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Judges (2008): A Commentary
Susan Niditch's commentary on the book of Judges pays careful attention to the literary and narrative techniques of the text and yields fresh readings of the book's difficult stories of violence, ethnic conflict, and gender issues. Niditch aptly and richly conveys the theological impact and enduring significance of these stories. The Old Testament Library provides fresh and authoritative treatments of important aspects of Old Testament study through commentaries and general surveys. The contributors are scholars of international standing.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 17, 2018
This new volume in the Old Testament Library (OTL) series replaces the old volume by J. Alberto Soggin. Niditch has improved on that older entry. I always turn to this series to grasp the critical viewpoint and to get some theology that you just don’t get in other places. This volume generally falls within the expectations of the series yet would not necessarily be my favorite. In the plus column, the book is well-written and it’s easy to follow the author’s train of thought, but on the negative side it pushes the envelope too far in some places and is too brief in others.
There’s a lengthy bibliography provided at the beginning of the book. The commentary section is substandard and only lists seven titles. On the other hand, the rest of the bibliography is quite thorough.
The Introduction begins by describing the Book of Judges as epic-style literature. There’s a discussion of the office of a judge that is quite interesting. Folklorist insights calling them epic heroes, social bandits, etc., are a little much for me. There’s discussion of the war and fighting in the Book of Judges, the history of the Book of Judges (the author at least sees the material as “meaningful” to the time of the Kings). I had trouble accepting the redaction history that was given as well as some of the discussion about genre. The discussion of the voice of the theologian and the humanist gave some food for thought. The section called texture provided some helpful structural insights. There seemed to be, however, an over-emphasis on the oral nature of the material in the text-critical section.
Where the commentary wasn’t too brief, there were some interesting observations in the commentary proper. At times there’s too much of a feminist angle, but at other times you will find some real help. The exegetical work is sufficient within the framework of the author’s outlook.
Critical scholarship is usually never too kind to the book of Judges. In any event, this book is probably as good as any in understanding a critical approach to the book. While not the equal of some in the series, it does have value.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
There’s a lengthy bibliography provided at the beginning of the book. The commentary section is substandard and only lists seven titles. On the other hand, the rest of the bibliography is quite thorough.
The Introduction begins by describing the Book of Judges as epic-style literature. There’s a discussion of the office of a judge that is quite interesting. Folklorist insights calling them epic heroes, social bandits, etc., are a little much for me. There’s discussion of the war and fighting in the Book of Judges, the history of the Book of Judges (the author at least sees the material as “meaningful” to the time of the Kings). I had trouble accepting the redaction history that was given as well as some of the discussion about genre. The discussion of the voice of the theologian and the humanist gave some food for thought. The section called texture provided some helpful structural insights. There seemed to be, however, an over-emphasis on the oral nature of the material in the text-critical section.
Where the commentary wasn’t too brief, there were some interesting observations in the commentary proper. At times there’s too much of a feminist angle, but at other times you will find some real help. The exegetical work is sufficient within the framework of the author’s outlook.
Critical scholarship is usually never too kind to the book of Judges. In any event, this book is probably as good as any in understanding a critical approach to the book. While not the equal of some in the series, it does have value.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 15, 2021
This commentary is not at all for me. I enjoyed the introduction, but the commentary portion itself felt lacking.
The translations of the passages in a more poetic style were the highlight of the commentary. The discussion and insight that came afterwards were often disappointing. I constantly felt myself asking "so what?" This commentary gives you some interesting thoughts to chew on, but not much else.
This would probably be much more enjoyed by academics than preachers. Those who have a more critical understanding of the Bible and a better knowledge of Hebrew will appreciate it.
The translations of the passages in a more poetic style were the highlight of the commentary. The discussion and insight that came afterwards were often disappointing. I constantly felt myself asking "so what?" This commentary gives you some interesting thoughts to chew on, but not much else.
This would probably be much more enjoyed by academics than preachers. Those who have a more critical understanding of the Bible and a better knowledge of Hebrew will appreciate it.
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March 4, 2025Read for my Judges class…Niditch is so good at having correct opinions!
September 22, 2012
Commentaries are on going reading projcts
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews