Between the Testaments

by David Syme Russell

In most Bibles the period between the Old and the New Testaments is represented by a single blank page which, perhaps, has symbolic significance. 'From Malachi to Matthew' has for long remained vague and unfamiliar to many readers of the Scriptures. Many mysteries remain, but in recent times much light has been cast on this whole period. Exciting new insights have been provided by the writings of numbers of scholars and by some remarkable archaeological discoveries. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls caught the popular imagination and engaged the attention of worldwide scholarship. In this small volume an attempt is made to review these years in the light of recent study and discoveries and in particular to assess the religious contribution made by that rather strange company of men known as 'the apocalyptists'. The purpose of this book is selective rather than exhaustive, indicating the part which the apocalyptists had to play within the religious development of Judaism and in the preparation of men's minds for the coming of Christianity.

Genres: History, Biblical Studies, Religion

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1960

About the author

Rev Dr David Syme Russell CBE (1916–2010) was a distinguished theologian and author, former Principal of Rawdon College, Leeds, and General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

His is often credited on books as D.S. Russell.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sudden eruption of Christianity from Judaism is inexplicable when considering only the Protestant Bible. From nowhere burst the Trinity, Satan as a rebel, and an obsession with the afterlife. But Christianity’s birth is less miraculous than it seems, and Between the Testaments demonstrates the birds and the bees. A short review of Jewish history, material and cultural, establishes the background for the rise of Christianity. Scholarly without being cerebral, D.T. Russell’s survey draws on Josephus’ History as well as Jewish writings not collected in Judaism's official canon. Russell’s review includes a history of cultural conflict between the Jews and Hellenism, an outline of the Jewish sects that developed within that conflict (Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, etc), and a review of the Jewish works aforementioned. Of particular interest to me was the influence of Zoroastrian dualism and the Apocalyptic tradition, which established the yearning for a Messiah who would conclude the raging battle between good and evil with a decisive victory for the Good. Even if Christians choose to regard the deuterocanonicals as 'less' than inspired, the extent to which they are quoted by New Testament authors begs consideration. In addition, Russell's history covers Judaism's shift from focus on the Temple to focus on the Torah; thus here we see not only the metaphysical framework that Christianity will eventually build on, but the origin of contemporary Judaism, a liturgical religion led by rabbis instead of a ritual one led by priests. Between the Testaments is particularly strong as a reference source because it's more of a review than a presented argument. The facts are given, and conclusions left to the reader's drawing.

[Vince Eccles · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was useful, but it focused on giving a survey of surveys. It was a little to shallow on any one topic to be a good choice for this topic. Joseph Piefer's "Between the Testaments" is much better. D. S. Russell does give a brief survey of the non-canonical literature generated during this period. That was the useful part, but again it was a brief review of the history between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives the reader an understanding of the religious/sociological atmosphere Jesus was born in to. For instance, why his people were expecting a political savior instead of a spiritual one.

[Nancy Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reasonably readable for its dense (but compact) history. Helpful insights to the inter-testamental period and its influence on New Testament understanding.