The Pentateuch (The Oxford Bible Commentary) - Softcover

Barton, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199580243 ISBN 13: 9780199580248

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, 2010

Synopsis

The Oxford Bible Commentary is a Bible study and reference work for 21st century students and readers that can be read with any modern translation of the Bible. It offers verse-by-verse explanation of every book of the Bible by the world's leading biblical scholars. From its inception, OBC has been designed as a completely non-denominational commentary, carefully written and edited to provide the best scholarship in a readable style for readers from all different faith backgrounds. It uses the traditional historical-critical method to search for the original meaning of the texts, but also brings in new perspectives and insights - literary, sociological, and cultural - to bring out the expanding meanings of these ancient writings and stimulate new discussion and further enquiry.

Newly issued in a series of part volumes, the OBC is now available in an affordable and portable format for the study of specific sections of the Bible. The Pentateuch, or Torah ('the law'), comprises the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Commentaries are preceeded by introductions to the Old Testament and to the Pentateuch as a whole.

About this title

Review

Review from previous edition What is new is the assurance that there is a body of sound learning on which one may base one's prayer or sermon or reflection, that is not out to destroy faith nor to bolster any one expression of it. (New Directions, vol. 4, no. 78)

With its clear typeface and pleasing layout, fairly up-to-date bibliography, well-designed maps and array of distinguished contributors, this is in deed a commentary for the twenty-first century. (Gabriel Josipovici, Times Literary Supplement, 21 December 2001)

For the "novice", this work is a treasure trove. Expert scholars will likewise find much of interest, particularly in areas other than their own specialities. (Louvain Studies)

This book should be a helpful guide to the general reader, for whom it is intended, and it should certainly find a place in every library with any interest in the Bible. (Journal of Theological Studies)

The Oxford Bible Commentary can be recommended as an up-to-date, vast treasury of biblical knowledge. (International Review of Biblical Studies)

Like the best of its kind, it draws on a broad spectrum of critical scholarship to provide an authoritative guide to reading the books of the Bible and is likely to dominate this section of the market for a long time to come ... a milestone in biblical scholarship. The editors deserve our thanks and congratulations - and a wide readership. (The Expository Times)

The emphasis is on reading and understanding the books of the Bible. It puts the resources of scholarship at the disposal of a wide readership - not simply the academic specialists but a range of readers with widely differing interests and concerns. Students will derive excellent guidance from it. Those who have primarily an interest in the Bible as literature will find it a source of new insights. Preachers, teachers and pastors who recognize the essential link today between scholarship and exposition, will find it enormously helpful. (The Expository Times)

Excellent model of what the finest reference books should be ... It is written for a wide readership and is expressed clearly without jargon or obscurity, and should prove invaluable not only to the priest and the student, but to the ordinary person in the pew ... will be invaluable for any religious or specialist library. (The Irish Catholic)

This rich, far-reaching commentary ... is warmly recommended ... Generous coverage of the full gamut of critical and postcritical approaches characterizes the many fine introductory essays, and sensitive attention to theological and literary insights find ample space in the book-by-book commentries that also do full justice to "traditional" scholarly concerns. (Choice)

For its comprehensiveness, diversity and liveliness, it is a valuable and exciting resource. It deserves and richly rewards careful attention. (Theology Journal)

About the Author

John Barton is Oriel and Laing Professor of the interpretation of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford. Dr. John Muddiman is G. B. Caird Fellow in New Testament Studies at Mansfield College, University of Oxford.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199580243
• ISBN 13: 9780199580248
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240