Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives introduces readers to narrative traditions of the Old Testament and to methods of interpreting them. Part of the Essentials of Biblical Studies series, this volume presents readers with an overview of exegesis by mainly focusing on a self-contained narrative to be read alongside the text. Through sustained interaction with the book of Ruth, readers have opportunities to engage a biblical book from multiple perspectives, while taking note of the wider implications of such perspectives for other biblical narratives. Other select texts from Hebrew Bible narratives, related by theme or content to matters in Ruth, are also examined, not only to assist in illustrating this method of approach, but also to offer reinforcement of reading skills and connections among different narrative traditions. Considering literary analysis, words and texts in context, and reception history, this brief introduction gives students an overview of how exegesis illuminates stories in the Bible.

About the Author
J. Andrew Dearman has served as a professor both in the USA and abroad for 35 years. He has worked on archaeological projects in Israel and Jordan, and consulted on multiple Bible translation projects.

Reviews
provides a helpful paradigm for approaching Hebrew narratives ... By bringing these three viewpoints to bear on the text, the reader uncovers the richness of the biblical narrative. * W. J. Pankey, CHOICE *
Dearman offers students a rich experience of reading and interpreting texts as literary products of specific historical cultures. * Mary E. Mills, University of Manchester, Review of Biblical Literature *
The four sections and eleven chapters of Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives offer readers multiple vantage points or ways to "see" the stories of the biblical text. ... [The Book] contains a sampling of different types of narratives, attends to the importance of semantics and the meaning of ancient words, and is highly accessible for a non-scholarly audience. * Kimberly D. Russaw, Biblical Interpretation *
uses an informal, easy-to-read writing style that is accessible to a broad audience * Old Testament Abstracts *
An important and helpful introduction to the ever-interesting narrativity of the Hebrew Scriptures. Examples from Genesis, Ruth, Judges, 2 Samuel 7, and 1 Kings 21, and others richly illustrate the distinctive features of Hebrew narratives and demonstrate their contribution to the overall message of the Bible. Professor Dearman brings his impressive knowledge of the subject to bear in an easy-to-read and appealing presentation that will find a home on our desks, bookshelves, and classrooms for many years to come. * Bill T. Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190246495
Author J. Andrew Dearman
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 227g
Dimensions(mm) 140mm * 208mm * 13mm