David Firth - Böcker

Looking at the Book of Esther through the lens of intertextuality, this collection considers its connections with each division of the Hebrew Bible, along with texts throughout history. Through its exploration, it provides and invites further study into the relationship between Esther and its intertexts, many which are under explored. Topics covered in the book include considerations of Esther alongside the Torah and the prophetic books, as well as in dialogue with the Qumran community.As an edited collection, the book draws together scholars with expertise in the wide variety of texts that are intertextually connected with Esther, offering the reader a more nuanced and informed discussion. By including some reflection on the nature of intertextuality as a ‘method', it also enables the reader to appreciate the varying intertextual approaches currently employed in biblical studies. In applying these to a focused analysis of Esther, this collection will facilitate greater insight on both the book of Esther and current methodological research.

Looking at the Book of Esther through the lens of intertextuality, this collection considers its connections with each division of the Hebrew Bible, along with texts throughout history. Through its exploration, it provides and invites further study into the relationship between Esther and its intertexts, many which are under explored. Topics covered in the book include considerations of Esther alongside the Torah and the prophetic books, as well as in dialogue with the Qumran community.As an edited collection, the book draws together scholars with expertise in the wide variety of texts that are intertextually connected with Esther, offering the reader a more nuanced and informed discussion. By including some reflection on the nature of intertextuality as a ‘method', it also enables the reader to appreciate the varying intertextual approaches currently employed in biblical studies. In applying these to a focused analysis of Esther, this collection will facilitate greater insight on both the book of Esther and current methodological research.

Scholarly study of Samuel continues to wrestle with how we interpret this pivotal text. Even such basic matters as the question of what kind of literature it is remain unresolved while older questions such as the nature of its text and sources are debated anew in the light of material from Qumran and of current approaches to Hebrew narrative. Recognizing the importance of questions such as these, David Firth explores and introduces fresh ways of reading Samuel as a unified and yet complex text, which displays high levels both of literary artistry and of theological commitment.Although some stories in the books of Samuel are well known, and in the case of David and Goliath even proverbial, much of the content of these books is strange to modern readers. It is a story about a woman wanting a child, for example, that relates the beginnings of monarchy within Israel. Even the question of the monarchy is problematic, for we are introduced to not one royal family but two—those of Saul and David. David is ultimately shown to be the king chosen by God, yet by the end of the book he is only just managing to hold on to the kingdom as it is nearly torn from him by rivalries within his family. These arresting stories are perplexing, for Samuel’s writers seldom tell us how to read and interpret them. Firth presents these complex and fascinating stories as part of a bigger picture, enabling students to chart their way through the literary and historical issues of the Samuel narrative. Firth addresses issues of historicity, sources, date and authorship, as well as -- crucially -- appreciating the text as a literary whole.

Explore the contemporary significance of the Old Testament and hear the Word of God afreshJohn Goldingay is one of the most prolific and creative Old Testament scholars working today. In this book he draws on the best of biblical scholarship as well as the Christian tradition to offer a substantive and useful commentary on Joshua. The commentary is both critically engaged and sensitive to the theological contributions of the text.Goldingay treats Joshua as an ancient Israelite document that speaks to twenty-first-century Christians. He examines the text section by section and addresses important issues and problems that flow from the text and its discussion.In addition to paragraph-level commentary, all volumes of the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series feature:● A fresh translation of the Hebrew text● Incisive comments based on the author's translation● Linguistic, historical, and canonical insights● Concluding reflections● Footnotes addressing technical mattersPastors, teachers, and all serious students of the Bible will find here an accessible commentary that will serve as an excellent resource for their study.This volume, the first in a new series on the Historical Books, complements other Baker Commentary on the Old Testament series: Pentateuch, Wisdom and Psalms, and Prophets. Each series volume is grounded in rigorous scholarship but is useful for those who preach and teach. The series editors are David G. Firth (Trinity College, Bristol) and Lissa M. Wray Beal (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto).

Joshua is not merely a story of conquest but also a treasure trove of theology. David G. Firth interprets the book of Joshua with a sensitivity to its place as Christian Scripture. Joshua is marginalized in many churches, often because its message is misunderstood. Firth reveals that, rather than simply being a story of conquest, Joshua is concerned with matters of identity and faithfulness. Joshua exhorts God's people to live out their calling in light of God's promises. While Israelites like Achan fall short, others--often gentiles--show surprising faith in God. Firth also probes the book's theological themes, such as the promised land, government, rest, and promise. The book of Joshua boldly challenges the complacent in faith to be a nation committed to God. The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon--all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.

The promise and peril in reading the Minor ProphetsReading the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets confronts the unique challenges presented by this daunting section of the Old Testament. Authors from a variety of perspectives consider questions about hermeneutics and composition, reception history, theodicy, metaphors and characterization, and theology. These essays provide insights from the history of interpretation and the latest in scholarship. Contributors include David G. Firth, Brittany N. Melton, Isabelle M. Hamley, Tchavdar S. Hadjiev, Heath A. Thomas, Thomas Renz, S. D. Snyman, Anthony R. Petterson, Beth M. Stovell, Julie Woods, and John Goldingay.

Why do many companies find it so hard to escape the pull of the past? Why do many individuals keep resorting to learned behaviour, the habits and ideas that may have brought them success in the past, but which will leave them adrift in the fast-moving currents of the new economy? What is the spell that keeps them so immobilised? It's the Voodoo...And what is the magic that can release us all - organisations and individuals, leaders and the led, employees and free agents, parents and children and candlestick makers - into a world of power, creativity, connection and achievement? It's also the Voodoo...The power comes from knowing the difference...VOODOO is suspicious of the neat and tidy answerVOODOO inhabits the dreamworldVOODOO asks: Why clarify the contradictions?VOODOO asks: Are you thrilling yourself today?VOODOO asks: Why predict the future when you can make it?VOODOO says: Write your own most compelling story about youVOODOO is not in the cornflakesVOODOO asks: When was your last life-changing moment?VOODOOcelebratesVOODOO is not found in the kitchen at partiesVOODOO values the vibeVOODOO asks: In what ways should you be fearful of yourself?VOODOO connects to a powerful futureVOODOO says: If you are failing - fail fastVOODOO catches you doing things rightVOODOO finishes off your sentencesVOODOO practitioners punch way above their weightVOODOO is the goal scorer never the goalkeeperVOODOO is more than mere magic, it's your magic