Priests in the Prophets - (Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies) by Lester L Grabbe & Alice Ogden Bellis & Andrew Mein & Claudia V Camp

About the Book

Since at least the 19th century Hebrew Bible scholarship has traditionally seen priests and prophets as natural opponents, with different social spheres and worldviews. In recent years several studies have started to question this perspective. The Priests in the Prophets examines how the priests are portrayed in the Latter Prophets and analyzes the relationship between priests and prophets. The contributors also provide insights into the place of priests, prophets, and some other religious specialists in Israelite and Judean society in pre-exilic and post-exilic times.

Book Synopsis

Since at least the 19th century Hebrew Bible scholarship has traditionally seen priests and prophets as natural opponents, with different social spheres and worldviews. In recent years several studies have started to question this perspective. The Priests in the Prophets examines how the priests are portrayed in the Latter Prophets and analyzes the relationship between priests and prophets. The contributors also provide insights into the place of priests, prophets, and some other religious specialists in Israelite and Judean society in pre-exilic and post-exilic times.

Review Quotes

'This volume challenges old established conclusions, such as he perceived antagonism between priest and prophet, with a fresh look at prophetic texts. It contributes a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between sections of Israelite society, not only between priest and prophets, but including diviners, cult personnel and scribes as well.' Katherine J. Dell, Expository Times, 1 August 2006--Sanford Lakoff "Expository Times "

"This research is indeed indispensable to our ongoing attempt to appreciate the social and religious factors that motivated the prophets' criticism of the priests."- Jacob L. Wright, "The Society of Biblical Literature, "July 2005

About the Author

Lester L. Grabbe is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism at the University of Hull. He is founder and convenor of the European Seminar in Historical Methodology. A recent book is Ancient Israel: What Do We Know and How Do We Know it? Alice Ogdon Bellis is Professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Howard University School of Divinity, Washington, D.C.