How Did They Read the Prophets?
Early Jewish and Christian Interpretations
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Learn how ancient readers interpreted the Bible’s prophetic literature—and why their views have enduring value How Did They Read the Prophets? explores the world of ancient exegesis, focusing on how early Jewish and Christian readers understood the Hebrew Bible’s prophetic literature. In this illuminating study, Old Testament scholar Michael B. Shepherd takes modern readers on a guided tour through the earliest readings of key passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve. He also surveys shifts in ancient conceptions of prophecy—shifts that reflect the dynamic and complex relationship between speaking, writing, and interpreting. Shepherd’s well-researched study is distinctive in several respects. One is its focus on ancient readings of prophetic literature in particular, rather than biblical literature in general. Another distinguishing feature is its attention both to inner-biblical interpretation and to early post-biblical exegesis. Finally, the book stands out for its insights into the enduring value of ancient interpretation in the modern period. Rigorous yet accessible, How Did They Read the Prophets? is a remarkable resource for students and general readers interested in biblical studies and the history of interpretation.
Endorsements (4)
“In this detailed study, Michael Shepherd clearly shows how the scribes who wrote and transmitted the prophetic books were exegetes, and how the early readers of the prophetic books were attuned to this exegetical activity. Modern readers of the Bible will find a wealth of valuable information in this volume, which is full of insightful examples of how ancient authors understood Israel’s Scriptures.”
“Adding to his previous helpful studies on the biblical prophets and their inner-biblical connections, Shepherd here discloses how ancient Jews and Christians interpreted key passages in the Major and Minor Prophets. He highlights the importance of tracing the compositional strategies of the prophetic books themselves and notes how the prophets were not only preachers but also scholars who interpreted texts (see Ezek 38:17; Dan 9:2; Matt 13:52; 1 Pet 1:10–11). This volume is a welcome contribution to the growing number of studies considering early biblical interpretation and inner-biblical exegesis.” –”
“The study of ancient exegesis is of immense value for allowing us to reflect on our practices and conclusions. In recent years, scholars have given attention not only to interpreters looking back at the Bible, but interpreters within the Bible, including intertextual links within biblical books themselves. In this volume, Michael Shepherd catalogs a very helpful selection of ancient interpretations of key passages and themes in the Latter Prophets. He then reflects on the significance of these for our understanding of prophecy, text, ancient versions, and canon. This is a thought-provoking study that touches on a number of crucial issues for modern interpreters.”
“The Old Testament’s use of the Old Testament is receiving increased attention today. Michael Shepherd’s book How Did They Read the Prophets? is a welcome contribution to the conversation. While many studies in this field focus primarily on usage criteria within the Masoretic text, Shepherd gives particular attention to the ancient versions and textual witnesses. Through representative examples within the Major and Minor Prophets, this book postulates that the biblical authors were first of all biblical exegetes. Though readers will find some examples more compelling than others, Shepherd provides many intriguing connections, inviting readers to consider, or perhaps reconsider, the nature of prophecy in the Bible.”
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