Sinning in the Hebrew Bible

How the Worst Stories Speak for Its Truth

Alan Segal (Columbia)

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English

Columbia University Press
03 July 2012

Judaism: sacred texts; Jewish studies

"Stories of rape, murder, adultery, and conquest raise crucial issues in the Hebrew Bible, and their interpretation helps societies form their religious and moral beliefs. From the sacrifice of Isaac to the adultery of David, narratives of sin engender vivid analysis and debate, powering the myths that form the basis of the religious covenant, or the relationship between a people and their God.

Rereading these stories in their different forms and varying contexts, Alan F. Segal demonstrates the significance of sinning throughout history and today. Drawing on literary and historical theory, as well as research in the social sciences, he explores the motivation for creating sin stories, their prevalence in the Hebrew Bible, and their possible meaning to Israelite readers and listeners. After introducing the basics of his approach and outlining several hermeneutical concepts, Segal conducts seven linked studies of specific narratives, using character and text to clarify problematic terms such as ""myth,"" ""typology,"" and ""orality."" Following the reappearance and reinterpretation of these narratives in later compositions, he proves their lasting power in the mythology of Israel and the encapsulation of universal, perennially relevant themes. Segal ultimately positions the Hebrew Bible as a foundational moral text and a history book, offering uncommon insights into the dating of biblical events and the intentions of biblical authors."

By: Alan Segal (Columbia)
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 397g
ISBN: 9780231159272
ISBN 10: 0231159277
Pages: 296
Publication Date: 03 July 2012
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Undergraduate , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction: The Bible and Myth 1. The Matriarch in Peril 2. The Golden Calf: A Lesson in Chronology 3. A Historical Tragedy: The Short-lived Deuteronomic Reform 4. The Concubine of the Levite: A Complete Horror 5. The Horror of Human Sacrifice: Sex, Intermarriage, and Proper Descent 6. Ways of a Man with a Woman 7. No Peace in the Royal Family Conclusion: Synoptic Sinning Notes Index

"Alan F. Segal (1945-2011) was professor of religion and Ingeborg Rennert Professor of Jewish Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. He taught two of the college's most popular courses: ""Life After Death"" and ""Introduction to the Hebrew Bible."" He was the author of a number of books, including Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion, Paul the Convert: The Apostolate and Apostasy of Saul of Pharisee, and Rebecca's Children: Judaism and Christianity in the Roman World."

Reviews for Sinning in the Hebrew Bible: How the Worst Stories Speak for Its Truth

Alan F. Segal's approach to myth is very illuminating for the 'The Worst, Most Awful Stories of the Bible.' To see how these stories reflect (and attempt to resolve) contradictions-moral, social, and gender-is salutary and fresh. Segal was one of our finest thinkers about the legacy of ancient Judaism for modern thought. This book, his last contribution, is wise and moving. -- Ronald Hendel, University of California, Berkeley ...a book rich in information for intelligent nonspecialists, written in an accessible style that doesn't scrimp on complicated or challenging matters. * Publishers Weekly * His book's greatest value lies in forcing contemporary readers to grapple with biblical stories that some would prefer to ignore. -- Michael Carasik * H-Judaic * insightful, lucid observations * Choice * Professor Segal's writing is easily accessible and can be read as a modern commentary to the Bible providing us with new insights for thought and interpretation. -- Barbara Andrews * Jewish Book Council Online * A gracefully written introduction to the narrative contents of the Hebrew Bible... A clear, engaging, yet slightly offbeat survey of our knowledge of Israelite history and literature since the work of Albrecht Alt, Martin Noth and William Foxwell Albright. * Biblical Archaeology Review *