AB 25A: Zephaniah

A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary.
With keen insight and lucid analysis, Adele Berlin brings the dramatic words of the great
prophet Zaphaniah to life. Living under the tumultuous reign of King Josiah of
Judah (640-609 BCE), Zephaniah predicted the final day of judgment when God
would come to the fate of Israel and other nations. The book of Zephaniah is
composed as a charged dialogue between God and the prophet. As their
conversation unfolds, we learn of the doomed destiny which are indifferent to
the Lord's power and of humans who have become too enthralled worldly riches.
As piercing as any modern day social critic, Zephaniah proclaims salvation only
for those who lead a life of simplicity, faith, and humility. The new
translation by Adele Berlin, a literary as well as biblical scholar, celebrates
the vivid and powerful language of this ancient poet. In staccato exclamations,
elevated rhetoric, and a rich tapestry of metaphors and similes, Zephaniah
paints a world beset by corruption, idolatry, and war. Berlin's contemporary
commentary illuminates not only the beauty of Zephaniah's poetry, but also the
political meaning behind his anguished verse For the biblical scholar, Berlin
draws vital between Zephaniah's references and the rest of the Hebrew Bible.
For general readers, Berlin's accessible Zephaniah is an invitation to
explore the political and socially turbulent times of this ancient prophet's
world. (= 0385266316 / 9780385266314)
'Zephaniah has left us a
sophisticated Hebrew text. It is fortunate, therefore that the distinguished
biblical scholar Adele Berlin is there to guide us through it. Her translation
is appealing, her explanations are lucid, her resolutions of cruxes are
convincing, her introduction is authoritative and informative. This is an
excellent commentary that is heartily recommended [...] a worthy addition to
the Anchor Bible series.' - Jack M. Sasson
'Berlin is known as
an exceptional practitioner of the literary method, and she does not disappoint
us in this commentary, which shows great sensitivity to such issues as
intertextuality. She also helpfully discusses text, semantics, historical
issues, and theological message.' - Tremper Longman
Series: Anchor Yale Bible Commentary, volume 25A.
Recommended € 59,90