Reading the Historical Books

A Student's Guide to Engaging the Biblical Text.

Biblical history can be some of the most difficult material for beginning
students to grasp. The conventions of contemporary history writing are quite
different from those of ancient Israelite writers. Here a master teacher offers
basic orientation to the genre and conventions of the Old Testament historical
books, helping students become careful and attentive readers.

Written in an accessible style with many ancient and contemporary examples,
this book introduces students to some of the phenomena they will encounter in
the historical books and provides strategies for understanding their
significance. The goal is to make further reading and study of Scripture more
informed and sensitive. Sidebars, discussion questions, and further reading
suggestions are included.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
1. Discovering the Context of the Text
2. Listening to the Story in the Text
3. Discerning the Interests of the Text
4. Examining History in the Text
5. Examining the Shape of History in the Text
Conclusion: Toward a Definition of Biblical Historiography
Indexes

Somebody once famously wrote, 'The past is a foreign country: they do " things differently there.' For those coming to serious study of the Bible for
the first time, there cannot be any more important lesson than to understand
how to read the Bible's ancient historical records faithfully on their own
terms. They are not always the same as ours. You will not find a better or more
sympathetic introductory book than this one to point you in the right
direction. - H. G. M. Williamson"

Recommended € 21,90