The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological and Critical Introduction by Richard S. Hess

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological and Critical Introduction by Richard S. Hess Michael Seufert richard s. hess, The Old Testament: A Historical, Theological and Critical Introduction ( Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2016). Pp. xiv + 801. Richard S. Hess demonstrates the breadth and wealth of his learning in his most recent project, an introduction to the OT written for today's seminarian or graduate student. The book comprises thirty-five chapters, one for each book of the OT (treating 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, and Ezra-Nehemiah in one chapter each), plus an introductory chapter, brief introductions to each major section (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetic Books, and Prophetic Books), and a closing reflection on reading the OT and its relation to the NT. Each chapter bears the same structural stamp, with four major sections. The chapters open with "Name, Text, and Outline," giving brief comments on the name of the book, whether there are textual issues (mostly, correspondence between the LXX and the MT), and an outline of the biblical book. Then comes an "Overview" summarizing the content of the book. The heart of each chapter is the "Readings" section. Here H. presents the diverse interpretative methods and interests under six subheadings: premodern readings, higher criticism, literary readings, gender and ideological criticism, ancient Near Eastern context, and canonical context. In these six categories, H. presents both traditional methods (e.g., source criticism and tradition history) and more recent ones (e.g., gender and postcolonial [End Page 706] criticisms) along with brief summaries of the history of interpretation and inner-biblical connections. Each chapter closes with "Theological Perspectives," exploring major themes and ethical matters, "the beginnings of a biblical theology" (p. 21), and finally a list of "Key Commentaries and Studies" with brief annotations for each book. The book commends itself in several ways. First, the clarity of organization facilitates ease of access. Introductory literature does not, nor does it set out to, break new ground, so organization and clarity become distinguishing features. Such is the case for H. In addition to this, the integration of "sidebars" (brief explanatory notes on a range of relevant topics, e.g., sites, texts, and people), maps, and pictures feels natural and unobtrusive while generating a fuller engagement with the text. Second, the thoughtfulness of the arrangement yields a helpful presentation of the diversity of OT/Hebrew Bible studies. Thus, for example, the chapter on Genesis can discuss the source criticism of Jean Astruc and Julius Wellhausen up to the current Neo-Documentarians along with the tradition-historical approaches of Albrecht Alt and Martin Noth (for Genesis, Alt's "God of the Fathers" essay) but also engage with gender and ecological readings of the opening chapters of Genesis. The former is status quo in introductory literature, the latter is only just beginning to appear but feels equally at home in H.'s work. The sections are not unfittingly brief, but the reader will get a good sense of the questions and concerns brought to the text along with indications of where to go for further study. As an excellent teacher (or so the work makes me think H. is), he is never dismissive. Where he disagrees with conclusions from the field, he presents positions succinctly and fairly, along with the counterevidence he finds compelling and sources for readers to follow up on their own. One of H.'s acknowledged intentions was to make a case that "an introduction of the Old Testament must embrace an awareness of the many methods that now flourish" (p. 713). I think he basically succeeds in this. Third, many of the specific engagements with texts and topics are quite stimulating. His treatment of "The Ten Commandments" and "The Shema" in the Deuteronomy chapter along with the treatment of Rahab's story under "Gender and Ideological Criticism" in the Joshua chapter commend themselves for careful reflection. My own criticisms are modest and only suggestions. First, in the introductory chapter, H. surveys the classic questions of "Canon" and "Text." For "Text," he presents a traditional portrait of the state of text criticism, surveying Hebrew and Greek evidence, along with brief presentations of Aramaic, Syriac, and Latin translations...