Book Description

Whether one approaches the Bible from a perspective of faith, culture or literature, the power of the writing, the human situations, language and genres that make up the Scriptures speak potently across the ages. From whatever angle, the texts have a revelatory power that shines a light on the human condition, our sense of purpose, place in the world, and even our destiny. Born out of the common reflection on the history of single nation with a sense of divine election, the Bible has spoken, and continues to speak to all people in various circumstances, in words of such power that seem divinely inspired. This second volume looks at a more narrative view of the history of Ancient Israel, in stories written in the late Old Testament to reflect on the tribulations of the people in captivity, either after the Assyrian Deportation of 722 BC, the Babylonian Captivity (597 BC), during Persian rule (538-323 BC), or under the grave existential threat posed by the Greek Seleucid Syrians (167–163 BC). God’s ways are sought amidst defeat and confusion, amidst fear and hope: his power to save out of suffering implored. The stories of Daniel, Jonah, Ruth, Esther, Tobit, Judith and the Maccabees remain parables of faith in God's providence, his redemptive love. This study encourages reading the texts themselves, developing a sharper perception of language, imagery, genre and style. The book, thus, provides an overall picture of the literary types employed, locates the sacred books in a chronological and thematic context, exploring the texts through the specific passages provided, always looking to find the theological keys critical to understanding these particular books and their enduring message across the ages. A particularly interesting aspect of this study is its collection of iconography, offering a cross-section of artistic responses to the power of the biblical discourse through the centuries. While Gustave Doré's famous etchings form the axis of the centrefolds, many other painters are included from different periods.