The Cambridge Companion to the Bible (Cambridge Companions to Religion) (Hardcover)

~ Howard Clark Kee (Author), Eric M. Meyers (Author), John Rogerson (Author), Anthony J. Saldarini (Author) "This term refers to the land that lies between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the central part of modern Iraq..." (more)
Key Phrases: narrative sequel, new covenant people, prophetic groups, New Testament, Dead Sea, Near East (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'What a splendid and rich mine of information compactly and elegantly set out. A real boon to those eager to read the Bible knowledgeably.' Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu

'Truly wonderful book. Clear, concise, illuminating. It will be useful for all of those of us who preach every week, and for the educated person who wants to learn more about the sacred scriptures without being overwhelmed by academic detail. Everyone should have a copy.' Father Andrew M. Greeley, the University of Chicago and the University of Arizona

'The Cambridge Companion to the Bible would enable readers of all traditions to gain more insight into the Bible's narrative. It is as much for the general reader as for the student. It would be an important addition to any library's theological collection, more for a lending than a reference section.' Reference Reviews

'... a work that draws on the best scholarship but seeks to make it accessible to anyone seriously concerned to see the Bible in its historical context ... One of the best features of the book is that it deals with the Apocrypha and the two centuries before Christ as well as the first two or three centuries after his birth. The result is a satisfying sense of continuity.' Richard Harries, The Guardian

'... a useful background study book, written from an academic perspective.' Christianity

' The authors of this volume have accomplished a remarkable feat ... this volume is set to become the standard text for university students, and of ministers who see the importance of keeping abreast of the world of biblical studies.' Baptist Times

Product Description

The Cambridge Companion to the Bible is unique in that it provides, in a single volume, in-depth information about the changing historical, social and cultural contexts in which the biblical writers and their original readers lived. The authors of the Companion were chosen for their internationally recognised expertise in their respective fields: the history and literature of Israel; post-biblical Judaism; biblical archaeology; and the origins and early literature of Christianity. The Companion deals not only with the canonical writings, but also with the apocryphal works produced by Jewish and Christian writers. The historical setting for the entire range of these biblical writings is depicted and analysed in this volume, with abundant illustrations and maps to assist the reader in visualising the world of the Bible.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 624 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521343690
• ISBN-13: 978-0521343695
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #971,535 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Cambridge Companions to Religion Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to Biblical Studies, December 14, 2001

By	Big Dave (Boise, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This is not a scholarly book in the sense that it's not part of any visible academic debate. It does not treat any particular issue in enough depth to be so.

It is, rather, a sort of textbook. Call it "Introduction to Academic Thought About the Bible." Following the order of the biblical texts and with detours to discuss such topics as the pseudepigrapha and the inter-testamental period, the book lays out basic issues of historical, archaeological and textual biblical criticism, such as, for instance, the idea of the J, E, D and P-authored components of the Old Testament, or the question to what extent the books of Joshua and Judges present different narratives of the conquest of Palestine by the Israelites, and what archaeology has to say about that conquest.

The book does not discuss theology (at least, not modern theology). If you're an inerrantist, this book is not what you're looking for. If you're reading the Bible for the first time, this is probably too much information and not the kind you need to help you follow the narrative. Though it has a section of color plates (and black and white photos throughout) and a limited number of maps, this is not an atlas. This is also not a debunk-the-Bible book -- mainstream believers in the inspired nature of the Biblical should by and large have no objection to the contents of this book.

But if you're generally familiar with the Bible, and interested in increasing your knowledge (in particular, I would suggest reading this alongside a reading of the Bible itself, a method to which the organization of this book lends itself) about Bible studies, I recommend this book without reservation.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readable, yet scholarly, November 9, 2001

By	M. Raymond "Ogemaw born" (South Korea) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book goes through the Bible historically and gives you the latest in textual and archeological research. It is an easy read, and it seems written for mass consumption, but it is not unscholarly. It is for true students of the Holy Scriptures and not for people who think the holy books are magic words from God. It is a sane, yet reverent approach to the study of ancient literature which we believe is inspired by God. It is NOT fundamentalist. If you are serious about Bible studies, then I recommend this volume whole-heartedly.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible for meaningful interpretation (review of previous edition), December 22, 2007

By	Alfred E. Guy Jr. "onela22" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Cambridge Companion to the Bible (Companions to Religion) (Paperback)

This is a brilliantly but clearly written book, one that will make your experience of the Bible incalculably richer. The first part provides both an overview and more detailed archealogical and historical information on the presence of the early Israelites in the area of Canaan. There is also relevant and compellingly written analysis of the literary and cultural environment. All of this information allows you to see the Hebrew scriptures for the monumental literary and philosophical achievement they represent. Then, there are commentary and background information for every separate book of the Hebrew scriptures and New Testament. Whether you practice one of the three religions of the book (Judaism, Christianity, or Islam), are a student of history and culture, or just want further insight into this most influential of books, you will find the Cambridge Companion an invaluable source for deeper understanding. I teach humanities at the largest private college in the country, and I find the presentation in this book to be clear enough for the least-interested students and complex enough to support the best and brightest. I have also used the material here to discuss religion with my family members and other practictioners--everyone can get something deeply worthwhile from this book.