Foundations for Biblical Interpretation: A Complete Library of Tools and Resources (review)

Hebrew Studies 37 (1996) 133 Reviews would know what they mean. He could have given brief definitions of these concepts with little cost in tenns of digression from the subject of discussion . For example, the expression "hapax legomena" may be defined briefly as "words occurring once (in the Bible or other kinds of texts):' Another example is "Septuagint," which could be defined in one sentence as "the oldest Greek translation of the Bible." However, this problem too, does not seem to be major. Scholars and senior students are familiar with these concepts; freshmen may find their meanings in any encyclopedia dealing with Judaica. The history of the Hebrew language is connected, of course, to the history of the Jewish people, a point which was not overlooked in SaenzBadillos ' good overview. His descriptions of the Hebrew phenomena are accompanied by historical and cultural explanations and illustrated with vivid examples. This means that the book may be an asset not only to Hebraists but also to historians who are interested in the history of the Jews. To conclude, this book, it seems to me, is a must for every Hebraist's bookshelf.-students as well as teachers and scholars. GaJiaHatav University ofFlorida Gainesville, FL 32611 FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION: A COMPLETE LIBRARY OF TOOLS AND RESOURCES. David S. Dockery, Kenneth A. Mathews, and Robert B. Sloan, eds. Pp. xviii + 614. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994. Cloth, $29.99. In the preface to Foundations for Biblical Interpretation the editors state, "The volume is intended to be an introductory textbook for beginning students in college and seminary, but it can also serve as an update for ministers and Bible teachers as well" (p. xvii). It is written according to an evangelical perspective, in which "all the contributors affinn the complete veracity and total authority of the Bible" (p. xvii). Twenty-seven authors have contributed, each one chosen for his or her expertise in a particular area. The volume contains three major parts. Part One includes general articles on revelation, the inspiration and authority of Scripture, the study and Hebrew Studies 37 (1996) 134 Reviews interpretation of the Bible, the Bible as literature, the geography of the Bible lands, and the use of the Old Testament in the New. Part Two is entitled "Foundations for Old Testament Interpretation." Ten articles deal in-depth with archaeology and the Old Testament, the canon of the Old Testament, Old Testament textual criticism, historical criticism of the Old Testament, literary criticism of the Old Testament, history and chronology of the Old Testament, cultural background of the Old Testament, religious background of the Old Testament, political background of the Old Testament, and biblical theology of the Old Testament. Part Three is entitled "Foundations for New Testament Interpretation." Eleven articles cover the topics of archaeology in the New Testament, the canon of the New Testament, textual criticism of the New Testament, historical criticism of the New Testament, literary criticism of the New Testament, history and chronology of the New Testament, cultural background of the New Testament, political background of the New Testament, biblical theology of the New Testament, and canonical theology of the New Testament. Space limits do not allow me to give in-depth analysis of every article. Let me make several summary comments: 1) Each article is 20-30 pages long and follows a similar format. Headings and subheadings are easily identifiable, and help the reader follow each article's logical development. Each article is also aptly footnoted as appropriate. Indeed, the rich documentation is one of the volume's consistent treasures. 2) Each article also contains a section entitled "For Further Reading" at the end. 3) The volume includes a Scripture index and an author index to assist the reader who is interested in tracing particular issues throughout the volume. In general, a certain amount of basic Bible knowledge is helpful when reading this book. However, this should not deter college students from trying it as a good reference work. All in all, the editors and authors have succeeded in producing a book that will prove quite helpful for pastors, professors, seminary students, and college students for years to come. Bryan E. Beyer Columbia Bible College Columbia...