C. L. Seow

A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew

This is a comprehensive revision of our popular Hebrew grammar textbook. Key Features: *Revision of a proven textbook *Uses biblical text from the outset *Greater emphasis on understanding of accents and other critical details; new material on the study of the Hebrew language Key Benefits: *Helps the student use the biblical text itself *Make use of Hebrew dictionaries and other reference tools easier for the beginning student *Excurses provide a good general overview of the Hebrew language, as well as some in-depth understanding of grammatical rules

Elihu's revelation

Among modern scholars, the Elihu speeches are almost universally dismissed as secondary. By contrast, medieval Jewish commentators were unanimous in their affirmation of Elihu, indeed, finding in his theology the key to understanding the place of suffering in divine providence. A positive view of Elihu is evident as well in some early Christian interpreters. This essay seeks to demonstrate that there are compelling literary connections between these speeches and the surrounding materials. Furthermore, it argues that speeches of Elihu are integral to the books structure and are meant to be read together with the YHWH discourses as two sets of revelation.

An Exquisitely Poetic Introduction to the Psalter

Against the skepticism of some scholars, this essay argues that Psalm 1 is not only poetry but exquisite poetry. The aesthetic excellence consists not of balanced structure, predictable rhythmic patterns, or intricate design. Rather, it is on account of its brilliant imagerial contrast, its clever employment of both symmetry and asymmetry, its shrewd play with lineation, its subtle use of ambiguity and polyvalence, and its performative closure that this poem deserves to be considered among the finest in the Psalter and indeed the Bible. Furthermore, the essay shows how interpreters through the centuries are indispensable conversation partners for the modern interpreter. They broaden the horizon of every interpreter, and their voices contribute to a deeper appreciation of Psalm 1 as a theologically profound introduction to the Psalter, thereby inviting the reader to live a commendable life amid uncertainties, but a life that leads nevertheless to the praise of God.

Hope In Two Keys: Musical Impact And The Poetics Of Job 14

Job 14, the third and final movement of Jobs response to Zophars first address, contains some of the most familiar words of the book: Mortal, born of woman, is short-lived and full of trouble (v. 1), For there is hope for a tree (v. 7a), If a person dies, will that one live again? (v. 14a). These have been made popular by the impact of the poem, especially in Christian theology, liturgy, and music. Musicians who have interpreted this poem have, for the most part, rightly captured the somber mood of the Joban poem. The reception history of Job 14 is, thus, a story of on-going conversations about the fragility and resilience of hope. The impact of the poem on music, as well, brings attention to the musicality of the text. Therefore, one might, in light of the numerous compositions, consider musical analogies to appreciate the cadences of the poem. Keywords: christian theology; Job 14; Joban poem; musical analogies