Search Scripture Well: Karaite Exegetes and the Origins of the Jewish Bible Commentary in the Islamic East (Etudes Sur Le Judaisme Medieval) (No. 29) [Hardcover]

Daniel Frank (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2004 | ISBN-10: 9004139028 | ISBN-13: 978-9004139022 | Edition: Bilingual

The Jewish Bible commentary was created in the Islamic East during the tenth century by scholars seeking a rational, systematic approach to Scripture. Among its earliest champions were the Karaites, scripturalists who denied rabbinic authority. Seeking to restore Judaism to its biblical roots, they wrote numerous commentaries in Judeo-Arabic. Through the investigation of key topics, this book traces the contours of early Karaite biblical exegesis. Subjects covered include: halakhic indeterminacy; dream interpretation; the Song of Songs as salvation history; Psalms exegesis as liturgical commentary; and inter-religious polemics. The exegetes discussed include Ya'qub al-Qirqisani, Salmon b. Yeruhim, Sahl b. Masliah, and above all, Japheth b. Eli. Extensive selections from unpublished manuscripts are presented in English translation and the original Judeo-Arabic.

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About the Author

Daniel Frank, Ph.D. (1991), Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Harvard University, is Associate Professor of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at the Ohio State University. His research focuses on Karaism; he has edited The Jews of Medieval Islam (Brill, 1995).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 374 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Pub; Bilingual edition (June 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004139028
• ISBN-13: 978-9004139022
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,281,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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