Overview
This book surveys the current landscape of Old Testament studies, offering readers a concise guide to contemporary academic discussions.
Bringing together a diverse group of experts, The State of Old Testament Studies provides an informed introduction to the many fields of Old Testament research by recognized scholars, presents basic questions in each subfield, surveys the primary methods of answering these questions, engages prominent solutions, and cites relevant and up-to-date resources. It is an extensive guide to current research and an ideal supplemental textbook for a variety of courses on the Old Testament.
Bringing together a diverse group of experts, The State of Old Testament Studies provides an informed introduction to the many fields of Old Testament research by recognized scholars, presents basic questions in each subfield, surveys the primary methods of answering these questions, engages prominent solutions, and cites relevant and up-to-date resources. It is an extensive guide to current research and an ideal supplemental textbook for a variety of courses on the Old Testament.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Ancient Linguistic and Cultural Contexts
1. Language and Text of the Hebrew Bible H. H. Hardy II and Christopher J. Fresch
2. Ancient Versions and Textual Criticism of the Old Testament Eric J. Tully
3. Qumran and the Scrolls from the Judean Desert Drew Longacre
4. Archaeology and History: Late Bronze Age-Iron Age I Ralph K. Hawkins
5. Archaeology and History: Iron Age II Cynthia Shafer-Elliott and Deirdre N. Fulton
6. Archaeology and History: Neo-Babylonian and Persian Periods Jason M. Silverman
7. Archaeology and History: Hellenistic Period Jordan J. Ryan
8. Archaeology and Israelite Religions Richard S. Hess
9. Biblical Iconography Brent A. Strawn
10. Israelite Prophecy in Its Ancient Near Eastern Context John W. Hilber
Part 2: Old Testament Scripture
11. Old Testament Canons Stephen G. Dempster
12. The Pentateuch Samuel L. Boyd
13. Joshua, Judges, and Ruth David T. Lamb
14. Samuel-Kings Rachelle Gilmour
15. Chronicles Kenneth Ristau
16. Ezra-Nehemiah and Esther Aubrey E. Buster
17. The Psalms Jamie A. Grant
18. Wisdom Literature Will Kynes
19. Prophetic Literature: Major Prophets Brad E. Kelle
20. Prophetic Literature: Minor Prophets Daniel C. Timmer
21. Apocalyptic Literature Stephen L. Cook
Part 3: Interpretive Approaches
22. Studies of Ideology Mark G. Brett
23. Environmental Approaches Sandra Richter
24. Old Testament Ethics M. Daniel Carroll R.
25. Gender and Sexuality Katherine Davis
26. Inner-Biblical Exegesis Katharine J. Dell
27. Literary Approaches Tremper Longman III
28. Migration Studies C. A. Strine
29. Reading in Context Bo H. Lim
30. Social-Scientific Approaches Matthew J. M. Coomber
31. Theological Interpretation Heath A. Thomas
32. Old Testament Theology Stephen B. Chapman
Indexes
1. Language and Text of the Hebrew Bible H. H. Hardy II and Christopher J. Fresch
2. Ancient Versions and Textual Criticism of the Old Testament Eric J. Tully
3. Qumran and the Scrolls from the Judean Desert Drew Longacre
4. Archaeology and History: Late Bronze Age-Iron Age I Ralph K. Hawkins
5. Archaeology and History: Iron Age II Cynthia Shafer-Elliott and Deirdre N. Fulton
6. Archaeology and History: Neo-Babylonian and Persian Periods Jason M. Silverman
7. Archaeology and History: Hellenistic Period Jordan J. Ryan
8. Archaeology and Israelite Religions Richard S. Hess
9. Biblical Iconography Brent A. Strawn
10. Israelite Prophecy in Its Ancient Near Eastern Context John W. Hilber
Part 2: Old Testament Scripture
11. Old Testament Canons Stephen G. Dempster
12. The Pentateuch Samuel L. Boyd
13. Joshua, Judges, and Ruth David T. Lamb
14. Samuel-Kings Rachelle Gilmour
15. Chronicles Kenneth Ristau
16. Ezra-Nehemiah and Esther Aubrey E. Buster
17. The Psalms Jamie A. Grant
18. Wisdom Literature Will Kynes
19. Prophetic Literature: Major Prophets Brad E. Kelle
20. Prophetic Literature: Minor Prophets Daniel C. Timmer
21. Apocalyptic Literature Stephen L. Cook
Part 3: Interpretive Approaches
22. Studies of Ideology Mark G. Brett
23. Environmental Approaches Sandra Richter
24. Old Testament Ethics M. Daniel Carroll R.
25. Gender and Sexuality Katherine Davis
26. Inner-Biblical Exegesis Katharine J. Dell
27. Literary Approaches Tremper Longman III
28. Migration Studies C. A. Strine
29. Reading in Context Bo H. Lim
30. Social-Scientific Approaches Matthew J. M. Coomber
31. Theological Interpretation Heath A. Thomas
32. Old Testament Theology Stephen B. Chapman
Indexes
Endorsements
“With so many varied approaches, the study of the Old Testament has become enormously complex in recent decades, and it is a challenge to see one’s way through the thicket. This collection is a clear and reliable guide for navigating an intricate and fascinating landscape. Hardy and Carroll do a service to all who seek to understand the state of Old Testament studies in these days.”
Jacqueline E. Lapsley, president, Union Presbyterian Seminary
“The State of Old Testament Studies features cutting-edge essays by leading scholars delving into intriguing issues in the field. This thorough volume unites diverse contemporary perspectives, making it an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of biblical studies. Whether you’re a student, scholar, or simply curious about the latest insights, this book promises to deepen your understanding of academic discourse on Old Testament studies and related fields.”
Dominick S. Hernández, associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics and director de Talbot en Español, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“Our discipline needs these periodic updates to survey and evaluate developments of the last few decades. Hardy and Carroll are to be congratulated on recruiting and inspiring an impressive list of contributors. This volume is a worthy successor to its predecessors, not only updating earlier iterations of the genre but also engaging new topics and research agendas.”
Bill T. Arnold, Asbury Theological Seminary
“Do you want to know what Old Testament scholars are talking about to one another nowadays? It’s a very different conversation from the one twenty-five years ago, and the conversation in another twenty-five-years’ time will be different again. But this is a brilliant book to enable you to listen in on the conversation now, and perhaps join in.”
John Goldingay, senior professor emeritus of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Informed, contemporary, accessible—this wonderful collection of essays orients readers to current trends in Old Testament study and provides guidance on how to take this research further. This volume is an essential addition to reading lists everywhere.”
David G. Firth, Trinity College Bristol
“What a wonderful thing for scholars and students alike to pick up a resource and know exactly where to begin because an incredible team of trusted scholars has recounted the current state of play! I highly commend the content of this volume for its utility and the posture of its authors in modeling hospitable academic discourse. A must-read for all those in or interested in the field of Old Testament studies.”
Brittany N. Melton, Regent College, Vancouver
“The State of Old Testament Studies is now required reading not only for those entering this contemporary field of research but also for those wanting to ensure that they are up to speed on the latest developments. Its coverage is thorough, providing an overview of the state of the guild, with attention to the historical, literary, and hermeneutical dimensions of biblical interpretation. Be prepared for new insights into how the riches of the Old Testament can be assessed and accessed. An essential resource.”
Mark J. Boda, McMaster Divinity College