Synopses & Reviews
In this volume Ben Zvi explores the prophetic book of Micah as a written document that presents itself as YHWH's word. The starting point of this study is that such a written document was meant to be read and reread by an ancient audience, so the commentary begins by addressing the questions of how the book was likely read by its intended or primary readers, why they read it, who read it, and to whom it was read and why. The commentary deals extensively not only with the message of Micah - and of its textual subunits - but also with the social setting of its authorship and primary readership and with the social function of this and other prophetic books in ancient Israel. Emphasis is placed on the construction of the past, on the images of the future, and on the relevance of both of these to the present of the community or communities of readers for whom the book was intended.
Synopsis
This new addition to the FOTL commentary series presents a complete form-critical analysis of the book of Micah. Focusing on this prophetic book as a written document that presents itself as the word of God, Ehud Ben Zvi looks at how Micah was read by its ancient audience. The commentary deals not only with the content of the book of Micah but also explores the social setting that stands behind it and the social function of this and other prophetic books in ancient Israel. Together, these various lines of investigation lead to a deeper understanding of Micah and its enduring message.
Synopsis
Ehud Ben Zvi explores the prophetic book of Micah as a written document that presents itself as YHWH's word. He examines how Micah was read by its ancient audience and explores the social setting upon which the biblical book stands. Emphasis is placed on the construction of the past, on the images of the future, and on the relevance of both of these to the current community of readers for whom the book was intended. The commentary not only deals extensively with the message of Micah but with the social function of this and other prophetic books in ancient Israel. Ben Zvi's various lines of investigation lead to a deeper understanding of Micah and its enduring message.
Synopsis
The Forms of the Old Testament Literature Series has long been acknowledged as a unique and valuable commentary on the Old Testament. The volumes in the FOTL series are specifically concerned to explore the structure, genre, setting, and intention of each type of biblical literature so the fullest possible meaning of Scripture can be uncovered. This new addition to the FOTL commentary series presents a complete form-critical analysis of the book of Micah. Ehud Ben Zvi looks at how Micah was read by its ancient audience and explores the social setting that stands behind it. Emphasis is placed on the construction of the past, on the images of the future, and on the relevance of both of these to the present of the community or communities of readers for whom the book was intended. His various lines of investigation lead to a deeper understanding of Micah and its enduring message.
About the Author
Ehud Ben Zvi is professor of religious studies at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.