Showing papers on "Exegesis published in 2009"

Commentaries on the First Book of Moses, Called Genesis

Abstract: A classic commentary on the Old and New Testaments, complete and unabridged. Written in a clear, lucid style, it combines a profound reverence for the Bible with a rare objectivity in its exegesis.

The Letters of Jerome: Asceticism, Biblical Exegesis, and the Construction of Christian Authority in Late Antiquity

Abstract: Introduction 1. 'The Voice of One Calling in the Desert' 2. A Pope and His Scholar 3. Claiming Marcella 4. Expulsion from Rome 5. The Embattled Ascetic Sage 6. The Exegetical Letters Conclusion Appendices I. Classifying the Letters: A New Taxonomy II. Lost Letters of Jerome III. The Manuscript Tradition

Chapter Eleven. The Holy Trinity

Abstract: This chapter discusses about post-Reformation Reformed doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Petrus van Mastricht's thoughts on this doctrine in structure and content to pursue the main quest of the relationship of exegesis, doctrine, elenctic, and praxis. The examination of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity reveals that Mastricht gives considerably more attention to the social analogy than to the psychological model. The latter depicts the Son and Spirit as the Wisdom and Love of the one God, thus accentuating divine unity. The teaching of the Holy Trinity should lead to the glory of God and a seeking of the communion of the Three Persons. The description of God the Father defined in the exegetical section is further expounded by Mastricht in the doctrinal part in the context of the offices of the divine economy.Keywords: doctrine; exegesis; God; Holy Trinity; Petrus van Mastricht; praxis

The Curse of Ham in the Early Modern Era: The Bible and the Justifications for Slavery

Abstract: Contents: Preface The Bible and slavery The sons of Noah and the estates of Man Gods, giants, and kings Losing Canaan: early modern exegesis of Genesis 9 This heavy curse: popularizing the Curse of Ham Cursed be Ham the Father of Canaan: from myth to reality The self-interpreting Bible Bibliography Index

Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors

Abstract: This substantial revision of a highly successful textbook takes into account the latest advances in methodology and resources For more than two decades, Stuart has been providing a reliable step-by-step guide on how to write an exegetical paper on the Old Testament Now a new generation of students has an indispensable tool for serious biblical study

Angelomorphic pneumatology : Clement of Alexandria and other early Christian witnesses

Abstract: This book discusses the occurrence of angelic imagery in early Christian discourse about the Holy Spirit. Taking as its entry-point Clement of Alexandria's less explored writings, Excerpta ex Theodoto, Eclogae propheticae, and Adumbrationes, it shows that Clement's angelomorphic pneumatology occurs in tandem with spirit christology, within a theological framework still characterized by a binitarian orientation. This complex theological articulation, supported by the exegesis of specific biblical passages (Zech 4: 10; Isa 11 : 2-3; Matt 18:10), reworks Jewish and Christian traditions about the seven first-created angels, and constitutes a relatively widespread phenomenon in early Christianity. Evidence to support this claim is presented in the course of separate studies of Revelation, the Shepherd of Hermas, Justin Martyr, and Aphrahat.

Rembrandt's Faith: Church and Temple in the Dutch Golden Age

Abstract: Covering all the media that Rembrandt worked in throughout his career, "Rembrandt's Faith" is the only art-historical study to address the full breadth of the artist's religious imagery. Rembrandt weighed in on important religious issues of his day and was a close student of the Bible, using traditional approaches based on Saint Paul to employ typology between the Old and New Testaments. He also shared the Dutch propensity to draw analogies between the biblical tales of the 'chosen people' and Dutch society, including commentary on righteous leadership under God's covenant. Rembrandt's close reading of the Bible and biblical commentary by Calvin and other theologians was greatly abetted by the publication, in 1637, of the "Dutch States Bible" translation with notes. He also avidly studied seventeenth-century reconstructions of the Jerusalem Temple and frequently located his biblical narratives in re-creations of these spaces. "Rembrandt's Faith" raises essential questions about the complex relationships among Rembrandt's art, religion, and the theological debates of his time.

What Does it Mean to Read the Bible as A Pentecostal

Abstract: This paper seeks to identify and discuss some of the foundational principles and practices of biblical interpretation within the Pentecostal movement. It begins by pondering the traditional Pentecostal reaction to the Bible and their understanding of the role of Scripture for the Spirit-filled life, arguing that Pentecostals instinctively read the Bible to meet God in the text, interpreting Scripture 'by encounter more than exegesis'. The second half of the essay explores how such a subjectivist, phenomenological model of reading can and does operate, and considers how the very nature of the Bible as a 'generative' and regenerative text invites personal and individual application, noting that the Pentecostal emphasis on community experience serves as a useful rejoinder to any egocentric isolationism and emphasising the importance for Pentecostals of action in response to our reading.

Schools of Qur'anic Exegesis: Genesis and Development

Abstract: Introduction 1. Preamble to Qur'anic Exegesis 2. Exegesis and Hadith 3. The Politics of Exegesis 4. Dichotomy Between Tafsir and Ta'wil 5. Evolution of Exegesis 6. The Formative Schools of Exegesis 7. Linguistic and Stylistic Tools of Exegesis 8. Jurisprudential Tools of Exegesis 9. Concluding Remarks

Rereading the Story of Abraham, Isaac, and ‘Us’ in Romans 4

Abstract: Interpretations of Rom. 4 have often been subordinated to a single theme from Rom. 3.21-31, such as justification by faith, the inclusion of the Gentiles, or Paul’s demonstration that his gospel is in continuity with the Torah. While there is undeniable merit in these contentions, this article argues that Paul invokes Abraham for multiple purposes in order to answer his interlocutor’s charges against his gospel (Rom. 3.27—4.1). Paul’s argument is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single overarching theme. The second half of the article provides an exegesis of the oft-neglected 4.16-25 and argues that Paul crafts a reading of the Abraham story, a reading which is indebted to his prior Christological commitments, which answers the interlocutor’s question from 4.1 as to how Abraham can be the forefather of both Jews and Gentiles.

The Exegetical Encounter between Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity

Abstract: Preface Edward Kessler Introduction Helen Spurling-Emmanouela Grypeou 'In the Beginning': Rabbinic and Patristic Exegesis on Genesis 1:1 Philip Alexander Adam Alone in Paradise. A Jewish-Christian Exegesis and Its Implications for the History of Asceticism Dmitrij F. Bumazhnov Will and Grace: Aspects of Judaising in Pelagianism in Light of Rabbinic and Patristic Exegesis of Genesis Burton L. Visotzky The Christian and Rabbinic Adam: Genesis Rabbah and Patristic Exegesis of Gen 3:17-19 Hanneke Reuling Critical Gnostic Interpretation of Genesis Gerard P. Luttikhuizen 'Be You a Lyre For Me': Identity or Manipulation in Eden Michael E. Stone What Did Cain Do Wrong? Jewish and Christian Exegesis of Genesis 4:3-6 Robert Hayward Creating Women's Voices: Sarah and Tamar in Some Syriac Narrative Poems Sebastian P. Brock Genesis 15 in Rabbinic and Patristic Interpretation Gunter Stemberger 'And Abraham Had Faith': But In What? Ephrem and the Rabbis on Abraham's and God's Blessings Judith Frishman Abraham's Angels: Jewish and Christian Exegesis of Genesis 18-19 Emmanouela Grypeou and Helen Spurling Keeping it in the Family? Jacob and His Aramean Heritage according to Jewish and Christian Sources Alison Salvesen Early Rabbinic Exegesis of Genesis 38 Stefan C. Reif Origen's View of 'Jewish Fables' in Genesis Marc Hirshman

De-Demonising the Old Testament: An Investigation of Azazel, Lilith, Deber, Qeteb and Reshef in the Hebrew Bible

Abstract: iv

The Psalm Commentary of Daniel of Salah and the Formation of Sixth-Century Syrian Orthodox Identity

Abstract: By the 540s the anti-Chalcedonian Syrian Miaphysites had experienced frequent periods of persecution and were in the process of developing into an independent church, with distinct structures and doctrine. Unable to found schools for their clergy, they needed alternative methods to provide ideological formation. This paper argues that the Miaphysite leaders identified the exegesis of the Psalms, the quintessence of the scriptures and the heart of the daily liturgy, as a key means not only of shaping their community's religious beliefs but also of addressing larger political issues. Their chosen exegete was Daniel of Salah who in c.542 produced a Psalm commentary in homiletic form which addressed numerous issues of contemporary relevance. His response to Christological controversy is touched upon, but the focus is on his development of Miaphysite imperial ideology. Previous historians have usually argued that the Miaphysites demonstrated great loyalty to the institution and person of the emperor, despite persecution at their hands. This paper argues to the contrary that while Daniel accepted the need for political allegiance to the emperors, he denies them any role as special mediators of divine revelation or faith. The true king is the crucified Christ, in whose image the mind or reason of each human was created, and it is the guidance of these which is to be followed in religious matters.

Consciousness blossoming : Islamic feminism and Qur'anic exegesis in South Asian muslim diaspora communities

Abstract: By Israt Turner-Rahman, Ph.D. Washington State University

A critique of feminist and egalitarian hermeneutics and exegesis : with special focus on Jesus' approach to women

Abstract: doctrinal interpretations that remove the biblical narrative from its concrete social and political context in order to change it into timeless truth” (1985: 12). One aspect of feminist interpretation is the use of inclusive language and interpretation, by which the canon is consequently changed and its authority weakened. This volume is an

How to understand the parables of Jesus. A paradigm shift in parable exegesis

Abstract: For many years, the exegesis of the parables of Jesus was determined by assump­ tions that were largely purported by Adolf Julicher and subsequently underwent only insignificant modification. The Kompendium der Gleichnisse Jesu (ed. R. Zimmermann, Gutersloh 2007), whose methodology and hermeneutics are explained in this article, takes a new route, as can be illustrated in four steps. From a historical perspective, parable exegesis is released from its close relationship to the search for the Historical Jesus and is given new distinction by a paradigm of Jesus “remembered”. The custom­ ary religious­historical standardization of the parables (particularly with reference to rabbinical parables) is critically investigated from a traditio­historical perspective in order to again be able to highly value the extraordinary position of Jesus’ parables. From the perspective of the literary form of the parables, all internal differentiation must be made invalid by the New Testament text record itself. Instead, the discussion of a comprehen­ sive genre of “parable” utilises the genre consciousness of the early Christian authors; a genre that can be precisely defined by means of a literary­critical description in terms of the criteria of narrativity, fictionality, relation to reality, metaphor, appeal structure and co­/contextuality. From a hermeneutic perspective, this new approach consists of a conscious affirmation of a plurality of interpretations that is established by the texts themselves and that also guarantees the timeliness and liveliness of the interpretations in a variety of reading situations.

Through the Lens of Modern Hermeneutics: Authorial Intention in al-Ṭabarī's and al-Ghazālī's Interpretations of Q. 24:35

Abstract: The article explores the meaning of Q. 24∶35 (the ‘Light Verse’) through the interpretations of al-Ṭabarī and al-Ghazālī, and with reference to their respective hermeneutics and interpretive methods, which are compared to modern hermeneutical debate. The central argument is that the methodologies of al-Ṭabarī and al-Ghazālī are in line with the modern hermeneutical position that a text's meaning is what its author intended to communicate (E.D. Hirsch, Jr), as opposed to what its interpreter makes of it (H-G. Gadamer). A medieval Islamic equivalent to Gadamer's hermeneutics can be found in Ismāʿīlī exegesis, which is methodologically opposed to that of al-Ṭabarī and, also, al-Ghazālī. It is suggested that Q. 24∶35 itself is a statement of the hermeneutics of ‘authorial intention’, which implies that the Qur'an's meaning is what God intended to communicate, and the meaning of the term taʾwīl is reassessed in terms of its meaning, literally, ‘to retrieve God's intended meaning from interpretation’. On a seco...

Theophany and indication: reconciling augustinian and palamite aesthetics1

Abstract: Based on an analysis of certain theophanic narratives in the Hebrew Scriptures (Exodus 3 and 19, 1 Kings 19), this article poses the question of their Christian exegesis: which of the Persons of the Holy Trinity appeared to the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament and how? This seemingly trivial question has become a decisive and controversial topic in the formation of two distinct theological aesthetics: one influenced by Augustine in the West and another that finds its culmination with Gregory Palamas in the East. The aim of this article is to reconcile the polemical interpretations of Old Testament theophanies by employing a Christological understanding of aesthetics as developed by Hans Urs von Balthasar (in his Herrlichkeit) and a more nuanced understanding of signification as developed by Husserl and Merleau-Ponty under the concept of indication.

Rhetoric and theology : figural reading of John 9

Abstract: This monograph on "John 9" makes extensive use of premodern Christian exegesis as a resource for New Testament studies. It draws on ancient Christian ways of reading Scripture in a 'more-than-literal' or 'figural' way to critique the modern trend to understand John's Gospel as recounting the history of the evangelist's community. This study also examines a variety of premodern interpretations of "John 9" for insight into the chapter's theological and rhetorical dimensions. Building upon the premoderns' observations, it argues that "John 9" resembles a mode of Greco-Roman rhetorical argumentation and expression to present Jesus as the Light of the World. This analysis illustrates the inseparability of form and content, rhetoric and theology, in the "Fourth Gospel".

Old Testament Exegesis

Abstract: This chapter presents a list of reference books, which contains notes on the Old Testament. It summarizes Pentateuch and historical books, Prophets, Psalms, and Wisdom literature. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings focuses on the poetry (Psalms, Song of Songs, Lamentations), novellas (Ruth, Esther), and wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach) of the Hebrew Bible and the apocrypha. Exodus is a central book of the Old Testament, and the absence of an intelligent commentary in German for lay people has been felt by many. Fischer and his fellow Jesuit Dominik Markl present a running commentary the focus of which is on the 'end text'. Keywords: Old Testament exegesis; Pentateuch; Prophets; wisdom literature

The judaizing Calvin : sixteenth-century debates over the Messianic Psalms

Abstract: LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTION 1. Medieval and Late-Medieval Interpreters: The Legacy of Literal Prophecies of Christ 2. Martin Luther: Literal Prophecies Redeployed 3. Martin Bucer: Christological Readings through Historical Exegesis 4. John Calvin: The Sufficiency of David 5. The Judaizing Calvin: The Debate of Hunnius and Pareus CONCLUSION NOTES SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX

Targums and the Transmission of Scripture into Judaism and Christianity

Abstract: These essays explore ancient Jewish Bible interpretation preserved in the Aramaic Targums, bringing it into conversation with Rabbinic and Christian scriptural exegesis, and setting it in the larger world of ancient translations of the Bible.