Biblical Text and Texture: A Literary Reading Of Selected Texts - Softcover

Fishbane, Michael A

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851681515 ISBN 13: 9781851681518

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 1998

Synopsis

The bible remains one of the major literary achievements of human history, comprising over 60 documents, with as many contributors, and composed over many centuries. In this book, Michael Fishbane approaches the Hebrew Bible from a literary point of view. He demonstrates how, just as orators use particular techniques such as repetition and pause to convey their message in the way they require, the Hebrew Bible authors used a range of literary devices to communicate a religious message applicable to particular historical moments, each with their own political, moral and theological contexts.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Fishbane is Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Chicago, and Chair of the Committee on Jewish Studies. He has authored and edited more than fifteen books.

From the Back Cover

In this book, Michael Fishbane explores the Hebrew Bible from a literary point of view, demonstrating how stylistic devices, such as narrative structures and the repetition of theme words, give the text special texture, generating additional layers of meaning. He analyses how the many composers, revisers and arrangers who contributed to the Hebrew Bible used these literary conventions to communicate their religious message more effectively, each for their own historical, political and theological content.

Central to this study is an exploration of key texts representing the use of three literary elements in the Bible:

• narrative texts, which are examined both as independent entities and as units within larger literary cycles
• direct speech, such as sermons, prayers and speeches
• themes and motifs, including the Creation, sacred space and exodus.

In this comprehensive yet accessible analysis, Fishbane considers the overall framework of the Hebrew Bible and explores how textures and structures are used to create literary and spiritual unity. His study offers a unique perspective on the inner meanings of the biblical text for students, scholars and laypersons alike.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1851681515
• ISBN 13: 9781851681518
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 172