Gary Schnittjer – How To Study the Bible’s Use of the Bible (Live)

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.

Hans Frei's "The Eclipse of Biblical Narrative" is a seminal work in biblical studies that challenges traditional historical-critical approaches to the Bible. Frei argues that the Bible should be understood as a collection of narratives with their own internal logic and coherence, rather than as a historical document to be analyzed for factual accuracy. He critiques the tendency to impose modern historical categories onto the biblical text, emphasizing the importance of understanding the text on its own terms. Frei's work has had a profound influence on biblical scholarship, encouraging a more nuanced and literary approach to interpreting the Bible. His insights continue to shape discussions about the nature of biblical narrative and its relationship to history.

This book offers a unique approach to understanding the Old Testament by emphasizing its canonical shape and function as sacred scripture for Israel. It argues that previous interpretations have often overlooked the religious role of the text, leading to misunderstandings. The book is structured into sections covering the Pentateuch, Former Prophets, Latter Prophets, the Writings, and concludes with a discussion on the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Bible.