D. S. Russell - Böcker

In most Bibles the period between the Old and the New Testaments is represented by a single blank page which, perhaps, has symbolic significance. 'From Malachi to Matthew' has for long remained vague and unfamiliar to many readers of the Scriptures. Many mysteries remain, but in recent times much light has been cast on this whole period. Exciting new insights have been provided by the writings of numbers of scholars and by some remarkable archaeological discoveries. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls caught the popular imagination and engaged the attention of worldwide scholarship. In this small volume an attempt is made to review these years in the light of recent study and discoveries and in particular to assess the religious contribution made by that rather strange company of men known as 'the apocalyptists'. The purpose of this book is selective rather than exhaustive, indicating the part which the apocalyptists had to play within the religious development of Judaism and in the preparation of men's minds for the coming of Christianity.`The whole book may be most warmly recommended to all who desire something more informative than a blank page between the Old Testament and the New.' Church Times `The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has focussed attention afresh on this period, and Principal Russell's up-to-date review of it is both opportune and welcome. He writes out of a deep knowledge of his subiect, and his book, which is a model of compression, is clearly written and holds the reader's interest.' Times Literary Supplement `Most informative, lucid and readable. One of the features of this book is its masterly power of summary.' William Barclay in Expository Times

Twenty-five years ago, Dr Russell wrote Between the Testaments. Warmly welcomed by reviewers and readers alike, it soon became established as an individual introduction to the period from Malachi to Matthew, and has since been reprinted nine times.Now it is joined by this second volume, in the same format, examining topics which might have been dealt with in the first volume but were not. Its aim is to complement and supplement what was written there, focussing attention on just a few subjects which continue to be matters of interest and debate. These are: 'Cultural and Religious Developments in the Hellenistic Age', 'Sources and Scriptures', 'Biblical Interpretation in Early Judaism and the New Testament', 'The Development and Meaning of Torah', 'Prayer and Mediation', 'Demonology and the Problem of Evil', 'The Secret Tradition of Jewish Apocalyptic', and 'The Future Hope'.

The study of apocalyptic has been David Russell's life-work, and over the years, with the discovery of new material and ongoing study, he has reassessed his earlier interpretation in a number of respects. This new book, written with all the freshness that made his Between the Testaments a classic which is still widely read today, provides a short but comprehensive guide to the latest state of research into apocalyptic. After identifying and redefining the literature, Dr Russell examines the birth and growth of apocalyptic and investigates the reasons for its popularity. He then goes on to consider particular apocalyptic groups and apocalyptic books, the idea of revelation, and the main ideas of apocalyptic. The book ends with a Christian perspective and a discussion of the significance of apocalyptic for today

A marked characteristic of Judaism in the centuries surrounding the time of Jesus was its `pseudepigraphical' writing, books which did not bear the name of their actual author but were attributed to figures from the past, particularly patriarchs and prophets. In this book Dr Russell shows the developments in the understanding of the character and function of these figures as they appear from the pseudepigrapha. He begins by looking at developments related to his theme in Philo and Josephus, the rabbinic literature and the Dead Sea scrolls. He then goes on to consider Adam, Enoch and Noah, Daniel, Job, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs, Moses and Ezra, and then the 'lives' of the prophets and the eschatological prophets. Now that the importance of Jewish literature of this period is increasingly understood and texts are more easily accessible, this new study will be found particularly useful for seeing familiar figures of the Old Testament not just through perspectives shaped by Christian tradition or modern historical criticism, but as they were seen by Jews at the time when they were written. D. S. Russell was formerly General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland. He has specialized in studies of this period.

An exciting demonstration of trust and devotion, Daniel offers a positive message of hope and reassurance for the people of God in every age.

The book of Daniel imparts a message of profound hope and reassurance to people of faith throughout the ages."Daniel," writes D. S. Russell, "is a fascinating book which speaks as profoundly to our day as it did to the day it was first written. Its message declared unequivocally that the sovereign Lord God was in control not only of history but also of the end of history." An exciting demonstration of trust and devotion, Daniel offers a positive message of hope and reassurance for the people of God in every age.The Daily Study Bible series seamlessly continues the legacy of William Barclay’s renowned New Testament series by delving into the texts of the Old Testament, weaving together ancient wisdom and modern insights for a transformative reading experience. Perfectly tailored for individual study, spirited group discussions, or classroom exploration, the Daily Study Bible series offers an indispensable resource for spiritual seekers and scholars alike. Within these volumes, readers will encounter a profound exploration of the Scriptures, uncovering the profound messages they held in the past and discerning their relevance in the present.