Judith (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Religion & Spirituality

Moore, Carey A.

Christian Books & Bibles

Yale University Press

Esther, the biblical book named after the beautiful Jewish woman chosen by the Persian King Xerxes to be queen, is a story of love, political intrigue, and religious faithfulness. Carey A. Moore combines his treatment of scholarly issues with an engaging explanation of the popular Jewish festival of Purim.One of three biblical books named after women (Esther, Ruth, Judith), Esther reads like a novel, with its fast-paced, action-packed story. Drawing on ancient tales of court intrigue and midrashic sources, the author captivates the reader with the story of Queen Esther, her uncle Mordecai, King Xerxes, and the the royal court's villain, Haman. The story not only entertains, it also explains the origins of the Jewish festival of Purim.Moore deftly deals with the scholarly issues peculiar to this book without sacrificing his sensitivity to its literary quality. The uncertainty that Esther should be included in sacred Scripture stems from its apparent lack of religious elements, its absence at Qumran, and its questionable historicity. Moore takes up these issues, carefully explaining and weighing prevailing scholarly theories before registering his own conclusions on the origin, date, and purpose of the book of Esther.

Esther (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Reference

Encyclopedias & Subject Guides

Judith is Volume 40 in the acclaimed anchor Bible series of new book-by-book translations of the Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha. In the Apocrypha, Judith is the saint who murdered for her people. She offered herself to Holofernes, the Assyrian general sent by Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the Israelites. After she had charmed Holofernes with flattery and drink, Judith chopped of his head while he lay in a drunken stupor, thereby leaving his troops “headless” and in a state of total panic and confusion. Her victory was celebrated in song and brought peace to her land for years to come. In his illuminating new translation and commentary, Carey A. Moore considers the historicity of the story and explores the author’s true intent: Was it to describe actual events or to compose a fictitious story of other purposes? Was his concern more historical or theological? The story of Judith abounds in ironies. There is Judith, the beautiful woman who lived a stark, celibate existence after her husband’s death had left her a wealthy widow. Born into a sexist society with rigidly defined roles, Judith better “played the man” than did any of her male compatriots. There is Holofernes, the Assyrian conqueror, unable to defeat a small Israelite village after dozens of countries had fallen under his sword. Intent on seducing Judith, Holofernes instead lost his head to her. Perhaps the ultimate irony of all is the story of Judith itself: the timeless tale of a deeply religious woman who became revered not for her poverty but for an act of murder. Dr. Moore’s study of the canonicity of Judith brings perspective to the story’s varied acceptance among both Jews and Christians. It also notes the similarity between this work and the equally popular story of Esther; each woman, through different means, served her people through acts of bravery. The photographs and maps illustrating Judith include depictions of the story of Judith by such masters as Machiavelli, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Donatello.

Tobit is the story of a righteous, devout, and charitable man who―blind and miserable―sends his son, Tobiah, to collect on an old loan. To test his faith, an angel joins Tobiah on his journey, and in the end Tobiah returns with the money, a beautiful bride, and a miraculous cure for his father's affliction. Tobit's story touches us precisely because it tells the tale of simple, hardworking everyday folk, who try, despite seemingly insurmountable dangers and difficulties, to be faithful and do good. Scripture scholar Carey A. Moore's crisp and insightful translation and commentary bring Tobit's tale of justice and righteousness to life. Everybody can relate to these characters. As the commentator himself confesses, "I can honestly say that I really like and admire them. I 'feel at home' with them." In the prestigious tradition of the Anchor Bible, Moore relates the latest in biblical scholarship through down-to-earth comments that touch the lives of general readers. This is a groundbreaking commentary, the first ever to utilize the Tobit texts from Qumran. Drawing upon a thorough analysis of the book's grammar and philology, literary forms and context, religious and social situation, and historical context, Moore offers the most informed and up-to-date commentary available on Tobit. This is truly an indispensable companion to anyone interested in Tobit and the Bible.

Tobit (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

This volume provides a translation, commentary and introduction to several apocryphal texts, including Susanna, Bel and the Snake and the additions to Esther and Jeremiah.

Daniel, Esther, and Jeremiah: The Additions (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

The apocryphal sections of Daniel, Esther, and Jeremiah and vibrant works which cast light on the life and thought of the Jewish nation at the time of the Exile, adding dramatic excitement and increasing the religious significance of these beloved Bible tales. The Additions to the Book of Daniel tell the exciting stories of the Fiery Furnace, Susanna and the Elders, and the confrontations between Daniel and the gods of Babylon; and show how God preserved the faithful in the face of certain death. The Book of Esther is transformed by the Additions from a so-called 'secular' work to a wonderful and dramatic tale of God's concern and care for His people under the tyranny of foreign oppressors. The Additions to the Book of Jeremiah consists of poems and prayers addressed to the people to the people of the Exile, exhorting them to shun idolatry and offering encouragement for a repressed nation. Why were these invaluable Additions excluded from the canonical versions of the books? This is a fascinating question which is considered in the introductions and notes it the different sections of this volume. The engrossing problems of authorship, date and place of composition, and the intended relevance of each Addition are also dealt with clearly and comprehensively. Illustrated with pages of well-chosen photographs, this work amplifies and enhances our understanding and appreciation of the canonical scriptures.

Daniel, Esther and Jeremiah: The Additions (Anchor Bible Series, Vol. 44)

Anchor Bible

A modern translation of this Old Testament book is accompanied by historical, descriptive, and critical commentaries

Tobit (Anchor Bible)

Esther

This volume provides a translation, commentary and introduction to several apocryphal texts, including Susanna, Bel and the Snake and the additions to Esther and Jeremiah.

Daniel, Esther and Jeremiah

Judith

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Moore, Carey A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Moore, Carey A.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Moore, Carey A.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Judith (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Esther (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Judith (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Tobit (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Daniel, Esther, and Jeremiah: The Additions (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries)

Daniel, Esther and Jeremiah: The Additions (Anchor Bible Series, Vol. 44)

Tobit (Anchor Bible)

Esther

Daniel, Esther and Jeremiah

Judith