The Student's Old Testament Logically and Chronologically BY CHARLES FOSTER KENT, PH.D. WOOLSEY PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE IN YALE UNIVERSITY The five essentials for Old Testament study: its contents. Announcement 'HE Old Testament is a library containing the writings of Israel's inspired teachers, who lived at periods far removed from each other, (1) A systematic classification of wrote from widely different points of view, and expressed their thoughts in the language and literary forms peculiar to the primitive Semitic East. Their modern readers, however, live in the very different western world. The result is that, while the combination of early songs, primitive traditions, ethnological tables, tribal stories, genealogical lists, prophetic exhortations, laws, judicial precedents, and historical narratives found, for example, in such a book as Exodus, seems perfectly natural to the intuitive Oriental, it is a fertile source of confusion to the logical Occidental. The obvious solution of the difficulty is to be found in systematic classification. This work was begun by the Greek translators of the Old Testament, to whom is chiefly due the approximately logical arrangement of the books in the English Bible. The confusion may be still further eliminated by grouping together those writings which have the same general theme, aim, and literary form, and then by rearranging them within each group in the approximate order in which they were written. Where there are different versions of the same (2) A comparative presentation narrative or where two or more have been comof its original bined together-as is often the case in the first twelve books of the Old Testament-it is important that the originally distinct versions be printed side by side, sources. as in a harmony, that they may be studied comparatively and as independent literary units. (3) A lucid, exact translation. The third essential is a clear, vivid, dignified translation, which will represent not merely the words but also the ideas, the spirit, and the beauty of the original, and which will put the reader, unacquainted with Hebrew, in possession of the latest contributions of philology, exegesis, and theology. ary analysis. The fourth is a clear literary analysis, which will (4) Clear liter make it possible readily to trace the logical thought of a story, law, sermon, or poem, and to note the relation of the different parts to each other and to the whole. (5) Illuminating foot-notes. Finally concise, lucid notes are demanded, which Introductions and will at once present the historical background and the critical, geographical, and archæological data required to illuminate the obscurities of the text, without distracting attention from its beauty and thought. Old Testament. These five absolute essentials the Students' Old Aims and plan of the Student's Testament aims to supply in the fullest measure and in the most direct and usable form. The general plan is unique in its simplicity and economy of space. By combining a lucid, scholarly translation, a logical and chronological classification, and a critical and a literary analysis of the text with brief introductions and notes at the foot of the page, the reader is at once placed in command of the practical results of modern biblical research, many of which are otherwise found only in cumbersome technical works, intelligible only to the specialist. Its origin. The sane, careful scholarship and the reverent constructive spirit of the author are already known to a wide circle of Bible students through his History of the Hebrew People and his volumes in the Messages of the Bible. The present extensive work is the result of years of preparation, in which he has also been able to profit by the generous suggestions and criticisms of a large number of biblical scholars and THE STUDENT'S OLD TESTAMENT practical teachers. The whole has been prepared to meet not theoretical but practical needs and has been tested at each point in university and Bible classes. Its point of view and method. The work embodies the positive conclusions of the many hundreds of earnest critical scholars, who have during the past two centuries been grappling with the intricate problems of the Old Testament. For the first time in its history the various versions of its more important stories and historical records are printed throughout in parallel columns so that they can be readily studied in approximately their original form. In the introductions and foot-notes the biblical data upon which these results are based are cogently presented so that the ordinary Bible reader can readily understand and estimate their significance. Where the positions are established the fact is indicated, and where there is still uncertainty this is also frankly stated. When at times the author's conclusions differ from those of the majority of scholars the reasons for the departure are fully outlined. value. To the ordinary conservative biblical student, Its practical who rejects or views with alarm the critical positions of modern Old Testament teachers, an opportunity is offered, for the first time, of ascertaining just what those positions are and the chief reasons therefor. To many it will be a genuine relief to find that the foundations of Christian faith, instead of being destroyed, are simply being laid on a deeper and broader historical basis, and that the newer methods of interpretation are supremely helpful in gaining a true knowledge of the eternal messages of the Bible. To the rapidly increasing body of progressive Bible readers, who accept the principles and in general appreciate the practical value of critical biblical research, this clear, definite presentation of its more important fruits cannot fail to be most welcome. It furnishes to the historian the data for the easy reconstruction of biblical history, to the literary student the basis for a new understanding and appreciation of the wonderful literature of the Old Testament, and to the pastor, the Sunday-school teacher, the parent, and the individual reader positive religious facts and teachings, the want of which is being strongly felt in this age, when destructive conclusions are much in evidence. Above all the Student's Old Testament presents those foundations-laid bare through the untiring labors of generations of Christian scholars and by the faithful application of scientific method-upon which Old Testament interpretation and doctrine promise in the future to rest. No effort or expense has been spared to make this work a complete manual for class-room study, for reading, and for reference. Each volume is complete in itself, embodying all the cognate Old Testament and apocryphal literature in its given field. A detailed table of contents, index, page-headings, and cross-references facilitate its use by primary as well as advanced readers. Each volume is also fully equipped with thoroughly modern topographical and historical maps, which are introduced in connection with the literature of each period. Comparative chronological charts make it possible to trace readily the growth and approximate dates of the Old Testament and apocryphal writings in connection with the events and movements which determined their form and which in turn they record. Tables of weights and measures and carefully selected and detailed bibliographies, introduced in connection with each epoch, supply both elementary and advanced students with a complete equipment for intelligent reading and fruitful study. Terms of Subscription SINGLE VOLUMES. The publishers will supply any single volume of the series for $2.75 net (postage additional). ADVANCE SUBSCRIPTIONS. As an inducement to advance subscribers, the publishers will accept subscriptions for the complete set of six volumes for $13.50, payable in instalments on the publication of each volume. DELIVERY. Each volume will be sent to subscribers as soon as published. Books will be sent by mail or express as requested. CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS Fifth Avenue at 48th Street NEW YORK |