The Book of Daniel occupies a unique position in the scriptural canon because of its complex form and the symbolism of its subject matter. The contemporary resurgence of interest in apocalyptic literature has created the need for a new commentary which takes into account the most recent developments in the study of Daniel. Professor Lacocque's book, which combines knowledge of current critical writing about Daniel with original exegesis of the text, is essential reading for students of the Book and of apocalyptic in general. The actual commentary on the Hebrew and Aramaic text is introduced by a discussion of the major problems confronting the reader: the name of Daniel, the apocalyptic genre, the chronology of the Book and its literary composition, the milieu in which apocalyptic was formed, the place of Daniel in the scriptural canon, the use of both Hebrew and Aramaic, the complex plan of the Book, and a chronological table of the events against which the drama of Daniel was supposedly played out, The commentary on the Book of Daniel is printed with Andre Lacocque's English translation of the biblical text and a verse-by-verse exegesis of the Hebrew and Aramaic originals. There is a final section reflecting on the significance of the Book of Daniel for the modern age.
This is a literary-critical analysis of the myth of Cain and Abel, masterfully related in Genesis 4 by the Yahwist, probably the greatest storyteller in the Hebrew Bible. The Yahwist narrates the initial slaughter of one human being by another, and strikingly, it is described as fratricidal. The book explores the anthropological, theological, and psychological dimensions of this universal myth and shows the readers such a vivid and intense story that one feels like will never get to the bottom of it. Thus, after a deep reading, this well known story is much more than what could seem at first sight; it can be said to be the portrait of human that is always torn between the innocence of Eden and its denial; between what is considered 'doing well' and 'not doing well'.
This volume provides a readable introduction to the narrative book of Ruth appropriate for the student, pastor, and scholar. LaCocque combines historical, literary, feminist, and liberationist approaches in an engaging synthesis. He argues that the book was written in the post-exilic period and that the author was a woman. Countering the fears and xenophobia of many in Jerusalem, the biblical author employed the notion of h.esed (kindness, loyalty, steadfast love), which transcends any national boundaries. LaCocque focuses on redemption and levirate marriage as the two legal issues that recur throughout the text of Ruth. Ruth comes from the despised people of Moab but becomes a model for Israel. Boaz, converted to the model of steadfast love, becomes both redeemer and levir for Ruth and thus fulfills the Torah. In the conclusion to his study, the author sketches some parallels with Jesus' hermeneutics of the Law as well as postmodern problems and solutions.
In this study-the third panel of a trilogy on J's tales about evil and innocence in the primeval era-the author turns to Genesis 11:1-9, another parable, this time on the so-called "Tower of Babel." The Captivity of Innocence analyzes a systemic robotization of society as a way of keeping innocence behind bars, contending that innocence never fails to offend, never fails to stir envy and hate. Here, evil is not wrought by an individual like Cain or Lamech, but by "all the earth," so that the summit of evil is now reached before Abraham's breakthrough in Genesis' following chapter. The present analysis uses a variety of techniques to interpret the biblical text, including historical-critical, literary, sociopolitical, psychoanalytic, and deconstructive approaches. The inescapable conclusion is that "Babel" is the "Kafkaesque" image of our world and is a powerful paradigm of our hubristic contrivances and constructions-"Des Tours de Babel," says Derrida-in order to deny our finiteness. Then innocence is trampled upon, but it is not overcome: Babel/Babylon's fate is to crumble down, and to bring up from her ashes the Knight of Faith.
The Adam and Eve narrative in Genesis 2-3 has gripped not only biblical scholars, but also theologians, artists, philosophers, and almost everyone else. In this engaging study, a master of biblical interpretation provides a close reading of the Yahwist story. As in his other works, LaCocque makes wise use of the Pseudepigrapha and rabbinic interpretations, as well as the full range of modern interpretations. Every reader will be engaged by his insights.
This is a literary-critical analysis of the myth of Cain and Abel, masterfully related in Genesis 4 by the Yahwist, probably the greatest storyteller in the Hebrew Bible. The Yahwist narrates the initial slaughter of one human being by another, and strikingly, it is described as fratricidal. The book explores the anthropological, theological, and psychological dimensions of this universal myth and shows the readers such a vivid and intense story that one feels like will never get to the bottom of it. Thus, after a deep reading, this well known story is much more than what could seem at first sight; it can be said to be the portrait of human that is always torn between the innocence of Eden and its denial; between what is considered 'doing well' and 'not doing well'.
These marvelous stories! This volume is a woman's canon presented with scholarship and wit. I thoroughly enjoyed it. - Susan B. Thistlethwaite In his treatment of Judith, LaCocque reflects on the paradox that Judith - more 'woman-oriented' than (the conceivably female-authored) Susanna - was probably written by a man. He concludes that this deserves to be celebrated: 'The best advocates for a cause are those who are not self-serving.' LaCocque appears to plead his own cause here, as he celebrates the underrepresented but bold interventions of women on behalf of God, for Israel and the world. As literature and as individuals, Susanna, Judith, Esther, and Ruth accomplish a peripeteia that allows God to convict, convert, and save. - Christopher R. Seitz
Due in large measure to its unique literary genre, the Song of Songs has been interpreted in diverse ways. According to AndrŽ LaCocque, this supports the notion that the issue with which any reader of the Song must come to grips is, first and foremost, a hermeneutical one.
This is the second edition of a 1979 commentary on the book of Daniel. The commentary is completely revised, and the introduction in particular is here much extended and addresses fundamental questions regarding the book of Daniel and the apocalyptic movement it inaugurates (with 1 Enoch). Daniel is an indispensable trove and reference about issues like the apocalyptic vision of world’s periodized history, the notion of Son of Man, messianism without a messiah, the belief in resurrection, the kingdom of God, the centrifugal spread of divine revelation, and the positive role of the Jewish diaspora. This edition is meant for scholars, college and university researchers, and students of the Bible (of the Old Testament and New Testament) in general.
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