By comparing interpretations of the Hebrew Bible by Jews, Christians, and Gnostics in Late Antiquity, this book provides a unique perspective on these religious movements in Palestine. Rival interpretations of the early Church and the Midrash are set against the backdrop of the pagan critique of these religions and the gnostic threat that grew within both Christianity and Judaism. The comparison of the exegetical works of Christianity and Judaism illuminates the later development of the two religions and offers fresh insight into the Bible itself.
Jadual kandungan
Preface
1. Biblical Interpretation in Its Late Antique Context
2. The Core of Contention: ‘They Are Not Israel … We Are Israel’
3. On Oratory and Writing: Exegete, Preacher, and Audience in Antiquity
4. The Exegetical Debate: Justin Martyr and the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew
5. The Ideological Contest: The Dialogue Between Jews and Gentiles in Genesis Rabbah
6. The Dialogue with Trypho and the Mekhilta: Selected Comparisons
7. Passover and the Exodus in Origen’s Writings and Rabbinic Midrashim
8. Love and Holiness: The Midrash on Song of Songs and Origen’s Homilies
9. The Midrash on Ecclesiastes and Jerome’s Commentary
10. Christian and Rabbinic Writings: An Overview
Epilogue
Appendix One: Approaches to the Study of Midrash in Rabbinic and Christian Writings
Appendix Two: Methodological Remarks on Polemics and Midrash
Notes
References
Name Index
Subject Index
Mengenai Pengarang
Marc Hirshman teaches midrash, talmud, and Rabbinic thought at the University of Haifa, the Hebrew University, and Oranim. He is a fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.