Exodus: The Traditional Hebrew Text With the New Jps Translation (J P S Torah Commentary) (Hardcover)

by Nahum M. Sarna (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
This is the fourth volume in the acclaimed "Jewish Publication Society Torah Commentary" series. Volumes on the books of Genesis and Leviticus were published in 1989, and Numbers in 1990. Following the format of the earlier books, this new work presents the traditional masoretic Hebrew text and the new JPS English translation, along with a masterful commentary by eminent scholar Sarna. Drawing upon classical and modern sources, Sarna's exegesis and historical and philological interpretations are scholarly yet quite accessible to nonspecialist readers. Included are an introduction, six excurses on problematic subjects, a glossary, and notes. Sarna eschews any attempt to discuss the provenance of the Exodus text, although he does state that he considers Exodus a work of historiosophy (a document of faith) rather than a work of historiography. Like its predecessors, this beautifully formatted book will greatly help elucidate the text of a seminal book of the Hebrew Bible. Directed primarily to a Jewish audience (clergy, specialists, and general readers), it could also benefit non-Jewish clergy and specialists as well.
- Robert A. Silver, Shaker Heights P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes
Text: English, Hebrew

Product Details

• Hardcover: 278 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Publication Society of America; 1st edition (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827603274
• ISBN-13: 978-0827603271
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #356,609 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #34 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Sacred Writings > Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) > Commentaries
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  #92 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Sacred Writings > Torah

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply stunning, July 20, 2000

By	R. Kaiser (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The best commentary on exodus that I have ever seen. This work makes use of literary analysis and comparative Semitics; intertextual commentary relating each book to other biblical books, and evidence from modern archaeological discoveries. Yet, it is also based on traditional rabbinic commentary! While accessible to lay people, it is based on the the highest standards of critical historical scholarship.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pricey, December 5, 2000

By	Tupper (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

As a whole, the JPS series of commentaries on the first five books of the Bible is excellent. However, of the five, I would say Sarna's efforts are the weakest. The Hebrew text is clear, the JPS translation well laid out, and the commentary extensive. However, if you are hesitating the pay the cost of this book, I would recommend Sarna's paperback, Exploring Exodus. While not nearly as lengthy as this commentary, Sarna's paperback contains most of the ideas that he elucidates in this volume. The same can be said of his JPS commentary on Genesis, which does not add much to his shorter paperback book, Understanding Genesis.