Martin Noth

History of Israel Biblical History

David Winton Thomas

Society for old testament study. [Londres.].

Wisdom in Israel and in the Ancient Near East, Presented to Professor Harold Henry Rowley,... by the Society for Old Testament Study in Association with the Editorial Board of "Vetus Testamentum", in Celebration of His 65th Birthday, 24 March 1955 ; Edited by M. Noth and D. Winton Thomas

This collection appeared in the same year as von Rad's The Problem of the Hexateuch and has similarly been unavailable for many years. It contains the most important of Noth's articles including, in addition to the study named in the title, 'Jerusalem and the Israelite Tradition', 'God, King and Nation in the Old Testament', 'History and Word of God in the Old Testament', and 'The Understanding of History in Old Testament Apocalyptic'.

The Laws in the Pentateuch and Other Studies

The Chronicler's History

Exodus is seen in its relation to the preceding Genesis and to the succeeding three books of the Pentateuch. Unlike Genesis, which dealt with individuals, Exodus is primarily concerned with Israel collectively and with the basic elements of Israel's faith. The author shows that the central motifs are the flight from Egypt, especially the crossing of "the sea", and the theophany and covenant at Sinai. The exegesis deals with the narrative as it appears in its final form but, in order to clarify the story, the author makes constant references to the successive stages in its literary development, and throughout the commentary he distinguishes the literary strands -- notably those know as J, E, and P -- that are woven into the fabric of the book.

A Commentary

Exodus

Here the concept of the conquest of the Promised Land is introduced and the first victories of the Israelites take place. Toward the end of the book the figures of Balaam and Balak appear. At the beginning Israel is depicted as sojourning at Sinai, but there is no indication as to how Israel arrived there or as to what happened to her there. The Book of Numbers is part of the total narrative of the Pentateuch and must be looked at within that wider framework. Presenting a thoroughly rounded introduction to Numbers, the author discusses the name and contents of the book, its growth and its significance. He then proceeds to explore the literary structure, content and importance of the entire book.

Numbers

The History of Israel

In this examination of Numbers, Martin Noth explores the community of the twelve tribes, the organization of the Levites, various divine ordinances, and other important themes in the book of Numbers. Also included is an appendix on daughters' rights of inheritance. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.

A History of Pentateuchal Traditions

Professor Martin Noth's translation and commentary of the Biblical Book of Exodus is a spiritual classic for its thorough explanation of the Old Testament lore. Noth's study begins with a literary analysis of Exodus. The manner in which it is written and arranged is examined in the context of ancient Jewish society. What life was like in this far-gone era, wherein the Israelites and Egyptians were often rivals, is discussed. Furthermore, Noth examines the history of the text itself; how prior translators tackled the narrative, and the characteristics of their efforts. Thus we receive a commentary that is sensitive to both the historical significance of the Old Testament, and the treatment of this ancient text over the epochs. The author guides us through Exodus, chapter by chapter, revealing many details that would escape notice by the everyday Bible reader. A scholar fluent in ancient languages, Noth first translated the entire text, and then embarked on his narration; this process ensures a unique and engaging take on a well-studied portion of the Bible. The story of Moses, Pharaoh, and the exodus of the Jews from Egypt is revealed to contain depth, life and importance beyond what is ordinarily comprehended.

A Commentary of the Old Testament, Including the Life of Moses, the Ten Commandments and the Mosaic Covenant

The Deuteronomistic History

Leviticus

Exodus; a Commentary

Martin Noth's study of the Chronicler's History may not be so widely known as his celebrated Deuteronomistic History (published by JSOT Press in English translation in 1981). However, as Williamson argues in his introduction, written specially to accompany this translation, it was a most significant contribution to the study of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, and a translation of it has been long overdue. In view of the recent revival of interest in this body of literature, it is important that English-speaking readers should have first-hand access to one of the seminal studies in this field.

Martin Noth

About

Books

Join the club