Books in the Anchor Bible Commentary (YUP) series

In recent years, students, scholars, and lay readers of the Bible have been increasingly drawn to the book of Ruth. Delving deeply into the complicated nature of its characters' relationships, Jeremy Schipper encourages readers to consider the roles that categories of difference involving gender, disability, household status, ethnicity, and sexual desire play throughout the text. This fresh translation of the deceptively simple book is more literal and less idiosyncratic than its predecessors. Combining the traditional strengths of the Anchor Yale Bible series with the latest research in biblical scholarship, Schipper's much-needed volume will succeed Edward F. Campbell's 1975 edition as the go-to commentary for years to come.

Includes notes and comments, which sort out the major issues surrounding the writings of John - questions of authorship, composition, date, and John's relation to the Synoptic Gospels. This volume includes an appendix on the Paraclete, which examines the role of the Holy Spirit.

Beginning with the death of David and the rise of Solomon, "1 Kings" charts the history of Israel through the divided monarchy, when Ahab reigned in the north and Jehoshaphat reigned in the south. This volume offers a commentary suitable for both Christian and Jewish scholarship and worship.

A companion to the masterful two-volume "The Gospel According to John". It examines controversies that have long troubled both biblical scholars and lay readers. It discusses questions of authorship, composition, and dating, as well as the debate over source theories.

Presents the history ranging from the pious reign of Josiah to the religious reforms of Ezra. This work seeks to offer strength, courage, and hope to those whose faith was severely shaken in the gloom and despondency that followed upon the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Examines the critical issues raised by "II Maccabees". Examining its language and style, its Hellenic yet Jewish flavor, its comparison and relationship to "I Maccabees", its use of sacred writings, its historical context, and the role of the miraculous, this volume elucidates this powerful account of a pivotal period in Jewish history.

Exposes the ill effects of sinful behavior on one's health status, and spiritual and material well-being.

The significance of the "First Letter of Peter" for the formation of Christianity stands in sharp contrast to its brevity. This volume sets the letter into context, covering its literary, historical, theological, and linguistic elements. It illuminates the social and cultural influences on the Church in its initial years.

One of early Christianity's crafted sermons, "Epistle to the Hebrews" addresses listeners who have experienced the elation of conversion and the heat of hostility, but who now must confront the formidable task of remaining faithful in a society that rejects their commitments. This book examines the debates surrounding "Epistle to the Hebrews".

The letters of Paul to Timothy, one of his favorite delegates, often make for difficult reading. This book provides a commentary that will help lay readers navigate the letters and better understand their place within the context Paul's teachings.

In AD 49, Paul traveled to Thessalonica, to preach the gospel. A small group of manual laborers responded positively to his message, resulting in the formation of a church. This work describes the social, cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts in which the Thessalonians lived, enabling us to understand Paul's missives.

Offers a discussion of the first-century context of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. This volume helps the general audience understand what "II Corinthians" says and means.

"Matthew" is the most familiar of the gospels, best known for its parables, miracle narratives, and the long Sermon on the Mount. This commentary sets the understanding of "Matthew" in the context of its author's own religious and secular background.

Were Jonah's experiences true to the history of ancient Israel? Were they meant to be read comically, philosophically, allegorically, symbolically, or realistically? And is God godly when acting beyond the comprehension of prophets, let alone ordinary human beings? This volume considers these and many more other issues.

Written as resistance literature, to strengthen and console loyal Jews of the second century BC who had to endure religious, economic, and social oppression at the hands of Antiochus I. This book includes the famous incident of 'the handwriting on the wall' and recounts the four vivid dream-visions or apocalypses which, through symbols and signs.

From his boyhood call to prophecy in 627 bce, which Jeremiah tried to refuse, to his scathing judgments against the sins and hypocrisy of the people of Israel, Jeremiah charged through life with passion and emotion. This book investigates the opening twenty chapters of this Old Testament giant.

In the wake of Persia replacing Babylon as the ruling empire in the ancient Near East, the Judahites exiled in Babylon find reason to hope again. Their hope is rooted in the fulfillment of the prophetic promises that they would one day return to their homeland. This book presents the story of Israel's experience begun in the biblical books.

Offers descriptions of the people, places, customs, and noteworthy features of the language of "I Samuel".

"Lamentations" is traditionally thought to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah. This volume gives evidence against Jeremiah's authorship and suggests that the poems should be treated as an intelligible unity, most likely written by an eyewitness to the events described.

"Exodus" is the heart of the Hebrew Bible, the defining moment in Israel's birth as a people, the dramatic triumph of their God. This volume offers an exploration and analysis of the book's first eighteen chapters.

Informed by the literature and language of the ancient Near East, this commentary to Chapters 1 to 12 of the biblical Book of Judges provides a literary and theological analysis of some of Scripture's most stirring narratives and verses. It also includes a comprehensive introduction that surveys issues and approaches in the study of Judges.