Old Testament Textual Criticism, 2nd Edition

A Practical Introduction

Ellis R. Brotzman (Author), Eric J. Tully (Author) Release Date: 7/19/16

Overview

A Readable, Updated Introduction to Textual Criticism

This accessibly written, practical introduction to Old Testament textual criticism helps students understand the discipline and begin thinking through complex issues for themselves. The authors combine proven expertise in the classroom with cutting-edge work in Hebrew textual studies. This successful classic (nearly 25,000 copies sold) has been thoroughly expanded and updated to account for the many changes in the field over the past twenty years. It includes examples, illustrations, an updated bibliography, and a textual commentary on the book of Ruth.

Contents
Introduction
1. Writing in the Ancient Near East
2. A Brief Overview of the Transmission of the Old Testament Text
3. Hebrew Texts of the Old Testament
4. Ancient Translations of the Old Testament
5. Critical Editions of the Old Testament Text
6. Scribal Changes in the Old Testament Text
7. Principles and Practice of Textual Criticism
8. Textual Commentary on the Book of Ruth
Conclusion
Appendix A: An English Key to BHS
Appendix B: What Text(s) Are We Attempting to Reconstruct?
Glossary
Indexes

Endorsements

"It is a pleasure to welcome Brotzman's work in its updated form. There is no better introduction to the field of Old Testament manuscripts and their text-critical study. It is ideal for the student with little or no background."

Richard S. Hess, Earl S. Kalland Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Denver Seminary

"Brotzman's introduction has been a helpful guide for over two decades. His collaboration with Tully in this new edition ensures that the volume will continue to be useful as an entrée into the bewildering world of Old Testament textual criticism. I am pleased to see that the new edition refines the goal of textual criticism in light of our current understanding of textual composition and transmission in antiquity."

Bill T. Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary

"This updated version of Brotzman's original work provides a welcome introduction to Old Testament textual criticism that is well informed by recent scholarship. Incorporating current theories and analyzing newly developed resources, Brotzman and Tully's judicious work gives students a firm foundation for understanding textual criticism in its unique Old Testament environment and for practicing it responsibly."

John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College

"Without a doubt, this is the best textbook for introducing students to the textual history of the Hebrew Bible. It is both comprehensive and clear as it leads students into the essential discipline of textual criticism for biblical interpretation. We are indebted to Brotzman and Tully for providing a resource that does not avoid the complexities of the text but at the same time maintains the integrity of that text in terms of inspiration and authority."

Miles V. Van Pelt, Alan Belcher Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, Reformed Theological Seminary

"This practical book shows readers how to take first steps in the practice of Old Testament textual criticism and how it is relevant to exegesis. The authors present a comprehensive yet readable survey of the transmission history of the Old Testament text, they show how to make proper use of the standard critical editions of the Hebrew Bible, and they present a workable approach for actually doing Old Testament textual criticism. By unpacking the entire critical apparatus of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for the book of Ruth, they provide expert guidance in how to decipher and utilize the textual information found there. I enthusiastically recommend it!"

Richard A. Taylor, senior professor of Old Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

"At last, we have a true intermediate exploration of Old Testament textual criticism. Brotzman and Tully have struck a refreshing balance between foundational content and practical illustration. The textual analysis of Ruth alone is sufficient to commend this book to Hebrew students, and the authors' discussion of the emerging Biblia Hebraica Quinta critical edition is a helpful aid for the next generation. Because of its accessible approach and sustained interest in the exegetical process, Old Testament Textual Criticism will be a standard tool in my language classes."

Andrew J. Schmutzer, professor of biblical studies, Moody Bible Institute

"Brotzman's introduction to Old Testament textual criticism, now coauthored with Eric Tully, has been expanded and updated throughout without sacrificing readability and the practical features that have made it a popular seminary textbook. The complicated and evolving theories on the textual history of the Old Testament are explained clearly, while the new appendix discussing the goal of textual criticism allows the authors to avoid oversimplifying the issues. The chapter introducing BHS has been expanded to include BHQ and compares their textual apparatuses. Such updates will enable this textbook to serve the next generation of seminary students."

John A. Cook, associate professor of Old Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

Authors

Ellis R. Brotzman

Ellis R. Brotzman (PhD, New York University), now retired, was senior professor of Old Testament at Tyndale Theological Seminary in the Netherlands for more than twenty years. He has taught at a variety of institutions around the world and continues to teach in his retirement.

Eric J. Tully