Biblical Interpretation in Ancient Israel

by Michael Fishbane

This acclaimed book offers the first comprehensive treatment and analysis fo the phenomenon of textual interpretation ion ancient Israel. Fishbane explores the rich tradition of exegesis prior to the development of biblical interpretation in early classical Judaism and the earliest Christian
communities, and analyzes four main categories of scribal, legal, aggadic, and mantological. The paperback edition has been expanded with new material and appendices.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Biblical Studies, Old Testament, Christianity, History

636 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 1985

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longer review forthcoming… but suffice it to say that this is a must-read for growing your understanding of the textual cross-correspondence (and/or intertextuality) in the Old Testament. While I am very skeptical of Fishbane’s speculative conclusions as to the process by which the OT was produced, his observations as to the meaning and significance of inner-biblical exegesis are always worth considering and engaging.

[Guillaume Bourin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brevard S. Childs opens his review of Fishbane's monograph this way, “Fishbane's carefully structured book is packed with such detailed exegesis and close argument that only the serious reader can begin to tap its richness; however, the rewards are great for anyone willing to expend the energy.”
I strongly agree. For sure, this is not the most accessible scholarly work I have read, but the benefits are great, especially if you are interested in the discipline of inner-biblical exegesis (sometimes wrongly labelled as ‘intertextuality,’ a misleading term). If this specific field capture your interest, Fishbane’s work is a must-read (in the same way that Richer B. Hays’ “Echoes of Scripture” is a reference to inner-biblical exegesis of the New Testament).

[Justin Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great discussion which draws distinctions between different types of inner-biblical exegesis (or inner-biblical allusion). Intended audience is OT scholars.

[Parker McGoldrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone interested in OT studies, this is a must read.

[Matthew Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a feast! It's been years since I gave this book close attention, and I can see now how it paved the way for scholars like B. Levinson and B. Sommer in HB studies, and R. Hays in NT studies.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The overall arc of Fishbane’s argument—that inner-biblical exegesis is a primary precursor to rabbinic exegesis--is not soundly prove, nor could it necessarily be, as he himself acknowledges. However, it's important to consider the historical context of his work —the ideas of Wellhausen et al that he is refuting still had much influence in the mid-80s when this was published, and probably even more so when he began it. Some of Fishbane’s claims have become accepted standards of HB scholarship, like the idea that exegesis and revision should be seen as valuable, central to the text, not accretions to be stripped away from pure revelation or more natural religion. For me, the book has and will continue to be useful for its thorough discussion and compilation of particular instances of exegesis—all the more so because of the centrality of this volume in the filed, and the fact that these same examples have been taken up and discussed by others precisely because of their treatment here. Moreover, though many of the trends Fishbane notes are more estimations or suggestions than clear patterns, they do prove useful for thinking about the common modes of innerbiblical exegesis, and particularly for considering the importance of deviations from common practice.

I am utterly convinced of the utility of Fishbane’s 3 means of discerning cases of IBE (structural language/formulae of citation, comparison of manuscripts, density and uniqueness of quoted terms) + ideological explanation for exegesis/transformation. In fact, the usefulness of this model for testing the relative strength of Fishbane’s own examples only goes to demonstrate its effectiveness and rigor. There’s also a great deal to be said for the detail and work that the book entails—it is so clearly a labor of love and care. Amazingly, this work defending the “dignity” of exegesis centers and sacralizes this practice so much that it calls into question foundational truths of the religion of the exegetes—i.e. the revealed nature of the Decalogue—for Fishbane, the process and practice of exegesis, more than the content of any revelation or single revealed interpretation, are at the sacred core.