives a breakdown of the rocky road to monotheism and the many factions involved. Knohl separates and analyzes the different factions involved in authorship of the (Hebrew) Bible. The different factions J, D, E, P, and H had different linguistics and sometimes competing ideologies. Knohl maintains that harmony can be achieved by looking at the big picture, hence the divine symphony which can only function with all its members partaking and cooperating. This book appears to be scholarly and well-researched. It is also very short, easy to read (for those familiar with Bible basics), and I found it very enjoyable.

Bible scholar Israel Knohl presents his opposing viewpoint to the fundamentalist perspective of the Bible as a monolithic document in The Divine Symphony: The Bible's Many Voices. Drawing upon specific Bible texts, literary works in Israel between the time of Solomon's Temple and the return from Babylonian exile, The Divine Symphony explores opposing views of humanity's place in the universe, the origin and meaning of evil and suffering, the role of free will and predestination, and a great deal more. A welcome contribution to philosophy and religious studies shelves, The Divine Symphony is an excellent and recommended addition to Judaic Studies reading lists and Biblical Studies reference collections.