Hebrew Literature

History, Themes, Influence

 Hebrew literature
Most important example:

- Jewish Bible, or
- Christian Old Testament

Preserved by the Hebrews

- Semitic nomads
- Theocentric view of life
 What is the Bible?
From Greek word “biblia”
meaning “collection of writings”

3 main sections
include every genre of literature
except drama
 3 main sections
1) Torah – first 5 books – name them?
Genesis (Greek word)
Exodus (Greek word)
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
(Grk)
 3 main sections
2) Historical accounts

Book of Samuel
which includes “David & Goliath”
Writings of the prophets
 3 main sections
3) Variety of works, including:

Poetry (Psalms)
Short stories (Book of Ruth)
Religious dialogues (Book of Job)
 Themes in the Bible?
Constant themes:

1) One God
& his power, goodness, & mercy
2) Covenant
or solemn agreement
between God & Hebrews
 Themes in the Bible?
3) Humans tend to stray
from the right path

4) God forgives them

every time
 Influence of the Bible?
Major importance
to Jews, Muslims, & Christians

Has inspired writers & artists

for 2000 years
 Influence of the Bible?
Written in Hebrew & Aramaic

1st & most important translation:

Greek

Translated into 200 major languages

including Latin & other Western langs.
 Influence of the Bible?
Translated into > 1000 other tongues

Famous translation:
1611 King James translation
Has influenced our prose & poetry
for 400 years
 Story of the Flood
Theme:
Covenant or solemn agreement
between God & humans

Essence of covenant:
mutual loyalty
i.e. If humans are just & faithful,
God will protect them.
 Story of the Flood
God interacts with Hebrews
through mediators or chosen men:

1) Noah, a virtuous man

2) Moses, who receives 10 Commands
3) Prophets later
 Story of the Flood
Covenant =
warm & loving
divine/ human relationship
almost like marriage bond

Theme of covenant:
first appears in Flood story
 Story of the Flood
Chosen mediator?
Noah

Issue at stake?
viability of creation itself

Sign of agreement?
rainbow
 Flood Stories
Now:

Compare/ contrast
the Sumerian flood story
with the Hebrew flood story.