Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies – serie

This inaugural volume in the series, Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies, includes 19 articles that, collectively, provide readers with informed presentations of a range of current debates concerning Deuteronomy as well as key themes and their implications. A number of long-standing hypotheses are re-examined, with alternative options proposed. E-publication of individual chapters has preceded the printing of the finalized collection in hardback and paperback versions. Issues that have been included are: the proposed influence of Esarhaddon’s Succession adê on Deuteronomy 13 and 28; berît as treaty, covenant, or instructions; Deuteronomy in dialogue with ancient Near Eastern law collections; reconceived Yahwism; Torah as a tool of propaganda and hegemony adapted from Persian dāta; characteristics of the Samaritan version of Deuteronomy; the role of Deuteronomy in the Pentateuch; where and when Deuteronomy might have been written, and the influence of Deuteronomy on the final shape of the psalter. Themes that have been examined include: geographical dimensions of the book; parenting; economic dimensions of the book; ethnicity and power; pedagogy; Moses as master scribe; pragmatism, utopia and dystopia in the book; ethics; and the memory of Cisjordan as a landscape of fortified cities.

This inaugural volume in the series, Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies, includes 19 articles that, collectively, provide readers with informed presentations of a range of current debates concerning Deuteronomy as well as key themes and their implications. A number of long-standing hypotheses are re-examined, with alternative options proposed. E-publication of individual chapters has preceded the printing of the finalized collection in hardback and paperback versions. Issues that have been included are: the proposed influence of Esarhaddon’s Succession adê on Deuteronomy 13 and 28; berît as treaty, covenant, or instructions; Deuteronomy in dialogue with ancient Near Eastern law collections; reconceived Yahwism; Torah as a tool of propaganda and hegemony adapted from Persian dāta; characteristics of the Samaritan version of Deuteronomy; the role of Deuteronomy in the Pentateuch; where and when Deuteronomy might have been written, and the influence of Deuteronomy on the final shape of the psalter. Themes that have been examined include: geographical dimensions of the book; parenting; economic dimensions of the book; ethnicity and power; pedagogy; Moses as master scribe; pragmatism, utopia and dystopia in the book; ethics; and the memory of Cisjordan as a landscape of fortified cities.

The Book of Ruth is an all-time Bible favorite. In four chapters, it builds a clear plot with narrative tension heightened with sexual innuendos; and it ends well. Since the 1990s at least, studies produced an array of portrayals of the heroes of the tale beyond the traditional idyllic readings. Gaps and fissures have been explored to cover its ideological premises. Feminist readings denounce the way patriarchalism used the figures of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz to bolster its social hegemony. Ruth has been presented as a coquette, Naomi as a pimp or a scold, Ruth and Naomi as lesbians, Boaz as exploiter of the proletariat, unstraight, sugar Daddy or impotent.Yet, time is ripe to steer a course between idyllic readings and critical ones. There is more to gender asymmetries and patriarchy than the devaluation of women. Women always have power. Neither Naomi or Ruth are powerless victims.This volume maps an uncompromising way forward between patriarchy and advocacy.