Literary Criticism of the Old Testament

by Norman C. Habel (Editor)

This well-written introduction to the method of literary criticism gives the reader an awareness and appreciation of the rich diversity of thought found in the Old Testament. The student is shown how to identify the elements of structure, style, form, language, and composition in the books of the Old Testament. Norman Habel demonstrates how literacy criticism works with examples which are familiar and well-suited for a beginner's level of study. The literary features of Genesis 1-9 are fully explored, then the author focuses on the importance of the Yahwist and priestly sources for the whole Pentateuch. This book's explanation of techniques used in the process of literary criticism will be valuable to both student and professor.

Genres: Religion, Biblical Studies, Theology, Jewish, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1971

Reviews

[Timothy Klob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to literary criticism. I wish I'd read this before my most recent biblical studies course in seminary. While I write for a living in my current role as an attorney, the tools outlined in this book are extremely helpful for interpreting and writing about scripture, because biblical studies requires an entirely different type of analysis and writing style from legal writing. The writer here distinguishes between the different literary styles in the Old Testament, particularly between the "Priestly Writer" and the "Jahwist Writer" and how the literary forms used vary both within some accounts as well as when two separate accounts are given, and particularly with respect to the first nine chapters of Genesis. This is a very readable and concise book, but it breaks down the various literary styles of the Old Testament while also providing a broad and inspiring overview of salvation history.

[Роман Вашурин · Rating 4 out of 5]

Не хватает каких-то рассуждений о возможной датировке источников и вообще ничего нет про Элохиста. Но книжка тоненькая и скорей вообще брошюрка, так что как совсем первое введение в проблематику почему бы и нет. Обширная библиография вполне позволяет углубиться при желании.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

It maybe an introduction to the subject but it does have clarity. I came away with a better defined understanding of The Priestly Writer and the Yahwist, along with the literary method, the covenants and the two major themes.