Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

An up to date and readable survey of Old Testament (and apocryphal) scholarship from the standpoint of modern criticism. [Full Review]

Biblical research, especially on the Torah and the Prophets, has been confronted with major changes and challenges since the last three decades, so that a new Introduction to the Hebrew Bible is most welcome. Students are indeed often disoriented in the jungle of the present scholarly discussion. Professor Collins deserves all the more admiration for his effort to produce this introduction in spite of the challenging task of an individual scholar keeping in touch with all aspects of the debate. In spite of the title of this book, Collins actually deals with the Greek Bible, since he also presents the so-called deuterocanonical books . The organization of the major parts of the book almost conforms to the threefold organization of the Hebrew Bible. The only difference is that the Prophets are split into two parts: Deuteronomistic History (th e Former Prophets) and Prophets (the Latter Pro phets). However, the order of the biblical books discussed is somewhat puzzling. The book of Jonah appears in the Writings together with Ruth, Esther, Tobit, and Judith, whereas Lamentations figures under prophecy (together with Jeremiah, who is traditionally regarded as his author). Collins apparently tries a compromise between the canonical order and a historical presentation (especially in the case of the prophetic books, which are organized according to the supposed date of the prophet). Since the Introduction ends with Ben Sira, Wisdom of Solomon, and Baruch and starts with Genesis, the reader might be compelled to draw the (wrong) conclusion that Genesis is the oldest book of the Hebrew Bible. [Full Review]

John Collins is a recognized authority in Second Temple Judaism, and he brings his expertise to the task of producing a historical-critical introduction to the Hebrew Bible for those who are beginning serious study rather than for experts. The introduction (120) discu sses some preliminary issues regarding the canon, the transmission of the texts, the Bible and history, chronology, and the methods of biblical study. The bulk of the volume is then divided into four parts that basically follow the division and canonical order of the Hebrew Bible: the Torah/Pentateuch, the Deuteronomistic History, Prophecy, and the Writings. Every book of the Hebrew Bible is discussed separately, though the deuterocanonical books are included as well. This writer has no particular objection to the inclusion of the books that are considered Scripture by Roman Catholics, but Collins never offers any justification for including them in an introduction to the Hebrew Bible. In most cases each chapter is devoted to a book or a number of books, but there are exceptions. The first chapter in part 1 (2545) provides an overview of the history and religion in the ancient Near Eastern context; the second chapter (4764) outlines the Documentary Hy pothesis; and there are a few instances where a chapter covers a particular portion of Scripture (e.g., the primeval history, the division of the kingdom, and Isa 4066). There is also a brief concluding chapter (599604) that discusses the formation of the canon and a glossary of terms (60713). [Full Review]