1 Kings (Berit Olam (The Everlasting Covenant): Studies In Hebrew Narrative And Poetry) [Hardcover]

Jerome T. Walsh (Editor), David W. Cotter (Editor), Chris Franke (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Berit Olam (The Everlasting Covenant): Studies In Hebrew Narrative And Poetry | Publication Date: February 1996

Thenarratives of Solomon and Jeroboam, of Elijah and Ahab, have fascinatedreaders for millennia. Even apart from questions of historicalauthenticity, they are gripping stories of richly drawn characterscaught up in the complex tale of God s dealings with Israel. This studyexplores the narrative world created by 1 Kings ancient Israeliteauthor: the people who inhabit it, the lives they live, the deeds theydo, and the face of God who is revealed in their stories. An introduction explains the significance of 1 Kings as a historicalnarrative. Originally intended as a literal history, after centuries ofwriting and rewriting it is now as much a literary work as a historicalone. The views of those who formed it can be discerned and studied. Walsh also explains how the rich traditions of Hebrew prose narrativeand the Hebrew language itself affect our reading of 1 Kings. This book is part of the series Berit Olam, Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry, a multi-volumecommentary series that reflects the latest developments in a relativelynew method of biblical study: literary criticism. The authorsapproach the books of the Hebrew Bible as literary works, recognizingthat the stories and poetry can be better appreciated if one isacquainted with the techniques whereby the ancient Hebrew authors toldstories and wrote poems, as well as the strategies that modern readersuse to understand them. Author: Jerome T. Walsh Editor: David W. Cotter, O.S.B Format: 416 pages, hardcover Series: Berit Olam, Studies in Hebrew Narrative and Poetry Publisher: Liturgical Press (1996) ISBN: 9780814650448

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (February 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814650449
• ISBN-13: 978-0814650448
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #105,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Jewish Texts > Hebrew Bible (Old Testament)

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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars scholarly work of art, February 21, 2000

By 

David Lynden - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1 Kings (Berit Olam (The Everlasting Covenant): Studies In Hebrew Narrative And Poetry) (Hardcover)

In trying to find a solid commentary on 1 Kings that delves into the intricacies and the theology of the text, one is hard-pressed to find a work that rivals Walsh's fine contribution. Walsh develops the narrative artwork of the text of 1 Kings, showing subtle nuances and insights into the Hebrew, while maintaining a very readable and engaging style. As an evangelical pastor who holds to a high view of the Scriptures, this commentary was extremely helpful. While Walsh and I would most likely disagree on the level of redacting, the process that led to the present text, and the authoritative nature of the book, he is very concerned with the final form of 1 Kings and concentrates on using the tools of narrative and literary criticism. This is an outstanding reference work for anyone who teaches or preaches from 1 Kings and in my mind is the best commentary on 1 Kings available, period!