The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, Volume 2: Expansions of the "Old Testament" and Legends, Wisdom and Philosophical Literature, Prayers, Psalms and Odes, Fragments of Lost Judeo-Hellenistic Works by James H. Charlesworth

The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library

by James H. Charlesworth

Expansions of the " Old Testament" and legends, wisdom and philosophical literature, prayers, psalms and odes, and fragments of lost Judeo-Hellenistic works.

Genres: Religion, Reference, Biblical Studies, Theology, Christianity, Judaism, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published August 27, 1985

Reviews

[Shane Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 reads: 44

Rating: 5 stars

[Lukerik · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking to read the books that didn’t make it into the Old Testament then this (and presumably volume one which I am yet to read) is the book for you. There’s an earlier version edited by a chap called R. H. Charles. You’ll find it knocking about on the internet for free if you don’t mind an ebook, but honestly, it’s worth shelling out for this version. It has more texts, translates better texts, and the critical apparatus is beyond compare.

As the editor says, this is a collection not of what is good, but of what survives. The first two texts exemplify this perfectly. Jubilees is a piece of writing that I’m sure no-one can deny the power of. Monumental and memorable. If you’ve read the Torah then you’re ready to go on it. I’ve been dipping into this volume over the last eighteen months and it still stands there in my memory. Whereas the Letter of Aristeas is pedantic and childish. But it is interesting for the window it opens into the Hellenistic age and the way that the Jews thought about themselves at that time. I’m sure Charlesworth put it up there at the start to test the resolve of his readers.

The lowest point of the volume would perhaps be Jannes and Jambres. So fragmentary as to be unappreciable as a reader, yet the notes are so interesting and illuminating I’d recommend it. And this holds true for everything in here: even if it’s not to your taste as literature, if you’ve read the Old Testament and have an interest in this obscure hill-tribe and how they fared under the Hellenes, you’ll love this book. There’s a lot which does have literary merit and you can dip in and out as you wish. I started here at volume two simply because, glancing though the contents pages, it looked like the texts in this volume had been interfered with less by the Christians. But that’s just my personal area of interest. You can start and finish where you will.

[Tommy Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too obscure for the pub quiz, too unorthodox for church, just right for a syncretistic account of the millenia leading up to the current era.
Many of the writings are bang on the money spot between the temple mysteries, Hesiod and Jesus.
A colossal and scholarly work, I hope you like footnotes.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second half of the collection of mostly Jewish pseudepigraphal literature, featuring expansions of the Old Testament stories, legends regarding Biblical characters, wisdom literature, prayers and psalms, as well as fragments of Judeo-Hellenistic works. Notable texts include the Letter of Aristeas, Jubilees, Martyrdom/Ascension of Isaiah, Joseph and Aseneth, Jannes and Jambres, Ahiqar, and Psalms and Odes of Solomon.

The introductions for each text are most valuable, explaining what is known about the text, its provenance, purpose, and importance. Many texts are replete with notes on the condition of the text, translation choices, and other details.

Yet, as before, so again: the collection can be a bit uneven. Sometimes the translators have an argument to make in regards to the text and that is more illuminated than the text itself.

Nevertheless, this continues to remain a most crucial work for investigation in to early Jewish literature.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the standard 2 vol. collection of translated OT Pseudepigrapha. The introductions are helpful, but perhaps dated by now. This collection does not contain editions of the ancient texts, but the bibliographies are helpful in locating the relevant editions and important bibliographic items. This is essentially required reading for scholars of ancient Judaism and Christianity, and scholars in these fields should know about the materials contained in these two volumes. Interested non-academics will likely find the texts interesting, strange and fun.

Additionally, people of faith might be interested to read these texts that were considered sacred texts by Jews and Christians in antiquity. It could give one a new perspective on the philosophy and beliefs of one's own tradition.

[Sarah Pangloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most outstanding lamentation from the OTP is the "Prayer of Manasseh", in which the author attributes anthropomorphic qualities to his beseeching heart. "Oh my God, I come to Thee with the knees of my heart bent.." In my opinion, this is the most sincere penitential prayer ever composed from the early Jewish writings.

[Craig Bolton]

"The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, Volume 2: Expansions of the ""Old Testament"" and Legends, Wisdom and Philosophical Literature, Prayers, Psalms and Odes, ... (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library) by James H. Charlesworth (1985)"

[Dmcconkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resource book - 2nd volume of the set. Excellent for studies of the 2nd Temple period for background information & insight

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comment applies to volumes 1 and 2. This is an excellent translation, and the notes are informative. I highly recommend this particular set to one's personal library.

[Frans Vermeiren · Rating 5 out of 5]

See volume 1

[Guillaume Bourin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the helpful introductions and essays