Reading Hebrews in Context

The Sermon and Second Temple Judaism

Zondervan, Ben C. Blackwell, John K. Goodrich, Jason Maston

• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Year: 2023
• eBook ISBN: 9780310116028
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Biblical Studies

Study Hebrews in its Second Temple Context

Following the proven model established in Reading Romans in Context, Reading Mark in Context, and Reading Revelation in Context, this book brings together a series of accessible essays that compare and contrast the theology and hermeneutical practices of the book of Hebrews with various early Jewish literature.

Going beyond an introduction that merely surveys historical events and theological themes, this textbook examines individual passages in Second Temple Jewish literature in order to illuminate the ideas and emphases of Hebrews' varied discourses. Following the rhetorical progression of Hebrews, each chapter in this textbook:

1. pairs a major unit of Hebrews with one or more sections of a thematically related Jewish text
2. introduces and explores the historical and theological nuances of the comparative text
3. shows how the ideas in the comparative text illuminate those expressed in Hebrews

In addition to the focused comparison provided in the essays, Reading Hebrews in Context offers other student-friendly features that help them engage broader discussions, including an introductory chapter that familiarizes students with the world and texts of Second Temple Judaism and a glossary of important terms. The end of each chapter contains a list of other thematically-relevant Second Temple Jewish texts recommended for further study and a focused bibliography pointing students to critical editions and higher-level discussions in scholarly literature they might use to undertake their own comparative studies.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• 1. Philo of Alexandria and Hebrews 1:1–14: The Firstborn and Image of God
• 2. 4 Ezra and Hebrews 2:1–9: Suffering and God’s Faithfulness to His Promises
• 3. Jubilees and Hebrews 2:10–18: Passover and the Defeat of the Devil
• 4. Wisdom of Solomon and Hebrews 3:1–19: The Spirit of Wisdom As a Guide Through the Desert
• 5. Josephus and Hebrews 4:1–13: The Promise of Entering God’s Rest
• 6. Sirach and Hebrews 4:14–5:10: Called to Be High Priest, Just Like Aaron
• 7. The Community Rule and Hebrews 5:11–6:12: Perfection, Perseverance, and Apostasy
• 8. Philo of Alexandria and Hebrews 6:13–20: The Purpose of the Divine Oath
• 9. 11QMelchizedek and Hebrews 7:1–10: The Heavenly Melchizedek
• 10. The Damascus Document and Hebrews 7:11–28: Messianism and the Aaronic High Priesthood
• 11. The Damascus Document and Hebrews 8:1–13: The New Covenant
• 12. Philo of Alexandria and Hebrews 9:1–10: The Passing and the Permanent
• 13. Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice and Hebrews 9:11–28: Heavenly Sanctuary, Priest, and Sacrifice
• 14. Philo of Alexandria and Hebrews 10:1–18: The Sacrifices of the Righteous
• 15. Mishnah Yoma and Hebrews 10:19–39: Deliberate Sin and Atonement
• 16. 2 Maccabees and Hebrews 11:1–22: Faith, Creation, and Resurrection Hope
• 17. The Biblical Antiquities and Hebrews 11:23–40: Israel’s History As a Call to Faith
• 18. Psalms of Solomon and Hebrews 12:1–17: The Paternal Discipline of God
• 19. The Samaritan Pentateuch and Hebrews 12:18–29: Moses On the Mountain
• 20. Philo of Alexandria and Hebrews 13:1–25: Meeting the Forgiving God Outside the Camp
• Glossary
• Contributors
• Passage Index
• Subject Index
• Author Index