Sinning in the Hebrew Bible

Stories of rape, murder, adultery, and conquest raise crucial issues in the Hebrew Bible, and their interpretation helps societies form their religious and moral beliefs. From the sacrifice of Isaac to the adultery of David, narratives of sin engender vivid analysis and debate, powering the myths that form the basis of the religious covenant, or the relationship between a people and their God. Rereading these stories in their different forms and varying contexts, Alan F. Segal demonstrates the significance of sinning throughout history and today. Drawing on literary and historical theory, as well as research in the social sciences, he explores the motivation for creating sin stories, their prevalence in the Hebrew Bible, and their possible meaning to Israelite readers and listeners. After introducing the basics of his approach and outlining several hermeneutical concepts, Segal conducts seven linked studies of specific narratives, using character and text to clarify problematic terms such as "myth," "typology," and "orality."Following the reappearance and reinterpretation of these narratives in later compositions, he proves their lasting power in the mythology of Israel and the encapsulation of universal, perennially relevant themes. Segal ultimately positions the Hebrew Bible as a foundational moral text and a history book, offering uncommon insights into the dating of biblical events and the intentions of biblical authors.

Alan F. Segal's approach to myth is very illuminating for the 'The Worst, Most Awful Stories of the Bible.' To see how these stories reflect (and attempt to resolve) contradictions-moral, social, and gender-is salutary and fresh. Segal was one of our finest thinkers about the legacy of ancient Judaism for modern thought. This book, his last contribution, is wise and moving. -- Ronald Hendel, University of California, Berkeley ...a book rich in information for intelligent nonspecialists, written in an accessible style that doesn't scrimp on complicated or challenging matters. Publishers Weekly His book's greatest value lies in forcing contemporary readers to grapple with biblical stories that some would prefer to ignore. -- Michael Carasik H-Judaic insightful, lucid observations Choice Professor Segal's writing is easily accessible and can be read as a modern commentary to the Bible providing us with new insights for thought and interpretation. -- Barbara Andrews Jewish Book Council Online A gracefully written introduction to the narrative contents of the Hebrew Bible... A clear, engaging, yet slightly offbeat survey of our knowledge of Israelite history and literature since the work of Albrecht Alt, Martin Noth and William Foxwell Albright. Biblical Archaeology Review

Alan F. Segal (1945-2011) was professor of religion and Ingeborg Rennert Professor of Jewish Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. He taught two of the college's most popular courses: "Life After Death" and "Introduction to the Hebrew Bible." He was the author of a number of books, including Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion, Paul the Convert: The Apostolate and Apostasy of Saul of Pharisee, and Rebecca's Children: Judaism and Christianity in the Roman World.