Iconographic Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament: An Introduction to Its Theory, Method, and Practice

by Brent A. Strawn

Iconographic exegesis combines the study of biblical texts (exegesis) with the study of ancient expressions of visual art (iconography). Studying ancient visual art that is contemporary with the documents of the Old Testament gives remarkable insight, not only on the meaning and historical context of the biblical text, but also because it facilitates greater understanding of how the ancient authors and audiences saw, thought, and made sense of the world. Iconography thus merits close attention as another avenue that can lead to a more nuanced and more complete understanding of the biblical text. Each chapter of this book provides an exegesis of a particular biblical text or theme. The book is organized around the tripartite structure of the Hebrew Bible, and demonstrates that iconographical exegesis is pertinent to "every nook and cranny" of the Bible. Within the three parts, there is special emphasis on Genesis, Isaiah, and the Psalms in order to make the book attractive for classes that deal with one or more of these books and might therefore include an iconographic perspective. In addition to connecting with a major issue in biblical interpretation, theology, or visual studies each chapter will end with one or two exercises directing the reader/student to comparable texts and images, enabling them to apply what was described in the chapter for themselves. This approach enables beginners as well as advanced readers to integrate iconography into their toolbox of exegetical skills.

383 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

Brent A. Strawn (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of Old Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia. He has authored or coedited various volumes and is on the editorial board of Catholic Biblical Quarterly and Journal of Biblical Literature.

Reviews

[Luke Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating volume introduces students of the Hebrew Bible to the often neglected world of Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) art and iconography. The authors of the essays in this book are convinced that without paying particular attention to the art of the ancient world, biblical scholars will inevitably do themselves and their students a disservice when it comes to interpreting the Bible. “Iconographic exegesis” takes into consideration the importance of art and imagery in the ANE. Considering the fact that literacy was not nearly as commonplace in the ancient world as it is today, it is important to reflect on the ways images and art spoke to people in the ANE, including the people of the Bible.

The essays in this book serve as an introduction into the world of iconographic exegesis. The book is filled with hundreds of images from the ANE, which each of the authors use, in their own way, to help in translating, interpreting, and understanding specific biblical texts. One example would be Brent A Strawn’s essay on “lion” imagery in the Psalms; he compares biblical Psalms that speak of both God and the wicked metaphorically as lions with ANE art that showcases how lions were understood in the ancient world. Another essay I enjoyed was one by Izaak J. de Hulster, which used ANE art to help in the task of translating a difficult passage in the Song of Songs.

I highly recommend this book to any students or the Bible that are interested in the “world around the Old Testament,” and especially those with a love for art and iconography, as well.