The City in the Hebrew Bible: Critical, Literary and Exegetical Approaches

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Description

These essays explore the idea of the city in the Hebrew Bible by means of thematic and textual studies. The essays are united by their portrayal of how the city is envisaged in the Hebrew Bible and how the city shapes the writing of the literature considered. In its conceptual framework the volume draws upon a number of other disciplines, including literary studies, urban geography and psycho-linguistics, to present chapters that stimulate further discussion on the role of urbanism in the biblical text. The introduction examines how cities can be conceived and portrayed, before surveying recent studies on the city and the Hebrew Bible. Chapters then address such issues as the use of the Hebrew term for city, the rhythm of the city throughout the biblical text, as well as reflections on textual geography and the work of urban theorists in relation to the Song of Songs. Issues both ancient and modern, historical and literary, are addressed in this fascinating collection, which provides readers with a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary view of the city in the Hebrew Bible.

Reviews

The volume makes a special and significant contribution to the ongoing scholarly efforts to focus on the theme of the city and observe how that focus illuminates the broader interpretation of biblical books and specific texts. The collection should find a home in libraries serving both scholars and students. * Religious Studies Review *
Overall, The City in the Hebrew Bible is a well-conceived, comprehensive treatment of an overlooked topic. Each of the authors invites us into their looking glass, granting us permission to view the city from new angles and perspectives, allowing us to see the biblical city under brighter lights. * Bulletin for Biblical Research *

Author Bio

James K. Aitken is Lecturer in Hebrew, Old Testament and Second Temple Studies at the University of Cambridge, UK. Hilary F. Marlow is Course Director of the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, University of Cambridge, UK.