The Hebrew Scriptures: An Introduction to Their Literature and Religious Ideas [Paperback]

Samuel Sandmel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 27, 1978

Written for students with no prior knowledge of the Bible and no knowledge of Hebrew, this text provides the ideal introduction both to the contents of Scripture and to its magnificent religious and literary stature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"He has succeeded in producing a readable introductory text for students with little or no background in Bible. Sandmel is creative in simplifying the history and beliefs of early Israel but without compromising on accuracy."--Paul D. Duertesen, Eastern New Mexico University

"I like the format of the book, since it begins with the prophets and only then moves to the Pentateuch. Sandmel's Jewish perspective is also refreshing."--J.A. Trumbower, St. Michael's College

"Clear, lucid text. Good overview of biblical books."--David Lieber, University of Judaism

"I like Sandmel's emphasis on [the] religious heritage of biblical literature."--Alice L. Laffey, College of The Holy Cross

"Lucidly written....It has many virtues as a manual of instruction: conciseness, fairness to variant views, and historical and religious imagination."--Journal of Biblical Literature

"Superb in its critical analysis...and its full emphasis upon the deep religious insights that give a common core to many of the beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. [Sandmel's] paraphrases of many of the significant passages are excellent."--Lee A. Belford, New York University

About the Author

Samuel Sandmel is at Hebrew Union College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 27, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195023692
• ISBN-13: 978-0195023695
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,321,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive Study of the Old Testament (Christianity) or the TANAK (Judaism), December 13, 2009

By 

James E. Egolf "James E. Egolf, MA" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hebrew Scriptures: An Introduction to Their Literature and Religious Ideas (Paperback)

This reviewer's son gave the undersigned a copy of this book about 15 years ago for which the undersigned is grateful. Samual Sandmel's book titled THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES is an excellent comprehensive precise of the Old Testament/TANAK. The book is divided by the Pre-Exilic and Post Exilic Prophets, The Torah or Pentateuch, and Deuteronomic Histories. Sandmel showed careful attention to detail and had an excellent bibliography and indices at the end of the book. Serious scholars and readers of the Bible (Jewish and Christian) can learn so much from this book.

The beginning sections of the book dealt with the "haziness" of the actual sources and meanings of the Hebrew Scriptures. Sandmel stated that some clarity can be gleaned upon careful study and refusal to understand these difficulties can lead from haziness to blindness. Readers should know that the Hebrew Scriptures were originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic and were much more allegorical than some moderns may think. Even Ancient historical Jewish scholars such as Philo (c 20 BC-C 40 AD) stated very clearly that the Hebrew Scriptures were allegorical which some of the early Church Fathers also stated. Sandmel makes a compelling case that, in spite of what the Book of Joshua states, the Hebrew language may have been borrowed from the Cananites. Sandmel informed the reader that much of the Hebrew Scriptures were set to music and chanted when read.

Many of the Pre-Exilic Prophets connected G-d to the land of Palestine or Israel. This is reflected in much of the Prophetic literature which was both hopeful and sadly pessimistic. These men dealt with the difficult issue of G-d's providence vs. free will which was a problem the Prophets and later theologians never resolved. As Sandmel and other biblical scholars have stated, the Book of Isaiah may have had two or three authors. Isaiah: 1-39 is very pessimistic while the remaining 27 chapters are more optimistic. The Book of Micah is very gloomy and forbodding with reminders of right living (Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with G-d-Micah 6:6-8).

The same tension was mentioned in Sandmel's treatment of the Book of Nahum whom Sandmel thought was one of the Hebrew writers who helped make the Hebrew religion's transition from Hebrew Monotheism to Judaism. Sandmel remarked that Nahum mourned the status of Israel while developing some concept of a Messiah. Such a transition is also reflected in Jeremiah who argued that G-d could be worshipped in Babylon as well as in Israel. As Sandmel noted, this is in contradiction with the 137th. Psalm which is a Psalm of lamentation and unadulterated hatred. Some biblical historians argue that the 137th. Psalm was directed at a group of people called the Edomites rather than the Babylonians. The two peoples may have been historically related.

Such latitude is furthered mentioned in the Book of Isaiah who wrote about worship of Jews with Gentiles in Babylon. Isaiah and Jeremiah may have produced what some biblical scholars call Religious Imperialism. This means that G-d was not confined to the land of Israel but was G-d of all men/women and lands. Sandmel briefly dealt with Christian and Jewish interpretations of the Prophets including Isaiah. Some people read the Prophets as almost fortune tellers when they were social critics and reminders of what men should be rather than what they are. They also predicted social and political disasters if they adhered to power and greed which can be destructive forces.

Sandmel's study of Exilic and Post Exilic biblical literature is interesting. He also showed some of the historical errors of the writers of the Book of Danial who credit Cyrus the Great(600-501 BC) with events which historians associate with Darius I (550-486 BC). Sandmel's interpretation of the Book of Esther was interesting. The Book of Esther does not contain
G-d's name. Some religious men have critisized the Book of Esther for bloody revenge. Yet, the Rabbis established the celebration of Purim as a joyous event including drinking, costumes, fun. etc. As Sandmel noted, the Rabbis may have included such a festive celebration to avoid making Judaism as a too austere religion.

Other minor books of the Hebrew Bible include Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs is a collection of comment dealing with prudence and caution. As Sandmel noted the Book of Ecclesiastes is a grim reminder that men and women get old, decrepit, and die. The message in Ecclesiastes is that men and women should not revel in their youth too much because age can undermine thoughtless youthful enthusiasm. Some of men's youthful enthusiasms and "falling in love" can be described in the Book of Song of Songs.

Sandmel introduced the reader to the Torah or Pentateuch in the latter sections of the book when most biblical histories usually introduce the reader to these books earlier in the text. Sandmel clearly proved that the Torah or First Five Books of the Bible had different sources which are often called E, J, P, and D. Not all biblical readers agree with this view, but this reviewer does in part. This is a matter of honest debate. Some of Sandmel's comments dealt with priestly purity especially in the Book of Leviticus. The Book of Deuteronomy established the concept that the Torah was for all Hebrews and not just specialists or elite classes.

Some of the concluding chapters of the book examined the Books of Samuel, Books of Kings, etc. The original authors of these books noted that good and honest kings lived but a short time. Yet, evil monarchs lived much longer, and the message that old age and survival are not due to inherent goodness. As was suggested, those who live longest often suffer the most.

Sandmel's sections on Book of Psalms was thoughtful. He described the Psalms as poetry of lamentation, praise, and thanksgiving. Other bibilical scholars describe the Psalms as One Mood Pslams, Dynamic Psalms, Messianic Psalms, and Hymnic Psalms. Sandmel and others confidently state that the Psalms have several sources.

Samuel Sandmel's book THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES is honest and informative for both Christians and Jews. His work was carefully organized and well written. As the undersigned stated above, the book has good indices and an excellent bibiliography. Readers should note that this book is comprehensive but well worth the time to read and carefully study.

James E. Egolf

December 13, 2009