Understanding the Hebrew Bible: Essays by Members of the Society for Old Testament Study

This is the latest in a series of volumes, published about every twenty-five years since 1924, surveying the current state of the academic study of the Old Testament--more often called the Hebrew Bible in scholarly contexts. It is written by leading members of the Society for Old Testament Study, the professional organization for scholars in that field in the UK and Ireland, but with international members too, some of whom have contributed to the volume. It provides academics, students of the Bible, clergy and rabbis, and intelligent general readers, with a snapshot of the main approaches and issues in the study of the Hebrew Bible since (approximately) the year 2000. There are chapters on specific biblical books in their ancient context, grouped mainly by genre, but also on methodological aspects of biblical studies today, including interdisciplinary perspectives and contemporary questions, such as the Bible in sociological, theological, historical, archaeological, literary, and linguistic perspectives, and the influence of concerns about gender, race, visual culture, and psychology. A particular recent interest is represented by a chapter on the reception history of the Hebrew Bible in the visual arts, music, and literature (including drama and film). The concern throughout, is to encapsulate contemporary currents in interpretation, rather than to put forward the contributors' personal views, but also to suggest how biblical study may or should develop next in these areas. As with previous volumes, what is provided is a view of global scholarship as seen from these islands that will be useful to serious students of the Hebrew Bible throughout the world. As well as describing their field, the contributors also provide substantial bibliographies pointing readers to other modern discussions.

John Barton is Emeritus Oriel and Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford and Senior Research Fellow at Campion Hall, Oxford. Previously, he was Junior Research Fellow at Merton College, University Lecturer in Theology (Old Testament), Reader in Biblical Studies, and Fellow and Vice-Master of St Cross College. He is Corresponding Fellow of the Norwegian Academy, Fellow of the European Academy, and Former President of the Society for Old Testament Study. Professor Barton was Delegate of the Oxford University Press from 2005 to 2015.

ISBN: 9780192845788
Format: Hardback
Pages: 416
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: March 29, 2025