Judges Through the Centuries

Book excerpt: This bible commentary traces the reception of Judges through the ages, not only by scholars and theologians, but also by preachers, teachers, politicians, poets, essayists and artists. A bible commentary focusing on The Book of Judges, best known for the tale of Samson and Delilah, but full of many other rich and colourful stories. Treats the text story by story, making it accessible to non-specialists, Considers the stories of women in Judges, including Deborah, Jael, who slew Sisera, and Jephthah’s daughter, sacrificed by her father. Traces the reception of Judges through the ages, not only by scholars and theologians, but also by preachers, teachers, politicians, poets, essayists and artists. Illustrates how ideology and the social location of readers have shaped the way the book has been read. Discloses a long history of debate over the roles of women and the use of force, as well as Christian prejudice against Jews and ‘Orientals’. Offers a window onto the use of the Bible in the Western world.