Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel

Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel (BI) is a comprehensive study of the history and nature of biblical interpretation during the Second Temple period, the time between the Old and New Testaments.

Kugel draws on a wide array of ancient Jewish texts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Apocrypha, and the writings of Philo and Josephus, to reconstruct the interpretive methods used by Jewish scholars and religious leaders.

The book examines how these interpreters wrestled with the meaning of the biblical text, often transforming or expanding upon its original message to address the needs and concerns of their own time.

Kugel explores a variety of interpretive techniques, including harmonization, midrash, and allegory, showing how they were used to create new meanings and applications for the biblical text.

Ultimately, BI offers a rich and nuanced portrait of the dynamic and complex world of biblical interpretation in ancient Israel, shedding new light on the development of Jewish and Christian traditions.