Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives

Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives introduces readers to narrative traditions of the Old Testament and to methods of interpreting them. Part of the Essentials of Biblical Studies series, this volume presents readers with an overview of exegesis by mainly focusing on a self-contained narrative to be read alongside the text. Through sustained interaction with the book of Ruth, readers have opportunities to engage a biblical book from multiple perspectives, whiletaking note of the wider implications of such perspectives for other biblical narratives. Other select texts from Hebrew Bible narratives, related by theme or content to matters in Ruth, are also examined, not only to assist in illustrating this method of approach, but also to offer reinforcement of readingskills and connections among different narrative traditions. Considering literary analysis, words and texts in context, and reception history, this brief introduction gives students an overview of how exegesis illuminates stories in the Bible.

provides a helpful paradigm for approaching Hebrew narratives ... By bringing these three viewpoints to bear on the text, the reader uncovers the richness of the biblical narrative., Dearman offers students a rich experience of reading and interpreting texts as literary products of specific historical cultures., The four sections and eleven chapters of Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives offer readers multiple vantage points or ways to "see" the stories of the biblical text. ... [The Book] contains a sampling of different types of narratives, attends to the importance of semantics and the meaning of ancient words, and is highly accessible for a non-scholarly audience., uses an informal, easy-to-read writing style that is accessible to a broad audience, An important and helpful introduction to the ever-interesting narrativity of the Hebrew Scriptures. Examples from Genesis, Ruth, Judges, 2 Samuel 7, and 1 Kings 21, and others richly illustrate the distinctive features of Hebrew narratives and demonstrate their contribution to the overall message of the Bible. Professor Dearman brings his impressive knowledge of the subject to bear in an easy-to-read and appealing presentation that will find a home on our desks, bookshelves, and classrooms for many years to come.

J. Andrew Dearman has served as a professor both in the USA and abroad for 35 years. He has worked on archaeological projects in Israel and Jordan, and consulted on multiple Bible translation projects.