Hellenistic Influence in the Hebrew Bible (on R. K. Gnuse, Hellenism and the Primary History

he essays collected in this volume represent observations on the Hellenistic origins of many biblical texts; they were originally published between and .By careful and detailed analysis of particular texts, Gnuse seeks to demonstrate later classical and Hellenistic influence over the Bible.'Deconstructing the biblical and Greek works in parallel' (i), he points out similarities in theme, meaning, and detail.Using this evidence, he suggests that 'although much of the text may originate from the Persian period, large parts of its final form likely date from the Hellenistic era' (i).He sets out to prove 'that the suggestions of [Niels Peter] Lemche and [Thomas] Thompson, especially, deserve attention among biblical scholars, and this collection of writings will serve that purpose' ( ).Because these essays are scattered over a wide range of publications, their inclusion in one collection provides easier access for scholars.Apart from Chapters and , the essays are arranged in the sequence in which they were published, thus corresponding to the author's development over the years.Let it be said from the start that this book is great: it is dedicated to fighting for its cause and yet it is full of prudence and restraint.In this review, I will go through the essays and reflect on methodological and historical questions that should enhance dialogue and future research.In his short 'Introduction: An Intellectual Odyssey' ( -), Gnuse introduces himself from his first course in Old Testament in at Saint Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri, to the present.He explains how he turned from the 'unconscious fundamentalism of my earlier education' to the present position among minimalists ('a modified minimalist') with others from the Copenhagen school.He recalls the importance of his reading Thomas Thompson (The Historicity of the Patriarchal Narratives) and John Van Seters (Abraham in History and Tradition) in the s.In a way, this book is also dedicated to these authors and their endeavours.T

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