The Old Testament is a treasure trove of history, culture, and spiritual wisdom. Its texts have shaped the beliefs and practices of countless individuals and communities throughout the centuries. In this book, we will embark on a journey through the text of the Old Testament, exploring its origins and development from the perspectives of the authors and scribes who created it to the modern critical text that we have today. As we delve deeper into the meaning and significance of these ancient texts, we will gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural and religious heritage that they represent. Whether you are a student of theology, a historian, or a pastor or churchgoer who is interested in learning more about this important aspect of human history, this book will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. So, let us begin this journey together and discover the true depth and beauty of the Old Testament.

"THE OLD TESTAMENT: Commentary, Background, & Bible Difficulties - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges - VOLUME I" is an extensive guide that ventures deep into the study of the Old Testament, providing comprehensive commentary, historical and cultural background, and exploration of Bible difficulties for the books of Genesis through Judges. This book begins with a detailed examination of the foundations of the Old Testament, covering a range of topics such as the Inspiration of the Old Testament, archaeology's role in unveiling Biblical history, the significance of chronology, the textual criticism of the Old Testament, and much more. It dissects the origin and evolution of Hebrew manuscripts, the history of Hebrew writing, and how these documents became the Canon of the Old Testament. The book also presents an in-depth study of the Documentary Hypothesis theory and provides a thorough exploration of God's name, debunking common misconceptions. Following the Old Testament studies, the book embarks on a thorough analysis of the first seven books of the Old Testament—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. Each book review commences with the identification of the author, place and time of writing, followed by highlights of the book. A comprehensive commentary for each book is provided, that carefully unpacks the text and context. In addition, each review provides an extensive analysis of the historical and cultural background and sheds light on the Bible difficulties associated with each book, assisting the reader in resolving and understanding these perceived contradictions. Finally, the value of each book is discussed, drawing out the underlying principles for contemporary application. Designed for theologians, scholars, students of the Bible, and anyone with a keen interest in understanding the Old Testament, this guide is a vital resource. It is not merely a commentary but a tool for study, reflection, and deepening faith.

"INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM" serves as an in-depth exploration of the fascinating field of textual criticism and its vital role in the understanding of the Old Testament. This comprehensive guide elucidates the rich history, rigorous methodology, and intricate processes of textual criticism applied to the Hebrew Bible. The book begins by setting the foundation with a meticulous examination of the Hebrew language, its scripts, writing materials, and the transition from scrolls to codices. This context provides readers with an essential backdrop against which to consider the complexities of the Masoretic Text, the Qumran Scrolls, and the Samaritan Text. As readers delve further into this critical text, they will encounter detailed analysis of the Septuagint and other significant ancient translations such as the Aramaic Targums, the Syriac Peshitta, and Jerome's Latin Vulgate. Through this exploration, the book demonstrates how these ancient translations serve as crucial witnesses to the text of the Old Testament. Finally, the book delves into the heart of textual criticism, presenting its goals, the types of textual corruption and changes, and the scholarly methodologies employed to reconstruct the most plausible original text. It explores the complexities and challenges of textual criticism, from reading the apparatus of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, understanding and applying external and internal textual criticism, to the importance and implications of making textual decisions. "INTRODUCTION TO OLD TESTAMENT TEXTUAL CRITICISM" is a masterful work that bridges the gap between academic scholarship and those churchgoers with a deep interest in the integrity and transmission of the Hebrew Bible. It stands as a crucial resource for scholars, students, pastors, and any reader intent on gaining a more nuanced understanding of the Old Testament. With its accessible language, well-structured format, and rich bibliographic references, this book is invaluable in studying the world's most enduring religious texts.

The First Bible of the Church describes of the shape of the Jewish Bible at the time of the New Testament, with a special focus on the significance of the Greek translation, the Septuagint. The Jewish defence of the Septuagint version and its reception into the early Church makes it a representative of the Jewish Bible tradition fully on a par with the Hebrew Bible. This fact is especially important because the Septuagint is extensively used in the New Testament writings, whereby it-and not the Hebrew Bible (the Masoretic text)-is the most obvious candidate for the title of the first Bible of the Church.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.

A prehistory of today's humanities, from ancient Greece to the early twentieth century Many today do not recognize the word, but "philology" was for centuries nearly synonymous with humanistic intellectual life, encompassing not only the study of Greek and Roman literature and the Bible but also all other studies of language and literature, as well as history, culture, art, and more. In short, philology was the queen of the human sciences. How did it become little more than an archaic word? In Philology, the first history of Western humanistic learning as a connected whole ever published in English, James Turner tells the fascinating, forgotten story of how the study of languages and texts led to the modern humanities and the modern university. The humanities today face a crisis of relevance, if not of meaning and purpose. Understanding their common origins—and what they still share—has never been more urgent.