Israel's Story: Part One: Study Set [Paperback]

Catherine Upchurch (Author), Dianne, C.S.A. Bergant (Commentary)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2006

This book explores Old Testament history, theology, and stories, bringing a clear presentation of the God who acts and the people of the covenant, from the creation accounts of Genesis to the fall of the Northern Kingdom and its prophets.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An excellent panoramic view which puts the pieces together for an introduction to or a recap of the biblical story." -- Abbott Jerome Kodell, OSB

Bergant has produced a very helpful and user-friendly introduction. -- Michael Guinan, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California

Provides an excellent panoramic view which puts the pieces together for an introduction to recap of the biblical story. -- Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B., Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas

Readers will be enlightened and elated by this synopsis of Israel’s inspired writings, the inheritance of both Judaism and Christianity. -- Stephen J. Binz, Biblical Scholar and Author of Threshold Bible Study --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., is professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She is author of the Preaching the New Lectionary series and general editor of The Collegeville Bible Commentary (Old Testament) published by Liturgical Press. She was also editor of The Bible Today from 1986-1990. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (December 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814631363
• ISBN-13: 978-0814631362
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,373,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Middle East > Israel

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Framework for Understanding the Old Testament, January 8, 2007

By 

Patrice Fagnant-macarthur (Springfield, MA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Israel's Story: Part One: Study Set (Paperback)

The cultural differences between our world and the world of the Israelites in the Old Testament are substantial. As a result, reading the books of the Old Testament can be extremely confusing. Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D., a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, attempts to alleviate some of that confusion for those who are studying the Old Testament for the first time and for those who are interested in digging deeper into the texts.

Bergant begins by examining some of the source material for the scriptures. She identifies the four major traditions that influenced the final written product. She also discusses the different literary styles that are used in the Bible as well as the special meaning of "myth" as it relates to the Old Testament.

"Israel's Story" offers an overview of all of the major characters as well as many of the minor ones, who helped to shape the history of the Jews. Bergant also includes historical evidence that may or may not coincide with the Biblical text. While the Bible is not a purely historical document, history still does provide a framework for some of the events that are retold in its pages. She also tries to place the Bible in its appropriate cultural context. Part one covers the Book of Genesis through the time in which Israel was split into two kingdoms. Bergant concludes this first installment by reflecting that "Regardless of the changes that took place in the lives of the Israelites, the one constant remained: God was there for them, to protect them, and to provide for them." Bergant promises to continue the story of the Israelites changing relationship with God in the second part.

"Israel's Story" would be a useful text in college-level introductory courses on the Old Testament. It is also useful for those who simply want to learn more about that section of the Bible. It provides a good framework for understanding the main themes and characters.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious Study/Engaging Style, December 1, 2006

By 

Carol Blank (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Israel's Story: Part One (Pt. 1) (Paperback)

Dianne Bergant, a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, believes that familiarity with the people in the bible and the events of their lives is essential to understanding the religious meaning of the message. In "Israel's Story" she guides readers to this understanding by casting the stories in the light of literary and historical background, Church teaching, and modern theological thinking. The special grace here is the combination of serious minded study with a readable, engaging style.