Commentary Series

"Hosea, Volume 24" in the "Anchor Bible" series of new, book-by-book translations of the Old and New Testaments and Apocrypha is a collaboration by world-renowned scholars Francis I. Andersen and David Noel Freedman.The authors' treatment of "Hosea" consists of: Introduction - a review and rethinking of Hosea research that offers a fascinating interpretation of the prophet's life and work; Translation - based on one of the oldest of prophetic writings, this new translation of "Hosea" is unique in so far as the literary integrity of the text is scrupulously adhered to; Notes - for both scholar and general reader there is cultural and linguistic information which sets each passage within the sociohistoric context of eighth century B.C.E. (Hebrew vocabulary, syntax, and poetic language are examined in an effort to confront one of the most obscure sections of biblical literature); and, Illustrations - eight pages of photographs will take the reader through the ancient days of the Middle Bronze Age into the wonders of the Iron Age in which Hosea lived.

This volume concludes Raymond E. Brown's commentary on the "Gospel of John". Continuing his study begun in "Anchor Bible Volume 29", the author translates the original Greek text into today's English, which allows all readers to make sense of the Gospel. Father Brown's notes and comments sort out the major issues surrounding the writings of John - questions of authorship, composition, date, and John's relation to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). He analyzes and presents the scholarly debates in a form the interested layperson can appreciate."John" chapters 13-21 comprise the Book of Glory (describing the Last Supper, the Passion, and the appearances of the Risen Jesus) and the epilogue to the Gospel. This commentary includes a special appendix on the Paraclete, in which Brown examines in detail the role of the Holy Spirit. Whether discussing John's version of miracle stories found in the other Gospels, explaining the meaning of obscure Greek words, or showing the relevance of Jesus' words and deeds, Father Brown speaks to scholars and laypeople alike.

Scripture Scholar James L. Crenshaw  Captures The Ominous, Yet Hopeful Spirit Of Joel's  Prophecy In His New Translation And  Commentary.

Joel's Prophecy has an unexpectedly familiar  ring to it. The biblical book of Joel is relevant to  our late-twentieth-century world because it  confronts an age when people tolerated almost anything,  did not want someone telling them how to live  their lives, and had difficulty distinguishing right  from wrong. It was at once a time of  self-indulgence and a time of spiritual decay. The economic and  political disparity of the day, combined with  widespread social injustice and deviant religious  practices, brought about God's judgment on his chosen  people, the judahites. Pleading the litany of sins  in Joel is like reading the newspaper, things have  not changed much in 2,500 years. Leading Scripture  scholar James L. Crenshaw's fresh translation of  the biblical prophecy of Joel combines the latest  research into Hebrew language and literature with  down-to-earth insights into how Joel's words relate  to the modern world. Drawing upon a thorough  analysis of the book's grammar and philology, literary  forms and context, religious and social situation,  and historical setting, Crenshaw offers the most  informed and up-to-date commentary available. For  those who want to read and understand Joel, this  book is indispensable.

The Anchor Bible series offers new, book-by-book translations of the Old and New Testament and the Apocrypha, with commentary. This volume on the Book of Daniel has been prepared by two distinguished biblical scholars from the faculty of the Catholic University of America: Alexander A. Di Lella, Professor of Old Testament, and the late Louis F. Hartman, Professor of Semitic Languages.

The Book of Daniel was written as resistance literature, to strengthen and console loyal Jews of the second century B.C. who had to endure religious, economic, and social oppression at the hands of Antiochus I. The inspiring stories in which Daniel and his companions Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survive the ordeals of the lions' den and the fiery furnace dramatize for believers of all time the ultimate test of faith--the willingness to risk one's life for one's beliefs.

The Book of Daniel also includes the famous incident of "the handwriting on the wall" and recounts the four vivid dream-visions or apocalypses which, through symbols and signs, offered interpretations of history and predictions of future deliverance.

Louis F. Hartman and Alexander A. Di Lella have revealed the profound religious and human dimensions of the Daniel stories. They present Daniel as a colorful and dramatic hero unique in biblical literature--an enduring symbol of hope and salvation for all men and women of faith who must suffer for their beliefs.