The Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic (Old Testament Library)

'Here is a first-class treatment of the source and message of the apocalyptic literature of the period running roughly from 200 BC to AD 100. It consists of three parts: the nature and identity of Jewish apocalyptic; the method of Jewish apocalyptic; and the message of Jewish apocalyptic. It brings within its scope the relevant sections of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and emphasizes the common ideas and elements running through all the apocalyptic literature, despite its great diversity. The author gives an excellent account of the development of thought among the apocalyptists, tracing it in part to Iranian influence, and emphasizes the enduring values of their message. On the psychology of apocalyptic and the problem of pseudonymity he expresses the most original ideas the volume contains, arguing that just as "corporate personality" offers an explanation of the identification of an individual with the community he represents, so it offers an explanation of the self-identification of an author with an ancient worthy whose name he took and into whose school of tradition he had entered. This is by far the most notable work in English on the apocalyptic literature for a very long time.' (H. H. Rowley in the Society for Old Testament Study Book List)