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A fascinating commentary on the books from Joshua to 2 Kings, emphasising their strengths as narrative literature and their significance for the modern world.
The Former Prophets of the Hebrew Bible includes the books of Joshua through 2 Kings; it is a narrative of ancient Israel's history of some seven hundred years from the 'conquest' of Canaan to the exile, when Israel lost the land. Thomas Mann adopts a critical perspective and incorporates many distinct literary sources from different times into his work. The result is a compelling example of ancient historiography as well as an impressive artistic achievement. The book contains fascinating (and often horrifying) stories of war, religious fanaticism, terror, and disaster, as well as stories of deep personal loyalty, friendship, and faith. Finally, in a deeply thoughtful and constructive way, The Former Prophets addresses perennial questions like, amongst others, 'What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human political institutions?' or 'In what sense are historical events the result of human acts and also of divine Providence?'
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The Former Prophets of the Hebrew Bible includes the books of Joshua through 2 Kings; it is a narrative of ancient Israel's history of some seven hundred years from the 'conquest' of Canaan to the exile, when Israel lost the land. Thomas Mann adopts a critical perspective and incorporates many distinct literary sources from different times into his work. The result is a compelling example of ancient historiography as well as an impressive artistic achievement. The book contains fascinating (and often horrifying) stories of war, religious fanaticism, terror, and disaster, as well as stories of deep personal loyalty, friendship, and faith. Finally, in a deeply thoughtful and constructive way, The Former Prophets addresses perennial questions like, amongst others, 'What is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human political institutions?' or 'In what sense are historical events the result of human acts and also of divine Providence?'
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Price: $49.95
Pages: 456
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: James Clarke
Publication Date:
27 September 2012
Trim Size: 9.02 X 6.02 in
ISBN: 9780227680100
Format: Paperback
Having retold the first part of the Bible's story of ancient Israel in his acclaimed The Book of the Torah, Thomas Mann now presents the second half with critical and theological acumen. The difficult themes and pictures are not glossed over, but Mann's rich interpretive retelling opens up avenues into a contemporary appropriation of this story, on which, for better or for worse, the Christian community is grounded.
— Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary, Emeritus
An amazing achievement. Lucidly, with illuminating parallels from modern times, Mann guides us superbly through vast terrain. He keeps the big picture always in view, yet has an unerring eye for the telling detail. He concisely explains disparate sources and historical background. But always the story, with its rich cast of characters, takes pride of place. We see complexities and ambiguities in narratives fraught with violence and we confront the challenges they present today's reader. The final chapter, deeply thoughtful, critical, and constructive, lays out paths to better understand this great theological history as a work of theodicy, the struggle to comprehend God's ways in a calamitous world. In Mann's book, the ancient work has an excellent modern companion.
— David M. Gunn, Texas Christian University
Mann's volume will serve well for a college course in the historical books ...
— Trent C. Butler
The book aims for a fairly broad readership, though it will perhaps be most suited to seminary courses where these books are taught. ... provides rich material with which others will need to engage ...
— David G. Firth
— Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary, Emeritus
An amazing achievement. Lucidly, with illuminating parallels from modern times, Mann guides us superbly through vast terrain. He keeps the big picture always in view, yet has an unerring eye for the telling detail. He concisely explains disparate sources and historical background. But always the story, with its rich cast of characters, takes pride of place. We see complexities and ambiguities in narratives fraught with violence and we confront the challenges they present today's reader. The final chapter, deeply thoughtful, critical, and constructive, lays out paths to better understand this great theological history as a work of theodicy, the struggle to comprehend God's ways in a calamitous world. In Mann's book, the ancient work has an excellent modern companion.
— David M. Gunn, Texas Christian University
Mann's volume will serve well for a college course in the historical books ...
— Trent C. Butler
The book aims for a fairly broad readership, though it will perhaps be most suited to seminary courses where these books are taught. ... provides rich material with which others will need to engage ...
— David G. Firth
List of Excursuses
List of Figures
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 Joshua
2 Judges
3 Ruth
4 1 Samuel
5 2 Samuel
6 1 Kings
7 2 Kings
Summary and Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Scripture Index
List of Figures
Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 Joshua
2 Judges
3 Ruth
4 1 Samuel
5 2 Samuel
6 1 Kings
7 2 Kings
Summary and Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Scripture Index