Customer Reviews

Genesis 1-11: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text (Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Baylor handbooks are very well done and very useful for those reading the text in the original language. I have the ones that are published, and will acquire new ones as they become available. Having said that, I must say that Bandstra's work on Genesis 1-11 is, for me at least, of very little value. I sent my copy back within an hour of receiving it. It is stilted, idiosyncratic, monotonously repetitive, and - really - not much help. I was looking for this book to act as companion to the Hebrew text of Genesis 1-11, among other things. Bandstra's work was a huge letdown. I do hope that Baylor replaces it quickly, because this section of text is so critical.

I certainly wish "Northern Disciple" gave a better reason for giving the book such low marks. Perhaps some examples would be in line. When I first looked at this series I could not Look Inside. Now I have looked at all available and I don't get it. They are what they claim to be, an analysis of the Hebrew text. Each scholar is using recent approaches, including Discourse Analysis. Each one takes a slightly different approach because that's what they do in their work and teaching. Bandstra does emphasize the structure and uses lots of tables to show how the language operates the text. I mean it is a cut and dry thing and hits appropriate points well. I did notice that there was some redundancy. For example, in treating the word 'elohim ('''''''''--sorry no Hebrew displays on Amazon) he does repeat almost verbatim the same info. I am not sure what he should have done instead other than treat it in depth once and then ignore subsequent appearances of "God" or as Bandstra renders "deity". I wondered if the word was not treated to ND's satisfaction, but that is an assumption perhaps totally unfounded. I wish, again, I could see the problem(s) with this particular volume.

When I look at treatments of the Hebrew Text, I am always wary of those who might be of the Christian cult. I saw nothing in my perusal of these (Genesis, Jonah, Ruth, Amos) that would cause me to discount them as biased. Buy them for me and I'll try using them. I give three stars only because I have not examined the entire volume.