Barton2016TheHebrewBible&TheOldTestament

Introduction

• Chapter Title: The Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament

• Author: John Barton

• Book Title: The Hebrew Bible: A Critical Companion

• Editor: John Barton

• Published by: Princeton University Press

• Stable URL: JSTOR

• Terms and Conditions of Use: Access via JSTOR indicates acceptance of terms.

Part I: The Hebrew Bible in Its Historical and Social Context

Overview of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament

• The Old Testament is a collection of texts regarded as sacred in Judaism.

• Majority written during the kingdom of Judah between the eighth and second centuries BCE.

• Some texts possibly dating back to the tenth or eleventh century BCE, predating Homer.

• Earliest manuscripts: Dead Sea Scrolls found at Khirbet Qumran, dating no older than the first century BCE.

• Comparison with Mesopotamian and Egyptian texts shows that Israelite literature depends on later texts.

• The Old Testament is often referred to as a library of books, encompassing various genres and historical contexts.

Formation of Ancient Israel

• Early figures include legendary heroes: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Joshua.

• Israel emerged as a nation in the eleventh century under David and Solomon; these figures may be mostly legendary.

• After Solomon's death, Israel split into two kingdoms:

  • Northern Kingdom (Ephraim/Israel)

  • Southern Kingdom (Judah)

• The Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians in the 720s BCE, and Jerusalem fell to Babylonian rule in the sixth century BCE.

• Major shifts in writing during the eighth and seventh centuries contributed to the formation of many Old Testament books, especially in Judah.

• Prophetic texts developed during the sixth century alongside historical accounts of Israel’s early history.

Postexilic Context

• Babylonian Exile led to significant literary activity; returning exiles influenced the reconstitution of Jewish life in Judah.

• Key texts from this period: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and historical books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings).

• The Hellenistic period saw the composition of texts like Ecclesiastes and Daniel, and led to codification of Jewish scripture.

Terminology: Old Testament vs. Hebrew Bible

• Old Testament: The term traditionally used, rooted in a Christian context, contrasting with the New Testament.

• Hebrew Bible: More neutral terminology used in academic circles to avoid supersessionist implications tied to 'Old Testament'.

• Issues arise in terminology:

  • Not strictly accurate as it includes Aramaic texts.

  • Highlights gaps where some Christian texts differ as not part of Judaism.

  • Ongoing discussions about terminology continue to affect scholarly and religious communities.

Languages of the Old Testament

• The majority of the Old Testament is in Hebrew, a Semitic language.

• It has evolved over time, including influences from Persian and Greek.

• Aramaic: Important language of the Bible, used in parts of Daniel and Ezra.

  • Aramaic was a lingua franca and historically significant.

• Reading challenges arise due to textual conventions: early Hebrew texts recorded consonants with vowels needing to be inferred by readers.

Ancient Translations

• Septuagint (LXX): Greek translation of Hebrew texts; significant for early Christians who often read this version.

• Paul and other authors cited biblical texts primarily from the Greek translation, adding complexity to scripture interpretation.

• Variations between Hebrew and Greek versions raise questions about textual authority and content authenticity.

The Apocrypha

• Apocrypha means "hidden books"; includes texts recognized by some Christian denominations but not by Judaism.

• Disputes in the early Christian canon involved acceptance and authority of these additional texts.

• Treatment and recognition of the Apocryphal books vary among different denominations, including Orthodox and Catholic canons.

Canon and Authority in Judaism and Christianity

• Judaism:

  • Divided into three sections: Torah, Prophets, Writings (Tanakh).

  • The Torah is central in halakhah (Jewish law), influencing much of Jewish life.

  • The authority of scripture is often challenged by rabbinic interpretation and tradition.

• Christianity: More dialectical relationship with the Old Testament; some views see it as equally authoritative as the New Testament.

  • Non-legalistic interpretations allow for modification based on New Testament revelations.

  • The roles of ceremonial laws and Old Testament portrayals of God contribute to contemporary theological debates.

Conclusion

• Both Judaism and Christianity's relationship with the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is complex and multifaceted, reflecting historical, cultural, and theological nuances that continue to inform scholarly research and religious practice.

• The dynamics between terms, translations, and textual authority continue to impact contemporary interpretations within both faiths.