Companion to the Old Testament Edited by Hywel Clifford, SCM Press, £21
As the editor concedes, any introduction to the Old Testament joins “a long list of literature”. With the shelves already groaning, something fresh is required, and Clifford and his team have certainly delivered.
The volume combines basic explanations of the texts, surveys of how those texts have been interpreted, and an exploration of how the Old Testament can be applied in the work of Christian ministry and mission. Clarity is key, and the survey is neatly divided into five sections, dealing with the Pentateuch, the historical books, the books of poetry and wisdom, the prophetic books and the Apocrypha.
The general reader will appreciate the unvarnished summaries of what the texts discuss and there are many treats for a more well-versed audience. There are intriguing words, for instance, on the difference between Calvin, who is judged to have jettisoned spiritual readings in some of his biblical commentaries, and Luther, who, while grumpy about “uncontrolled allegorical interpretation”, attempted to find some place for spiritual and typological exegesis within his broad concept of literal interpretation.
Occasionally, one has the feeling that a particular scholar would have enjoyed the space to riff more expansively on a particular theme, but this only whets the appetite.
The volume also contains an impassioned plea to take the poetical sections of the Old Testament more seriously: “Their sounds and images lead us not merely, or even primarily, to logical truths, but to imagining, feeling and living obediently in the world they lay out for us.” We are instructed that “the ancient appreciation for the grandeur and necessity of biblical poetry needs to be renewed today”, because while “the basic shape of the Bible is narrative, poetry is the flare that brings the story to life in manifold ways”.
A truly exciting and innovative achievement, this volume rises above the level of synthesis and more than fulfils its promise to “provide intelligent enrichment for readers”.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.