The Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic: 200 BC - AD 100 (The Old Testament Library)

Only a master scholar could present such a comprehensive yet penetrating study as this of the Jewish apocalyptic literature from 200BC to AD100. Russell reviews 17 Jewish writings: The Book of Daniel, I-II Enoch, The Book of Jubilees, The Sibylline Oracles, Books III~V, The Testaments of the 12 Patriarchs, The Psalms of Solomon, The Assumption of Moses, The Martyrdom of Isaiah, The Life of Adam & Eve or The Apocalypse of Moses, The Apocalypse of Abraham, The Testament of Abraham, 2 Esdras & II-III Baruch. He includes material from the Dead Sea Scrolls & a wide variety of related literature. For Jews & Christians alike, this literature is of significance because of its claim to be 'the child of prophecy.' For Christians it has an additional importance. Not only is it, in its teaching, a continuation of the Old Testament, it's also an anticipation of their New Testament. The apocalyptic literature helps bridge the gap between testaments & illustrates significant developments in religious belief, especially of an eschatalogical & messianic kind. For easy study & reference, the volume is in three parts. Part One, 'The Nature & Identity of Jewish Apocalyptic,' sets the literature against the background of the period in which it was written & defines apocalyptic literature. Part Two, discusses 'The Method of Jewish Apocalyptic,' including its emergence from prophecy, examines its form & literary characteristics, & analyzes the peculiar psychology of the writers. Part Three, not only discusses 'The Message of Jewish Apocalyptic,' but assesses it, demonstrating the influence of the apocalyptists on subsequent religious ideas in both Judaism & Christianity.