Yamauchi reflects on three contrasting attitudes toward and interpretations of Scripture. The first sees Scripture as a talisman, where Scripture is used almost as a magical tool. The reference to Scripture as a specimen points to the critical analysis of the texts, as objects of academic study. A third view sees Scripture as a dragoman.
This article compares the biases of Eurocentric interpretations of the Bible with Africentric interpretations. Certainly, the most notorious Eurocentric interpretation of a biblical passage is the so-called curse of Ham.
Can insights from the social sciences, especially sociology, help in the interpretation of Scripture? This article surveys and critically examines some of the results of recent studies.
There are important hermeneutical issues involved in the interpretation of the book of Daniel. Is the book genuine prophecy? Is it a form of apocalyptic literature?
Knowledge of the ancient and classical Greco-Roman world is important for a good reading of the Bible. This article reviews the Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Classical World published in 1975. A bibliography is also supplied for further studies and research in this area.
Gnosticism was a heresy that flourished in the second century A.D. This paper introduces Gnosticism and notes its cosmology, theology, and view of history.
According to Leviticus 25:39-43, the people of Israel are slaves of Yahweh. The author explores the function of this "slave of God" motif in the ancient Near East, and slavery in antiquity.
Greek ideas and expressions have exercised an unmistakable influence on the wisdom literature and notably the Greek translation of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. This paper compares the differences between the Masoretic text and the Septuagint, and forms conclusions on the attitudes of the translator that may have led to differences.
How should we interpret the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs? Some interpreters find many cultic clues in Canticles and read it as a cultic document. This essay evaluates such an interpretation.
