John H. Hayes

This is a beginner's guide to biblical exegesis, providing exegetical methods, practices, and theories. This book provides simple, helpful information and guidance about doing exegesis, without being overly prescriptive; succinctly introduces students to various methods; provides basic bibliographies that take students beyond an introductory discussion; and emphasizes exegesis as an everyday activity based on commonsense principles rather than as an esoteric enterprise. This revised edition of this perennially best-selling textbook includes discussions of emerging methods of interpretation aimed at a contemporary audience. Several chapters have been updated and improved, and readers will find an incisive new chapter on exegesis with a focus on identity and advocacy. Holladay has also written a new concluding chapter on exegesis as the art of seeing. Bibliographies are updated, and a helpful glossary is included in this new edition.

For generations, scholars have attempted to solve the chronological problems associated with ""the mysterious numbers of the Hebrew kings."" In this volume, the authors provide a coherent, sensible, and believable chronology for the Israelite and Judean kings. In their reconstruction, Hayes and Hooker take into consideration not only all of the biblical data but also all relevant ancient Near Eastern sources. Utilizing all available and reliable evidence, they establish not only regnal years for all the rulers but also specific dates for numerous events in Israelite and Judean history. In their opening chapters, the authors explain the scheme of chronological reckoning found in the books of 1-2 Kings. Their calculations are then computed without recourse to shifting understandings of the methods of reckoning or to a theory of co-regencies. The value of this work is not limited to purely chronological matters. Its implications extend to the dating of biblical sources such as the Book of the Covenant, D, P, and the Deuteronomistic History. The volume also provides insights into the socio-cultic life of biblical times. ."" . . a lucid, carefully constructed new chronology . . . packed with fresh ideas and daring proposals . . . offering dates for many of the major events in the life of Israel and Judah, setting these events in their international context . . . making much more precise than is customary the dates of the biblical events."" - - Walter Harrelson, Vanderbilt University John H. Hayes is Professor of Old Testament at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. He is also the author of Understanding the Psalms and coauthor of A History of Ancient Israel and Judah (2006). Paul K. Hooker is an ordained Presbyterian minister and currently Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Florida.

'Miller and Hayes has long been my number one recommended textbook for classes on the history of ancient Israel and Judah. While I may not agree with every word, I know of nothing like it for the systematic way in which it sets out the whole range of evidence, discusses it critically, and bases its historical reconstruction on the results. The field has been moving so rapidly, however, with new discoveries and radically different interpretations of familiar material, that it was reaching the point where this book would need to be replaced. This new edition represents such a significant revision, with account taken of all the most recent main discussions, that it will again immediately resume its premier position in the field.' --II. G. M. WILLIANISC)N, REGIUS PROFESSOR OF HEBREW, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 'More than two decades have passed since Miller and Hayes's History helped us absorb the lessons learned when a regnant synthesis that largely authenticated Israel's version of its past had shattered. As presented in its pages, Israel's history was far more complicated (and exhilarating) than the one presented in Scripture, and its people proved concerned with much more than just communion with God. In this completely rewritten edition, the frame is basically the same but the details are richer and more absorbing, if only because archaeological discoveries and scholarly debates since then have multiplied the questions. Writing a limpid prose, shaping a story that is neither bland nor boring, Miller and Hayes continue to guide us reliably through thorny issues." -JACK M. SASSON, MARY JANE WERTI-JAN PROFESSOR OF JUDAIC AND BIBLICAL STUDIES, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY 'Miller and Hayes's comprehensive work has clearly and superbly represented an important scholarly tradition in the study of the history of ancient Israel. This revision, with substantial bibliographic updating and increase in illustrations and visuals, will preserve its status as a standard in the field.' -K. LAWSON YOUNGER JR., PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT, SEMITIC LANGUAGES; AND ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN HISTORY; TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL ' In a time of polarization over the veracity and usefulness of various forms of data, this volume is a welcome addition, both for its level-headed and even-handed treatment of all relevant materials and the sheer volume of material presented. The authors respect the intelligence of their readers and supply them with the data, the range of scholarly debate on the topic, and their own analysis, allowing both beginning students and seasoned scholars to soundly evaluate the situation." -TAMMI J. SCHNEIDER, PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF RELIGION, CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

This classic textbook, widely used for over two decades, constructs a history of ancient Israel and Judah through a thorough investigation of epigraphical, archaeological, and biblical sources. Approaching biblical history as history, Miller and Hayes examine the political and economic factors that give context to the Israelite monarchy's actions and the biblical writers' accounts. Now updated with the latest research and critical discoveries, including the Tel Dan Inscription, and considering the lively debate surrounding the reliability of biblical accounts, Miller and Hayes's judicious and even-handed portrayal gives detailed attention to the nature, strengths, and limitations of various forms of evidence for understanding Israel's origins and early history. The new edition also includes thirty-four new maps, helpful notes, and numerous charts and photographs.

Many of the Psalms use such vivid and timeless imagery that they express as clearly today as they did centuries ago the feelings of the person seeking God. But other psalms are more difficult to understand -- either the terms no longer relate to life or the whole spirit seems alien to modern life. This book will help you to make sense of these psalms as you see how they were used in Hebrew worship. The author relates the psalms to the rituals described in other parts of the Old Testament, so that both ritual and psalm take on meaning today. Several psalms are analyzed in detail as examples of the various kinds of Psalms in the Bible.

John Hayes and Sara Mandell provide a clear exposition of Jewish history from 333 BCE to 135 CE. This volume focuses on the Judean-Jerusalem community from a historical rather than ideological or theological perspective. With the inclusion of charts, maps, and ancient texts, the authors have constructed a fascinating account that is indispensable for the study of this crucial period.

This is an excellent guide to the various methods of biblical criticism to put into the hands of students. There are chapters on textual, historical, grammatical, literary, form, tradition, and redaction criticism, each concluding with a bibliography.

First published in 1986 and reissued in 1999 in response to continued demand. Shows what kind of sources are available for reconstructing what happened in and around Palestine between the twelfth and the fourth centuries BC and how they can be used.

John Hayes and Frederick Prussner offer a thorough study covering the history, methodologies, and difficulties that are associated with the writing of Old Testament theology. Their impressive work features comprehensive history, summaries, contemporary issues, comparative evaluations, recent developments, and individual sections on more than fifty theologians and Old Testament scholars. Provides insights to the related issues of neo-orthodoxy, archaeology, philosophy, the church, and culture.

This book introduces the reader to both the content of the Bible and to the life, faith, and history of ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. John Hayes begins this book begins with an overall introduction to the study of the Bible, including the techniques of Bible criticism. He then discusses the life, faith, and literature of ancient Israel from the earliest times to the end of Babylonian exile. Presenting the history of the restored Jewish community from the days of the return through the early years of Roman rule, Hayes looks at some apocryphal and apocolyptic literature. Finally, Hayes explores the life and literature of early Christianity, the growing hostility between state and church, and the persecution of Christians.This volume includes photographic illustrations, a full subject-oriented bibliography for further reading, and the Westminster Historical Maps of Bible Lands.