Title: Reading the lines : a fresh look at the Hebrew Bible /
Authors: Reis, Pamela Tamarkin, 1935-
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers,
Year: 2002
Subjects: Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Abstract: "Defying conventional wisdom with witty iconoclasm, Pamela Tamarkin Rets proves in these thought-provoking essays that you don't have to be a scholar to formulate intelligent, original opinions about the Bible. In refreshingly readable prose, Ms. Reis presents eleven essays on debated cruxes of the Hebrew Bible, all of which have been published in serious academic journals despite the author's lack of traditional credentials." "Using everyday analogies and paradigms drawn from contemporary life, and infusing her approach with references to literary figures from Cervantes to Edmund Wilson to Ring Lardner, Reis's analyses display originality and unpretentious intellect. Her compelling opinions and down-to-earth approach will show lay readers that the Bible is neither too hard nor too far away and will oblige scholars to approach their own interpretations with more rigorous attention to every word."--Publisher's description.
Contents: Rashomon and the biblical creation narratives -- What Cain said : a note on Genesis 4:8 -- Take my wife, please : on the utility of the wife/sister motif -- Hagar requited -- Dead men tell no tales : on the motivation of Joseph's brothers -- Bridegroom of blood : a new reading -- Spoiled child : a fresh look at Jephthah's daughter -- Collusion at Nob : a new reading of 1 Samuel 21-22 -- Eating the blood : Saul and the Witch of Endor -- Cupidity and stupidity : woman's agency and the "rape" of Tamar -- Vindicating God : another look at 1 Kings 13.