Amos: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (review)

Abstract

Hebrew Studies 32 (1991) 74 Reviews modem literary theory and criticism and a superb study in theory and its application. Gila Ramras-Rauch Brandeis University Waltham. MA 02154 AMOS: A NEW TRANSLATION WITH INTRODUCTION AND COMMENTARY. By Francis 1. Anderson and David Noel Freedman. Anchor Bible 24A. pp. xlii + 979. New York: Doubleday, 1989. Cloth. Those familiar with the Anchor Bible are already aware of the format which the title indicates is to be found here. First, there is a new translation of the text of Amos. This is accompanied by an introduction and a very detailed commentary. Each of these will be discussed independently of the others. Two preliminary matters need to be considered first, however, and these are found in the introductory word from the general editors. The series is said to be "aimed at the general reader with no special formal training in biblical studies." If this is truly the aim, then both the series and this particular volume fall far short. Not only is the volume beyond the comprehension of the general reader, much of it is beyond the comprehension of the general seminary graduate. To comprehend the commentary requires a very detailed mastery of biblical studies in general and of Hebrew in particular. Few general readers would have any idea of the significance of most of the problems addressed or the issues investigated in this commentary. Further, the introductory words from the general editors are still signed by William Foxwell Albright, even though he has been dead many years. It is unfortunate that such a practice is being followed when he obviously had no impact on this particular volume at all. It makes one wonder if general editors of the series are anything more than mere "window dressing." As to the commentary itself, the new translation of the text of Amos is as outstanding as one would expect from two such competent scholars as David Noel Freedman and Francis 1. Anderson. It is new, it is refreshing, and it gives significant aid to any interpreter of Amos who seeks to come to grips with the contemporary message of this ancient book. Most scholars will probably prefer some "pet" translation of a phrase here and there, but Hebrew Studies 32 (1991) 75 Reviews overall this is one of the best contemporary translations available. It is well worth the price of the book for the serious interpreter. The introduction to the book of Amos is also worthy of superlatives. One seldom picks up a commentary that reads so well that it is difficult to put down. This one achieves that measure. It was so interesting and informative that I did not put it down until the entire section had been read. For anyone who wishes to come to grips with the book, the background, and the issues raised by the study of the book of Amos, I know of no better introduction than this. The authors state in beginning that the focus of their attention is not so much on literary analysis as upon the text itself. They do this by a thorough textual analysis where they give the MT "prestige but not privilege." Their critique of variants is quite rigorously done without a blind loyalty to the MT in the face of significant evidence. At the same time, they demonstrate a remarkable reluctance to emend the text, being content to exhibit more patience than most scholars with textual difficulties, confessing present ignorance and relying upon future studies to bring enlightenment on difficult passages. Further, the bibliography is quite well done, and its arrangement in chronological order insofar as the contributions of each scholar are concerned is extremely helpful to the scholar who wishes to pursue the history of Amos studies. For the general reader, a simple alphabetical arrangement would probably have been a far more useful tool. The authors propose a three-fold division of the book into "The Book of Doom" (1:1-4:13), "The Book of Woes" (5:1-6:14), and "The Book of Visions" (7:1-9:15). This fresh analysis of its organization will prove stimulating to any thoughtful reader who is familiar with previous treatments of the book. The...