Reading Hebrew Bible Narratives introduces readers to narrative traditions of the Old Testament and to methods of interpreting them. Part of the Essentials of Biblical Studies series, this volume presents readers with an overview of exegesis by mainly focusing on a self-contained narrative to be read alongside the text. Through sustained interaction with the book of Ruth, readers have opportunities to engage a biblical book from multiple perspectives, while taking note of the wider implications of such perspectives for other biblical narratives. Other select texts from Hebrew Bible narratives, related by theme or content to matters in Ruth, are also examined, not only to assist in illustrating this method of approach, but also to offer reinforcement of reading skills and connections among different narrative traditions. Considering literary analysis, words and texts in context, and reception history, this brief introduction gives students an overview of how exegesis illuminates stories in the Bible.

Series IntroductionIntroductionChapter 1: Narratives in the Hebrew BibleSection 1: The World of the TextChapter 2: Explanation and Persuasion in Stories of Origins: Two Examples in GenesisChapter 3: Plot and Theme in the Book of RuthChapter 4: Characters in the Book of RuthChapter 5: Narrative Art: Words and Their MeaningChapter 6: Narrative Art: Words and Their Meaning ContinuedSection 2: The World behind the TextChapter 7: Narrative Contexts: History and CultureChapter 8: Narrative Contexts: History and Culture ContinuedSection 3: The Worlds of and behind the TextChapter 9: Family Origins in Genesis 2Chapter 10: 1 Kings 21: A Royal Family and its Influence in Prophetic PerspectiveSection 4: The World in front of the TextChapter 11: Reception History and Classical Stories