First published in hardback in August 1985, Professor Fishbane's book offers the first comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of textual analysis in ancient Israel. It explores the rich tradition of exegesis prior to the development of biblical interpretation in early classical Judaism and the earliest Christian communities, and examines four main categories of exegesis: scribal, legal, aggadic, and mantological. In studying this subject, it emerges that the Hebrew Bible is not only the foundation document for the exegetical culture of Judaism and Christianity, but an exegetical work in its own right. Professor Fishbane, who has added new material in appendices to this paperback edition, has been awarded three major prizes for this work: the National Jewish Book Award 1986, the Biblical Archaeological Society 1986 Publication Award, and the Kenneth B. Smilen Literary Award.

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award 1986; the Biblical Archaeology Society 1986 Publication Award; and the Kenneth B. Smilen Literary Award
Reviews
'a masterful and important study which illustrates in countless ways the nature of the on-going exegesis of biblical texts within the Bible itself' Roland E. Murphy, Interpretation
'an outstanding work of scholarship' James L. Kugel, Journal of Jewish Literary History
'a monumental study which places all students of the Hebrew Bible deeply in his debt. Its learning and scope are matched only by its enviable lucidity' E. W. Nicholson, Journal of Theological Studies
'a major scholarly achievement' R. E. Clements, Society for Old Testament Study
'a very substantial and important study of an area which has not previously been given so comprehensive a treatment' Peter R. Ackroyd, Theology
'one of the major works of biblical interpretation in the last decade' Patrick D. Miller, Theology Today
'a magisterial study of inner-biblical exegesis' Herbert Mark, Yearbook of Comparative and General Literature
'Michael Fishbane has written a great feast of a book, with detailed discussion of many passages based on very wide reading.' Methodist Church Overseas Division Annotated Booklist 1988
A review of the 1985 issue; 'It is a pleasure to review a book which reveals so clearly years of intense research and hard reflection. Prof. Fishbane's carefully structured book i s packed with such detailed exegesis and close argument that only the serious reader can begin to tap its richness; however, the rewards are great for anyone willing to expend the energy.' Journal of Biblical Literature


Awards
Winner of Winner of the National Jewish Book Award 1986; the Biblical Archaeology Society 1986 Publication Award; and the Kenneth B. Smilen Literary Award.



Book Information
ISBN 9780198266990
Author Michael Fishbane
Format Paperback
Page Count 636
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 33mm