T&t Clark Handbook of the Old Testament - (T&t Clark Handbooks) by Jan Christian Gertz & Angelika Berlejung & Konrad Schmid & Markus Witte

About the Book

A comprehensive and profound introduction to the literature and history of the Old Testament

Book Synopsis

Beginning with methods and sources, this Handbook looks at the Biblical text, archaeology, other texts, and iconography. It explores varying exegetical methods, including historical criticism, canonical approach, feminist, social scientific and liberation theology. Methods in archaeology, Hebrew epigraphic and iconography are also covered.

The second section is devoted to the history and religious history of Ancient Israel. Introductory matters, such as fundamental terminology and definitions, ethnic identity, ancestors and the dead, geography and time reckoning are explicated before the book moves on to a historical survey from the Iron Age (c. 1200 BCE) to the early Roman period (ending about 63 CE).

The heart of the book is a detailed survey of the Hebrew canonical books, section by section and book by book. The discussion for each book includes: biblical presentation and content; problems arising from the history of literary analysis and research; the origin and growth of the writing; the theology; and notes on reception history. This book will provide students with everything they need to study the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.

Review Quotes

"The reader is given an overview of current scholarly views about the individual books of the Old Testament...and about current scholarly understanding of Israel's history, religion and Old Testament theology... I will order this book for our university library, as there is material in it which should be available for students to consult." --Walter Moberly, Durham University, Reviews in Religion and Theology

"The English tradition of the 'Introduction to the Old Testament' has tended towards the short and sweet: while this has had the advantage of rendering the volumes affordable and non-intimidating, it has also frequently resulted in the need to refer students and the interested public to more than one 'Introduction', each with a different approach, in order to gain an adequate sense of the discipline. Entering the scene from the much more robust Germanic tradition, the heavyweight Handbook obviates much of the need for more than one such volume and, despite its size, manages to remain affordable, for which the publishers are to be commended." --C. L. Crouch, University of Nottingham, Theology

"This is not a book for beginners: there is much careful, involved, scholarly discussion; but it is an excellent presentation of both the history and the current state of the historical-critical method of biblical study." --Ann Conway-Jones, University of Birmingham, UK, Theological Book Review

"This is a convenient one-stop shop overview ... and as such is quite a gift to the scholarly community ... It will orientate the reader rapidly on topic after topic." --The Heythrop Journal

"'This balanced, comprehensive and detailed introduction now sets the standard for any textbook aiming to represent the worldwide state of scholarship on the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. The authors provide a clear and accessible entry to critical scholarship on both biblical texts and the history and religion of Israel. This volume is belongs in the libraries of all with special interest in the Old Testament, from advanced students to senior scholars.' - David Carr, Union Theological Seminary in New York, USA" --David Carr

"'Students look for the reliable and readable "introduction" to the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible - but not only students: scholars often find them useful for a quick reference and as a way of updating their knowledge in areas outside their immediate specialty. This volume will well meet the needs of both groups. Unlike some older introductions, it is not confined to the literature. The authors include chapters on archaeology, epigraphy and iconography, which are often neglected in general introductions. All in all, this will be a very useful volume on the shelves of both scholars and students.' - Professor Emeritus, Lester L. Grabbe, University of Hull, UK" --Lester L. Grabbe

"'A highly informative, thorough, and up-to-date introduction to the Hebrew scriptures. The authors provide helpful insights into the worlds of the ancient Israelites and their modern interpreters.' - Gary N. Knoppers, Penn State University, USA" --Gary N. Knoppers

"'This is a welcome resource for students and scholars alike. The authors organize the book in four areas: Sources and Methods; History and Religion; Literature; and Theology. They maintain a broad lens throughout the volume that ranges from ancient Near Eastern texts and iconography to emerging ideological readings of the Hebrew Bible, while providing a summary of each book of the Hebrew Bible, its literary context, history of interpretation, reception, and meaning. The result is a snapshot by leading researchers of the rapidly changing field of Old Testament study, which enables the book to be a resource for a wide range of classes on the Hebrew Bible.' - Thomas B. Dozeman, United Theological Seminary, USA" --Thomas B. Dozeman

"'This textbook by colleagues Gertz, Schmid, Berlejung and Witte provides the best possible access for English readers to current European scholarship in the field of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. Their collaboration ensures coverage of diverse fields by experts. The treatment of various positions is balanced and up-to-date. A valuable resource.' - Bernard M. Levinson, University of Minnesota, USA" --Bernard M. Levinson

About the Author

Jan Christian Gertz is Professor of Old Testament at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Angelika Berlejung is Professor of Old Testament at the University of Leipzig, Germany and Professor for Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.