Review: Ronald Hendel and Jan Joosten, How Old Is the Hebrew Bible?: A Linguistic, Textual, and Historical Study

Full title
Review: Ronald Hendel and Jan Joosten, How Old Is the Hebrew Bible?: A Linguistic, Textual, and Historical Study
Updated By
Research notes

SHS/not checked/03/11/2019|DS/reader checked/27/11/2023

Reference type
Author(s)
Friedman, Richard
Year
2019
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Review of Biblical Literature
Abbreviated Series Name
RBL
Work type
Label
04/11/2019
Abstract

The age of the Hebrew Bible is a topic that has sparked controversy and debate in recent years. The scarcity of clear evidence allows for the possibility of many views, though these are often clouded by theological and political biases. This impressive, broad‑ranging book synthesizes recent linguistic, textual, and historical research to clarify the history of biblical literature, from its oldest texts and literary layers to its youngest. In clear, concise language, the authors provide a comprehensive overview that cuts across scholarly specialties to create a new standard for the historical study of the Bible. This much‑needed work paves the path forward to dating the Hebrew Bible and understanding crucial aspects of its historical and contemporary significance.