- Concordia University Chicago, Theology, Emeritusadd
- Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology and Hebrew at Concordia University Chicago since 2000 (retired July 2023).edit
Research Interests:
Andrew E. Steinmann, general editor
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
From the back cover: Genesis is a book of origins: of the world, of sin, of God’s promise of redemption, and of the people of Israel. It traces God’s pledge of a Saviour through Abraham’s line down to his great-grandson Judah. It serves... more
From the back cover: Genesis is a book of origins: of the world, of sin, of God’s promise of redemption, and of the people of Israel. It traces God’s pledge of a Saviour through Abraham’s line down to his great-grandson Judah. It serves as a foundation for the New Testament and its teaching that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to save humankind from sin and death. Andrew Steinmann’s thorough exegetical commentary includes a reconstructed timeline of events from Abraham’s life through to the death of Joseph.
For an interview about this commentary see https://newbooksnetwork.com/andrew-steinmann-genesis-an-introduction-and-commentary-ivp-academic-2019/
For an interview about this commentary see https://newbooksnetwork.com/andrew-steinmann-genesis-an-introduction-and-commentary-ivp-academic-2019/
Research Interests:
Building off his monumental commentary on 1 Samuel, Andrew Steinmann continues his work on this single Hebrew book with the 2 Samuel Concordia Commentary. The Book of 2 Samuel begins with David being made King of Judah and then walks... more
Building off his monumental commentary on 1 Samuel, Andrew Steinmann continues his work on this single Hebrew book with the 2 Samuel Concordia Commentary.
The Book of 2 Samuel begins with David being made King of Judah and then walks through his reign—including his defeat of the Philistines, his sins of adultery and murder, and the threats against his life.
Throughout the narrative of David’s life, the promise of the Son of David is proclaimed again and again. As the lowly shepherd from Bethlehem is anointed to be king of Israel, we are given a Christological type that foreshadows the life, ministry, and eternal reign of the crucified and risen Jesus. Even David’s notorious sins serve to demonstrate the forgiveness God freely bestows on us through David's Son and Lord.
Contains the author’s original translation of 2 Samuel, a verse-by-verse analysis of the Hebrew text, and a theological exposition of its message, both in its original setting in ancient Israel and for the church today
Provides extensive background information about the history, chronology, geography, archaeology, and culture that is needed to understand this biblical book.
Features the best textual readings, discerned by comparing the Hebrew Masoretic Text to other ancient versions, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Greek Septuagint, and Josephus
Endorsements
“Andrew Steinmann’s volume on 2 Samuel is a welcome addition to the outstanding Concordia Commentary series. As in his work on 1 Samuel, we find meticulous interaction with the Hebrew text, skillful exegesis, and mature theological insights, all undergirded by the belief that inspired Scripture is authoritative for faith, life, and practice.”
—Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“With its multiple textual, exegetical, historical, and literary problems, the book of 2 Samuel gives any would-be commentator a lot of work to do. As this volume makes clear, Dr. Steinmann has carefully done that work and presents the results here in a clear and accessible way. Unlike many other scholars and commentators, however, Dr. Steinmann is also “up front” about his faith commitments as a Lutheran Christian and unapologetic about mining 2 Samuel for its theological insights and its connections with the wider biblical narrative of both Testaments.”
—Prof. Christopher Begg, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
“What an accomplishment! Andrew Steinmann’s work on 2 Samuel is impressive in every sense. Brimming with relevant information, Steinmann’s work reveals the careful scholarship, sound exegesis, and theological sensibility that have come to characterize his writings. Scholars will appreciate his translation of the text, detailed textual notes, and a truly august bibliography. However, there is much here for the engaged pastor or student as well. Anyone seeking an aid in understanding the meaning and message of 2 Samuel will find Steinmann to be a sure and faithful guide.”
—William R. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, College of the Ozarks, Branson, Missouri
The Book of 2 Samuel begins with David being made King of Judah and then walks through his reign—including his defeat of the Philistines, his sins of adultery and murder, and the threats against his life.
Throughout the narrative of David’s life, the promise of the Son of David is proclaimed again and again. As the lowly shepherd from Bethlehem is anointed to be king of Israel, we are given a Christological type that foreshadows the life, ministry, and eternal reign of the crucified and risen Jesus. Even David’s notorious sins serve to demonstrate the forgiveness God freely bestows on us through David's Son and Lord.
Contains the author’s original translation of 2 Samuel, a verse-by-verse analysis of the Hebrew text, and a theological exposition of its message, both in its original setting in ancient Israel and for the church today
Provides extensive background information about the history, chronology, geography, archaeology, and culture that is needed to understand this biblical book.
Features the best textual readings, discerned by comparing the Hebrew Masoretic Text to other ancient versions, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Greek Septuagint, and Josephus
Endorsements
“Andrew Steinmann’s volume on 2 Samuel is a welcome addition to the outstanding Concordia Commentary series. As in his work on 1 Samuel, we find meticulous interaction with the Hebrew text, skillful exegesis, and mature theological insights, all undergirded by the belief that inspired Scripture is authoritative for faith, life, and practice.”
—Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“With its multiple textual, exegetical, historical, and literary problems, the book of 2 Samuel gives any would-be commentator a lot of work to do. As this volume makes clear, Dr. Steinmann has carefully done that work and presents the results here in a clear and accessible way. Unlike many other scholars and commentators, however, Dr. Steinmann is also “up front” about his faith commitments as a Lutheran Christian and unapologetic about mining 2 Samuel for its theological insights and its connections with the wider biblical narrative of both Testaments.”
—Prof. Christopher Begg, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
“What an accomplishment! Andrew Steinmann’s work on 2 Samuel is impressive in every sense. Brimming with relevant information, Steinmann’s work reveals the careful scholarship, sound exegesis, and theological sensibility that have come to characterize his writings. Scholars will appreciate his translation of the text, detailed textual notes, and a truly august bibliography. However, there is much here for the engaged pastor or student as well. Anyone seeking an aid in understanding the meaning and message of 2 Samuel will find Steinmann to be a sure and faithful guide.”
—William R. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, College of the Ozarks, Branson, Missouri
Research Interests:
The Book of Samuel contains some of the most memorable accounts of the Bible: Hannah’s prayer for a son and trust in the coming Messiah, God's call to Samuel at night in the tabernacle, the capture of Yahweh’s ark, and the death of the... more
The Book of Samuel contains some of the most memorable accounts of the Bible: Hannah’s prayer for a son and trust in the coming Messiah, God's call to Samuel at night in the tabernacle, the capture of Yahweh’s ark, and the death of the high priest Eli. Narratives tell of the anointing of Saul as Israel’s first king and his subsequent apostasy, the battle of David and Goliath, the messianic promise of the Son of David who will build God’s house, and David’s adultery with Bathsheba followed by his confession and absolution by the prophet Nathan.
The fifty-five chapters of this single Hebrew book (1 and 2 Samuel in English Bibles) trace Israel’s transition from a tribal confederacy designed to live under God’s rule to a monarchy established and supported by God. When Israel felt it could no longer defend itself against the Philistines, the nation asked for a king “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Their vulnerability was not a sign of God’s failure but of Israel’s failure. They had abandoned Yahweh for the worship of the gods of the nations who lived in Canaan, and God, in turn, had given them over to the nations. Yet within this book, there is abundant hope.
Throughout the narrative of David's life, the promise of the Son of David is proclaimed again and again. As the lowly shepherd from Bethlehem is anointed to be king of Israel, we are given a Christological type that foreshadows the life, ministry, and eternal reign of the crucified and risen Jesus. Even David's notorious sins serve to demonstrate the forgiveness God freely bestows on us through David's Son and Lord.
Contains the author’s original translation of 1 Samuel, a verse-by-verse analysis of the Hebrew text, and a theological exposition of its message, both in its original setting in ancient Israel and for the church today
Provides extensive background information about the history, chronology, geography, archaeology, and culture that is needed to understand this biblical book.
Features the best textual readings, discerned by comparing the Hebrew Masoretic Text to other ancient versions, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Greek Septuagint, and Josephus
Endorsements
“Interpreters of 1 Samuel will welcome the release of this excellent commentary. It exhibits all of the qualities one has come to expect from Dr. Steinmann and the Concordia Commentary series. The author provides meticulous analysis of the Hebrew text, blended with useful exegetical and theological insights that reflect a deep respect for Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God.”
—Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“The Book of 1 Samuel poses numerous challenges for readers, concerning, e.g., its text, unity, historicity, theology, and relation to the rest of the Bible. Dr. Steinmann’s commentary offers readers facing such challenges a helpful guide and resource. In particular, Steinmann alerts readers to the textual complexities of the book with its often quite distinct ancient versions and enables them to understand how he went about making the textual and translational decisions that he did. Even more significantly, Steinmann lays out for pastors and all who look to the Bible as God’s Word a robustly theological reading of 1 Samuel in
relation to the overall message of both Christian Testaments. Readers of faith will not be left theologically hungry by Steinmann’s work.”
—Prof. Christopher Begg, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
“Whether he is analyzing Samuel’s rhetoric or uncovering the motives of Saul or David, Dr. Steinmann offers a wealth of information and keen insight that prompts further thought, draws attention to intertextual connections, and highlights implications for today. Readers will find that this commentary refreshes their knowledge of Hebrew while assisting them on every page to understand, preach, and teach from 1 Samuel and to appreciate its portrayal of the Lord, “who deals patiently and mercifully with sinners” (p. 9).”
—Dorian G. Coover-Cox, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies and Associate Editor for Bibliotheca Sacra, Dallas Theological Seminary
The fifty-five chapters of this single Hebrew book (1 and 2 Samuel in English Bibles) trace Israel’s transition from a tribal confederacy designed to live under God’s rule to a monarchy established and supported by God. When Israel felt it could no longer defend itself against the Philistines, the nation asked for a king “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Their vulnerability was not a sign of God’s failure but of Israel’s failure. They had abandoned Yahweh for the worship of the gods of the nations who lived in Canaan, and God, in turn, had given them over to the nations. Yet within this book, there is abundant hope.
Throughout the narrative of David's life, the promise of the Son of David is proclaimed again and again. As the lowly shepherd from Bethlehem is anointed to be king of Israel, we are given a Christological type that foreshadows the life, ministry, and eternal reign of the crucified and risen Jesus. Even David's notorious sins serve to demonstrate the forgiveness God freely bestows on us through David's Son and Lord.
Contains the author’s original translation of 1 Samuel, a verse-by-verse analysis of the Hebrew text, and a theological exposition of its message, both in its original setting in ancient Israel and for the church today
Provides extensive background information about the history, chronology, geography, archaeology, and culture that is needed to understand this biblical book.
Features the best textual readings, discerned by comparing the Hebrew Masoretic Text to other ancient versions, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Greek Septuagint, and Josephus
Endorsements
“Interpreters of 1 Samuel will welcome the release of this excellent commentary. It exhibits all of the qualities one has come to expect from Dr. Steinmann and the Concordia Commentary series. The author provides meticulous analysis of the Hebrew text, blended with useful exegetical and theological insights that reflect a deep respect for Holy Scripture as the inspired Word of God.”
—Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Chair and Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“The Book of 1 Samuel poses numerous challenges for readers, concerning, e.g., its text, unity, historicity, theology, and relation to the rest of the Bible. Dr. Steinmann’s commentary offers readers facing such challenges a helpful guide and resource. In particular, Steinmann alerts readers to the textual complexities of the book with its often quite distinct ancient versions and enables them to understand how he went about making the textual and translational decisions that he did. Even more significantly, Steinmann lays out for pastors and all who look to the Bible as God’s Word a robustly theological reading of 1 Samuel in
relation to the overall message of both Christian Testaments. Readers of faith will not be left theologically hungry by Steinmann’s work.”
—Prof. Christopher Begg, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
“Whether he is analyzing Samuel’s rhetoric or uncovering the motives of Saul or David, Dr. Steinmann offers a wealth of information and keen insight that prompts further thought, draws attention to intertextual connections, and highlights implications for today. Readers will find that this commentary refreshes their knowledge of Hebrew while assisting them on every page to understand, preach, and teach from 1 Samuel and to appreciate its portrayal of the Lord, “who deals patiently and mercifully with sinners” (p. 9).”
—Dorian G. Coover-Cox, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies and Associate Editor for Bibliotheca Sacra, Dallas Theological Seminary
Research Interests:
“Twenty-first century scholarship offers a myriad of ways to read [these texts]. This book helps beginning students make sense of it all.” — from the Preface This new isagogics textbook examines and explores each book of the Old... more
“Twenty-first century scholarship offers a myriad of ways to read [these texts]. This book helps beginning students make sense of it all.” — from the Preface
This new isagogics textbook examines and explores each book of the Old Testament, preparing students of the Bible to read Israel’s texts with understanding and insight. It helps answer questions such as “What is helpful and what is detrimental to evangelical faith?” and “How do conservative scholars respond to critical views of the Old Testament?” The book interacts with scholars in a respectful way while providing evangelical assessments that foster historical and theological confidence in the Old Testament.
Book features:
•Maps, diagrams, and tables
•Covers every book of the Old Testament
•Sections on authorship; literary features; historical, archaeological, and textual issues; theological emphases; and key biblical themes of sin and grace for each Book of the Old Testament
Endorsements
“To read the Bible is to risk a thrilling adventure through wild jungles with thunderous cataracts and soaring timbers teeming with life. Some turn its pages like those who would make rain forests into concrete wastelands for billboards and bobos. Others, and we thank God for the likes of Drs. Steinmann and Lessing, come to the forest with a gleaming eye and forward lean, eager to plunge in, to explore the glories and relish the sights and smells and sounds, for there is always more to see. This book will take you on a life-changing expedition through the Book of books. Your guides are as faithful as they are courageous, and you will not regret your time on this excursion with these authors.”
— James M. Hamilton, PhD, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary
“This book is a rich seminary-level introduction to the Old Testament rooted in the Reformation exegetical principles of humanistic arts, sola Scriptura, solus Christus, and sola gratia. It judiciously engages scholarship to inform a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Its focus, though, is the canonical text and its theological messages. Each chapter highlights theological themes that percolate within a biblical book and spins two golden threads that run throughout this testament: Christ and sin and grace. Drs. Lessing and Steinmann have written an Old Testament introduction that seminarians can fruitfully use to prepare them to proclaim God’s Law and Gospel.”
— Scott A. Ashmon, PhD, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Concordia University Irvine
“Lessing and Steinmann offer us a readable, but scholarly, up-to-date introductory textbook for Old Testament study, connecting the plan of salvation in Jesus Christ with Old Testament history from Genesis to Malachi. With numerous maps, tables, and helpful exegetical insights, this book will serve seminary students well for years to come, and, because of the book’s frequent insights from the New Testament, pastors will benefit from reading the appropriate chapter before preaching on an Old Testament text.”
— Joel D. Heck, ThD, Professor of Theology, Concordia University Texas
This new isagogics textbook examines and explores each book of the Old Testament, preparing students of the Bible to read Israel’s texts with understanding and insight. It helps answer questions such as “What is helpful and what is detrimental to evangelical faith?” and “How do conservative scholars respond to critical views of the Old Testament?” The book interacts with scholars in a respectful way while providing evangelical assessments that foster historical and theological confidence in the Old Testament.
Book features:
•Maps, diagrams, and tables
•Covers every book of the Old Testament
•Sections on authorship; literary features; historical, archaeological, and textual issues; theological emphases; and key biblical themes of sin and grace for each Book of the Old Testament
Endorsements
“To read the Bible is to risk a thrilling adventure through wild jungles with thunderous cataracts and soaring timbers teeming with life. Some turn its pages like those who would make rain forests into concrete wastelands for billboards and bobos. Others, and we thank God for the likes of Drs. Steinmann and Lessing, come to the forest with a gleaming eye and forward lean, eager to plunge in, to explore the glories and relish the sights and smells and sounds, for there is always more to see. This book will take you on a life-changing expedition through the Book of books. Your guides are as faithful as they are courageous, and you will not regret your time on this excursion with these authors.”
— James M. Hamilton, PhD, Associate Professor of Biblical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary
“This book is a rich seminary-level introduction to the Old Testament rooted in the Reformation exegetical principles of humanistic arts, sola Scriptura, solus Christus, and sola gratia. It judiciously engages scholarship to inform a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Its focus, though, is the canonical text and its theological messages. Each chapter highlights theological themes that percolate within a biblical book and spins two golden threads that run throughout this testament: Christ and sin and grace. Drs. Lessing and Steinmann have written an Old Testament introduction that seminarians can fruitfully use to prepare them to proclaim God’s Law and Gospel.”
— Scott A. Ashmon, PhD, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Concordia University Irvine
“Lessing and Steinmann offer us a readable, but scholarly, up-to-date introductory textbook for Old Testament study, connecting the plan of salvation in Jesus Christ with Old Testament history from Genesis to Malachi. With numerous maps, tables, and helpful exegetical insights, this book will serve seminary students well for years to come, and, because of the book’s frequent insights from the New Testament, pastors will benefit from reading the appropriate chapter before preaching on an Old Testament text.”
— Joel D. Heck, ThD, Professor of Theology, Concordia University Texas
Research Interests:
FROM THE FOREWORD: Enter Andrew E. Steinmann’s From Abraham to Paul. It is a book which should have been written decades ago. Here’s why. Steinmann not only assumes—quite rightly—that history matters, but he also shows two things about... more
FROM THE FOREWORD: Enter Andrew E. Steinmann’s From Abraham to Paul. It is a book which should have been written decades ago. Here’s why. Steinmann not only assumes—quite rightly—that history matters, but he also shows two things about biblical history. First, he shows that in many cases with a little scholarly spadework we can have a pretty good idea as to when key events took place, events like the life of Abraham, the Conquest of the Promised Land, the birth of Jesus, or Paul’s Second Missionary Journey. These events are not the yarn of legend: on the contrary, there is every good intellectually-compelling reason to accept them as history, history that really happened in time and space. . . . The second thing Steinmann shows about history—and this is no less important—is its complexity. Some of the questions which the book takes up are thorny questions indeed, having provoked lots of black ink and fiery debate along the way. The author’s approach is never polemical, but always clear; the positions taken are not necessarily always the standard positions, but they are always defended from the evidence. Indeed, it is precisely this quality that makes the book such a delight to read. . . .
We should be grateful for books like this. We should be grateful, because God made history and history matters. Apart from the conviction that our faith is a historical faith, we are left only to cast about. But, when we are fully persuaded that sacred history meshes with the history in which we live and move and have our being, that is when biblical faith becomes a real possibility. Likewise, every intellectually serious reader of the Bible (pious or not so pious) will learn to think twice before allowing himself or herself to be bullied (happily or anxiously) by the skeptics. True, there is so much we don’t know. But, by the same token, there is much we can know—and know with some confidence.
---NICHOLAS PERRIN, Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
What Other Are Saying:
Andrew Steinmann has placed biblical scholarship in his debt by this meticulous and magnificent addition to (indeed, replacement of) such magisterial works on biblical chronology as those by Edwin Thiele and Jack Finegan, the former limited to Israel’s United Monarchy and the latter embracive of the full canon. Grounded in primary texts, Steinmann lays out here a foundation that doubtless will provide the basis for all subsequent discussions of biblical chronology, an indispensable preliminary to a proper understanding of the biblical narrative.
—Eugene H. Merrill, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
I can see this work appealing to both specialists and non-experts in the field, and indeed even to interested laypeople. Its combination of detailed table of contents, well organized and straightforward presentation, and especially the abundance of charts and graphics suggests that it will serve well as a reference tool. I very much appreciate Dr. Steinmann’s even-handed and respectful tone. I say this because, although Steinmann assumes an unabashedly conservative posture with respect to the Scriptures and the Church’s traditional hermeneutic, he does not shy away from engaging scholarship that proceeds from different presuppositions. While arguing against opinions and conclusions with which he is at odds—for example those of higher critics—Steinmann does not belittle or condescend. . . . Where he synthesizes and explains the well-founded conclusions of previous scholarship, he does so clearly and effectively. On the other hand, in those places where he challenges consensus views and presents new proposals, he does so persuasively, on the basis of careful research and well-reasoned arguments.
—Robert A. Sorensen, PhD
Associate Professor of Greek and Theology
Concordia University Chicago
Readers familiar with standard works in this field such as Merrill’s Kingdom of Priests will be pleased to find much new information in this volume. New insights into the Quirinius census, the matching of Jubilee/Sabbatical year cycles with the date of the Exodus, the timing of the Magis’ visit, and the sequence of events of the Passion Week—including the moon “turning to blood” immediately after the death of the Messiah—are part of Dr. Steinmann’s intensely interesting study. Laymen and scholars alike will find their faith strengthened by the precision and factuality of the Bible in historical matters.
—Rodger C. Young
Independent Historian and Chronologist
St. Louis, MO
We should be grateful for books like this. We should be grateful, because God made history and history matters. Apart from the conviction that our faith is a historical faith, we are left only to cast about. But, when we are fully persuaded that sacred history meshes with the history in which we live and move and have our being, that is when biblical faith becomes a real possibility. Likewise, every intellectually serious reader of the Bible (pious or not so pious) will learn to think twice before allowing himself or herself to be bullied (happily or anxiously) by the skeptics. True, there is so much we don’t know. But, by the same token, there is much we can know—and know with some confidence.
---NICHOLAS PERRIN, Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
What Other Are Saying:
Andrew Steinmann has placed biblical scholarship in his debt by this meticulous and magnificent addition to (indeed, replacement of) such magisterial works on biblical chronology as those by Edwin Thiele and Jack Finegan, the former limited to Israel’s United Monarchy and the latter embracive of the full canon. Grounded in primary texts, Steinmann lays out here a foundation that doubtless will provide the basis for all subsequent discussions of biblical chronology, an indispensable preliminary to a proper understanding of the biblical narrative.
—Eugene H. Merrill, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies
Dallas Theological Seminary
Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
I can see this work appealing to both specialists and non-experts in the field, and indeed even to interested laypeople. Its combination of detailed table of contents, well organized and straightforward presentation, and especially the abundance of charts and graphics suggests that it will serve well as a reference tool. I very much appreciate Dr. Steinmann’s even-handed and respectful tone. I say this because, although Steinmann assumes an unabashedly conservative posture with respect to the Scriptures and the Church’s traditional hermeneutic, he does not shy away from engaging scholarship that proceeds from different presuppositions. While arguing against opinions and conclusions with which he is at odds—for example those of higher critics—Steinmann does not belittle or condescend. . . . Where he synthesizes and explains the well-founded conclusions of previous scholarship, he does so clearly and effectively. On the other hand, in those places where he challenges consensus views and presents new proposals, he does so persuasively, on the basis of careful research and well-reasoned arguments.
—Robert A. Sorensen, PhD
Associate Professor of Greek and Theology
Concordia University Chicago
Readers familiar with standard works in this field such as Merrill’s Kingdom of Priests will be pleased to find much new information in this volume. New insights into the Quirinius census, the matching of Jubilee/Sabbatical year cycles with the date of the Exodus, the timing of the Magis’ visit, and the sequence of events of the Passion Week—including the moon “turning to blood” immediately after the death of the Messiah—are part of Dr. Steinmann’s intensely interesting study. Laymen and scholars alike will find their faith strengthened by the precision and factuality of the Bible in historical matters.
—Rodger C. Young
Independent Historian and Chronologist
St. Louis, MO
Research Interests:
God raised up extraordinary individuals of faith to rebuild the Jerusalem temple and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. These books offer hope and comfort by showing us what God accomplishes through his people’s faithful labors and,... more
God raised up extraordinary individuals of faith to rebuild the Jerusalem temple and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. These books offer hope and comfort by showing us what God accomplishes through his people’s faithful labors and, more importantly, in Jesus Christ, who fully accomplished our salvation through his perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. God continues to show his gracious mercy in Christ to his people despite their faults and failures, their self-centeredness and fickle love for righteousness. These themes give the books of Ezra and Nehemiah their power and their reason for being part of God’s sacred Scriptures.
Research Interests:
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew bridges the learner from the first year of Hebrew into thoughtful reading and deeper study of the biblical text. Features Include: •Twenty-two diagrams that make challenging concepts clear •Practice... more
Intermediate Biblical Hebrew bridges the learner from the first year of Hebrew into thoughtful reading and deeper study of the biblical text.
Features Include:
•Twenty-two diagrams that make challenging concepts clear
•Practice exercises for each chapter
•Glosses for Hebrew words appearing fewer than one hundred time in the Old Testament
•Definitions of linguistic and grammatical terms
•A select, annotated bibliography
•Topical and scriptural indexes
What Others Are Saying:
Well organized and indexed for easy reference. The charts are easy to understand and will be especially helpful to visual learners.
Dr. Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
Dallas Theological Seminary, TX
A very helpful text, I look forward to using it with my students.
Prof. Philip Penhallegon
Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI
After elementary grammar, students of Hebrew often wander in the wilderness for years before gaining enough proficiency to set foot in the advanced grammars. This intermediate grammar safely leads Hebrew readers to a solid grounding in actual biblical texts.
Dr. Christopher Mitchell
Concordia Commentary Series Editor
Features Include:
•Twenty-two diagrams that make challenging concepts clear
•Practice exercises for each chapter
•Glosses for Hebrew words appearing fewer than one hundred time in the Old Testament
•Definitions of linguistic and grammatical terms
•A select, annotated bibliography
•Topical and scriptural indexes
What Others Are Saying:
Well organized and indexed for easy reference. The charts are easy to understand and will be especially helpful to visual learners.
Dr. Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
Dallas Theological Seminary, TX
A very helpful text, I look forward to using it with my students.
Prof. Philip Penhallegon
Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI
After elementary grammar, students of Hebrew often wander in the wilderness for years before gaining enough proficiency to set foot in the advanced grammars. This intermediate grammar safely leads Hebrew readers to a solid grounding in actual biblical texts.
Dr. Christopher Mitchell
Concordia Commentary Series Editor
Research Interests:
Proverbs inculcates God’s wisdom through didactic sayings that teach prudence and discretion for the life of faith, which is contrasted to the foolish ways of the world. Some sections of Proverbs are connected thematically while others... more
Proverbs inculcates God’s wisdom through didactic sayings that teach prudence and discretion for the life of faith, which is contrasted to the foolish ways of the world. Some sections of Proverbs are connected thematically while others feature short, pithy aphorisms that challenge the interpreter. Dr. Steinmann, a seasoned scholar and prolific author, meticulously analyzes the individual proverbs within their larger contexts, tracing the recurring themes, motifs, and patterns within the complex literary structure of the book as a whole. He painstakingly explains the historical setting, authorship, and composition of the proverbs that have been collected to form this book of Scripture. This treasury of divine knowledge reveals God the Son, who is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Through faith in him, God endows us with insight and guidance on the path of everlasting salvation.
Research Interests:
The Gospel of the kingdom of God finds its most consistent Old Testament treatment in Daniel. This biblical book is much more than a combination of miraculous stories and fantastic visions; it presents the Gospel of the promised Messiah... more
The Gospel of the kingdom of God finds its most consistent Old Testament treatment in Daniel. This biblical book is much more than a combination of miraculous stories and fantastic visions; it presents the Gospel of the promised Messiah and his eternal kingdom. However, interpreting Daniel is no easy task. While the narratives about Daniel and his fellow Judeans appear simple (belying a rich theological complexity), the visions at the end of the book seem extraordinarily complicated. Thus, the challenge for any commentator is to understand the book as a whole and to explain its rich and variegated view of the Gospel and the Savior.
Since at least the first century before Christ, Daniel has been the subject of intense scrutiny by religious zealots seeking to view it as an eschatological roadmap for determining all sorts of harmful theologies of triumphalism. In our day this is often manifested in millennial speculation. This commentary shows that Daniel is not an adjunct to such theories, an oracle to be bent in service to eschatological speculation about an earthly messianic kingdom. Instead, it is a book about Christ, the salvation he accomplished by his cross, and the eternal glory he promises his redeemed people. Christ preserved his people throughout the Babylonian captivity and pointed them forward to the coming of his kingdom at his first advent, and the consummation at his second advent. Through this book Christ preserves us in faith until he returns in glory to bring us into the fullness of eternal life provides Gospel comfort to the church, which will be vindicated.
Since at least the first century before Christ, Daniel has been the subject of intense scrutiny by religious zealots seeking to view it as an eschatological roadmap for determining all sorts of harmful theologies of triumphalism. In our day this is often manifested in millennial speculation. This commentary shows that Daniel is not an adjunct to such theories, an oracle to be bent in service to eschatological speculation about an earthly messianic kingdom. Instead, it is a book about Christ, the salvation he accomplished by his cross, and the eternal glory he promises his redeemed people. Christ preserved his people throughout the Babylonian captivity and pointed them forward to the coming of his kingdom at his first advent, and the consummation at his second advent. Through this book Christ preserves us in faith until he returns in glory to bring us into the fullness of eternal life provides Gospel comfort to the church, which will be vindicated.
Research Interests:
The exercises in this workbook reproduce the exercises in the chapters of Fundamental Biblical Hebrew. More space is provided for writing out the exercises. The chapter summaries from the textbook are included at the end of this workbook.... more
The exercises in this workbook reproduce the exercises in the chapters of Fundamental Biblical Hebrew. More space is provided for writing out the exercises. The chapter summaries from the textbook are included at the end of this workbook. In addition, at the end of each chapter's exercises are supplementary exercises. Two principles will be apparent to anyone using these supplementary exercises:
1) The supplementary exercises require students to reproduce basic Hebrew forms, including forms of weak verbs, as an aid to learning the basics of Hebrew morphology.
2) This workbook emphasizes reading actual Biblical Hebrew as an aid to learning syntax. The texts reproduced are exactly as they appear in the Hebrew books of the Old Testament.
Extras
Dr. Steinmann has created vocabulary practice sets for each chapter in Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Students and instructors who adopt this book will want to visit Quizlet (http://quizlet.com/) to take advantage of this resource, which can be used on laptops, smartphones, and tablets as an aid to learning Hebrew or Aramaic vocabulary. (Downloading the Quizlet app is required to use this on a mobile device.)
Instructors may want to add these practice sets to their own Quizlet class and invite students to register for that class so that they have access to the practice sets in one convenient place. Simply register with Quizlet and then search on asteinmann to find the practice sets.
1) The supplementary exercises require students to reproduce basic Hebrew forms, including forms of weak verbs, as an aid to learning the basics of Hebrew morphology.
2) This workbook emphasizes reading actual Biblical Hebrew as an aid to learning syntax. The texts reproduced are exactly as they appear in the Hebrew books of the Old Testament.
Extras
Dr. Steinmann has created vocabulary practice sets for each chapter in Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Students and instructors who adopt this book will want to visit Quizlet (http://quizlet.com/) to take advantage of this resource, which can be used on laptops, smartphones, and tablets as an aid to learning Hebrew or Aramaic vocabulary. (Downloading the Quizlet app is required to use this on a mobile device.)
Instructors may want to add these practice sets to their own Quizlet class and invite students to register for that class so that they have access to the practice sets in one convenient place. Simply register with Quizlet and then search on asteinmann to find the practice sets.
Research Interests:
Called to Be God's People is an introduction to the Old Testament designed for those who wish to have a comprehensive guide to the contents, theology, and important passages of the Old Testament. Written from a Lutheran perspective, this... more
Called to Be God's People is an introduction to the Old Testament designed for those who wish to have a comprehensive guide to the contents, theology, and important passages of the Old Testament. Written from a Lutheran perspective, this book is especially designed for those within that tradition and others who seek a guide to the canonical books of the Old Testament that consciously presents the Scriptures' message of Law and Gospel as well as the traditional Christian messianic understanding of Moses and the Prophets that points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.
This book is ideal for university students and other Christian adults who seek to expand their knowledge of the background, content, and message of the Old Testament and its importance for Christian faith and life. It not only introduces important background information on each book of the Old Testament along with a general discussion of its contents and theology, but it also contains analyses of major passages within the Old Testament. Key terms, study questions, a glossary, a gazetteer of Old Testament people and places, maps, tables, charts, and sidebars make this book a useful and handy reference as well as a textbook. A concluding chapter on the centuries between the Old and New Testaments overlaps with a similar treatment contained in the New Testament volume in this series, Called by the Gospel, allowing for a smooth transition to the study of the rest of the Christian Scriptures.
This book is ideal for university students and other Christian adults who seek to expand their knowledge of the background, content, and message of the Old Testament and its importance for Christian faith and life. It not only introduces important background information on each book of the Old Testament along with a general discussion of its contents and theology, but it also contains analyses of major passages within the Old Testament. Key terms, study questions, a glossary, a gazetteer of Old Testament people and places, maps, tables, charts, and sidebars make this book a useful and handy reference as well as a textbook. A concluding chapter on the centuries between the Old and New Testaments overlaps with a similar treatment contained in the New Testament volume in this series, Called by the Gospel, allowing for a smooth transition to the study of the rest of the Christian Scriptures.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Prayer is in a state of confusion in Lutheranism. •Does prayer bring God to me? •Is prayer a means of grace? •Is it a pipeline of communication between a believer and God? •Is that pipeline a two way street? •The more prayers... more
Prayer is in a state of confusion in Lutheranism.
•Does prayer bring God to me?
•Is prayer a means of grace?
•Is it a pipeline of communication between a believer and God?
•Is that pipeline a two way street?
•The more prayers that are prayed the better Christian I am?
•The more people that are praying the more likely someone will be taken care of by God?
Dr. Steinmann engagingly upholds the unique biblical Lutheran view of prayer in this book. Many books on prayer fall into the trap of making God so personal that prayer becomes a psychological tool, a sacrament, or an act in which the believer trusts more than the work of Christ. Dr. Steinmann, in a pastoral, yet scholarly manner brings to the reader God's word and the simplicity of prayer.
He summarizes it this way:
1.Prayer does not begin with human effort to pester God until he listens. Prayer begins with God's promise of mercy toward us;
2.Prayer is not a way to manipulate God into answering all our questions or solving our problems in the ways we want them solved. Prayer is designed to help us transcend our problems and troubles by hearing God Himself through His word and Sacraments.
It is a book about prayer through the eyes of a pastoral scholar who uses the prayers in the bible to teach the reader about prayer and its place in the daily piety of the believer.
•Does prayer bring God to me?
•Is prayer a means of grace?
•Is it a pipeline of communication between a believer and God?
•Is that pipeline a two way street?
•The more prayers that are prayed the better Christian I am?
•The more people that are praying the more likely someone will be taken care of by God?
Dr. Steinmann engagingly upholds the unique biblical Lutheran view of prayer in this book. Many books on prayer fall into the trap of making God so personal that prayer becomes a psychological tool, a sacrament, or an act in which the believer trusts more than the work of Christ. Dr. Steinmann, in a pastoral, yet scholarly manner brings to the reader God's word and the simplicity of prayer.
He summarizes it this way:
1.Prayer does not begin with human effort to pester God until he listens. Prayer begins with God's promise of mercy toward us;
2.Prayer is not a way to manipulate God into answering all our questions or solving our problems in the ways we want them solved. Prayer is designed to help us transcend our problems and troubles by hearing God Himself through His word and Sacraments.
It is a book about prayer through the eyes of a pastoral scholar who uses the prayers in the bible to teach the reader about prayer and its place in the daily piety of the believer.
Research Interests:
This volume contains both fundamental biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. The fundamental biblical Hebrew is organized in a manner that facilitates learning and serves as an easy-to-use reference tool, including vocabulary, morphology, and... more
This volume contains both fundamental biblical Hebrew and Aramaic.
The fundamental biblical Hebrew is organized in a manner that facilitates learning and serves as an easy-to-use reference tool, including vocabulary, morphology, and syntax. While it serves as a basic Hebrew textbook and grammar for the purpose of theological study, it is useful for college, university and seminary courses, as well as a desk reference for pastors engaged in the study of the Bible in its original language.
The Hebrew section also includes translation and reading exercises, a full set of verb paradigm charts (regular and irregular), and a Hebrew-to-English glossary.
The fundamental biblical Aramaic section follows the Hebrew text to enable undergraduate and seminary students, who possess a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew, a quick reading proficiency in biblical Aramaic. While it is not designed to introduce other Aramaic dialects, such as Old Aramaic, Jewish Palestinian Aramaic, Palmyrene or Nabatean, it is written so that the advanced student who wishes to pursue further study by exploring ancient Aramaic dialects may do so. To that end, from time to time, reference is made to the historical developments in ancient Aramaic.
This grammar concentrates on biblical Aramaic, primarily emphasizing the grammatical features the student needs to understand in order to read. Its structure allows the student to finish the grammar and to progress on to reading the actual Biblical texts in a typical semester. All the exercises, with the exception of the beginning ones, are drawn from the Bible, exposing the student to actual biblical Aramaic while learning the grammar.
Extras
•Dr. Steinmann has created vocabulary practice sets for each chapter in Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Students and instructors who adopt this book will want to visit Quizlet (http://quizlet.com/) to take advantage of this resource, which can be used on laptops, smartphones, and tablets as an aid to learning Hebrew or Aramaic vocabulary. (Downloading the Quizlet app is required to use this on a mobile device.)
Instructors may want to add these practice sets to their own Quizlet class and invite students to register for that class so that they have access to the practice sets in one convenient place. Simply register with Quizlet and then search on asteinmann to find the practice sets.
•Click the "Samples" tab above for seven FREE resources to aid your study, provided by Dr. Steinmann.
•Download FREE iTunes lectures!
What Others Are Saying
"A person naturally learns a language by being immersed in it from infancy. But if you do not have that much time, you will have to follow an artificial learning process by studying its structure, grammar, and vocabulary in a sequential way. For beginning Hebrew and Aramaic, the best introductory textbook I know is Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic by Andrew Bartelt and Andrew Steinmann. That is why I am so pleased to see it reprinted by CPH. I heartily recommend this clear and informed introduction to biblical Hebrew and Aramaic."
—Rev. Dr. Paul R. Raabe
Professor of Old Testament Exegesis
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
"I am most respectful of the excellent job Andrew Bartelt and Andrew Steinmann have done and have profited personally from the insights they have given. I recommend the text for those who want to provide a succinct, yet very instructive treatment, of these biblical languages."
—Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Trapp
Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
"I have used this grammar for the past fourteen years and find it very clear and concise. The easy-to-follow approach combines the best in format and pedagogy, making it very rewarding for both students and professors. This is an absolutely superb textbook."
—Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing
Senior Pastor, Saint Michael Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne, IN
The fundamental biblical Hebrew is organized in a manner that facilitates learning and serves as an easy-to-use reference tool, including vocabulary, morphology, and syntax. While it serves as a basic Hebrew textbook and grammar for the purpose of theological study, it is useful for college, university and seminary courses, as well as a desk reference for pastors engaged in the study of the Bible in its original language.
The Hebrew section also includes translation and reading exercises, a full set of verb paradigm charts (regular and irregular), and a Hebrew-to-English glossary.
The fundamental biblical Aramaic section follows the Hebrew text to enable undergraduate and seminary students, who possess a working knowledge of biblical Hebrew, a quick reading proficiency in biblical Aramaic. While it is not designed to introduce other Aramaic dialects, such as Old Aramaic, Jewish Palestinian Aramaic, Palmyrene or Nabatean, it is written so that the advanced student who wishes to pursue further study by exploring ancient Aramaic dialects may do so. To that end, from time to time, reference is made to the historical developments in ancient Aramaic.
This grammar concentrates on biblical Aramaic, primarily emphasizing the grammatical features the student needs to understand in order to read. Its structure allows the student to finish the grammar and to progress on to reading the actual Biblical texts in a typical semester. All the exercises, with the exception of the beginning ones, are drawn from the Bible, exposing the student to actual biblical Aramaic while learning the grammar.
Extras
•Dr. Steinmann has created vocabulary practice sets for each chapter in Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic. Students and instructors who adopt this book will want to visit Quizlet (http://quizlet.com/) to take advantage of this resource, which can be used on laptops, smartphones, and tablets as an aid to learning Hebrew or Aramaic vocabulary. (Downloading the Quizlet app is required to use this on a mobile device.)
Instructors may want to add these practice sets to their own Quizlet class and invite students to register for that class so that they have access to the practice sets in one convenient place. Simply register with Quizlet and then search on asteinmann to find the practice sets.
•Click the "Samples" tab above for seven FREE resources to aid your study, provided by Dr. Steinmann.
•Download FREE iTunes lectures!
What Others Are Saying
"A person naturally learns a language by being immersed in it from infancy. But if you do not have that much time, you will have to follow an artificial learning process by studying its structure, grammar, and vocabulary in a sequential way. For beginning Hebrew and Aramaic, the best introductory textbook I know is Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic by Andrew Bartelt and Andrew Steinmann. That is why I am so pleased to see it reprinted by CPH. I heartily recommend this clear and informed introduction to biblical Hebrew and Aramaic."
—Rev. Dr. Paul R. Raabe
Professor of Old Testament Exegesis
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
"I am most respectful of the excellent job Andrew Bartelt and Andrew Steinmann have done and have profited personally from the insights they have given. I recommend the text for those who want to provide a succinct, yet very instructive treatment, of these biblical languages."
—Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Trapp
Professor Emeritus, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
"I have used this grammar for the past fourteen years and find it very clear and concise. The easy-to-follow approach combines the best in format and pedagogy, making it very rewarding for both students and professors. This is an absolutely superb textbook."
—Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing
Senior Pastor, Saint Michael Lutheran Church
Fort Wayne, IN
Research Interests:
The Oracles of God surveys the history of the formation of the Old Testament canon. The author investigates the evidence from early Judaism and early Christianity from 200 B.C. to the post-Constantinian church. He argues that the canon... more
The Oracles of God surveys the history of the formation of the Old Testament canon. The author investigates the evidence from early Judaism and early Christianity from 200 B.C. to the post-Constantinian church. He argues that the canon was originally a collection of holy and authoritative books in the Persian period and was formed and standardized over the course of the centuries. This book provides a thorough introduction to the history of the Old Testament canon and a solid contribution to scholarship on the Hebrew Scriptures in the ancient world.
Research Interests:
Doctoral dissertation--University of Michigan This is a study of genre characteristics of historical apocalypses from Daniel to early second century Christian apocalypses that fall under the category of "historical apocalypse"--an... more
Doctoral dissertation--University of Michigan
This is a study of genre characteristics of historical apocalypses from Daniel to early second century Christian apocalypses that fall under the category of "historical apocalypse"--an apocalypse that deals with the flow of history up to the eschaton.
This is a study of genre characteristics of historical apocalypses from Daniel to early second century Christian apocalypses that fall under the category of "historical apocalypse"--an apocalypse that deals with the flow of history up to the eschaton.
Research Interests:
The following types of texts were excluded from the survey of perfect aspect verbs: 1. Extended lists, including genealogies (e.g., Gen 5:1–32; Ezra 2:1-67). 2. Long quotations of more than four or five verses, whether prose or poetry.... more
The following types of texts were excluded from the survey of perfect aspect verbs:
1. Extended lists, including genealogies (e.g., Gen 5:1–32; Ezra 2:1-67).
2. Long quotations of more than four or five verses, whether prose or poetry. Such longer prose discourses (e.g., 1 Kgs 8:12–53) tend to be stylized, marking them as distinct from regular narrative and its embedded dialogues. Poetry (e.g., 1 Sam 2:1–10), with its distinct use of word order, presents different characteristics than prose narratives. However, short poetic snippets embedded in narrative were included (e.g., Gen 1:27; 1 Sam 18:7).
3. Legal and instructional material (e.g., Exod 21:1–31:18).
This resulted in the following texts being compiled as narrative in the Pentateuch and historical books:
Genesis 1:1–4:26; 6:1–9:29; 11:1–9; 12:1–35:29; 37:1–46:7; 46:28–48:22; 49:28–50:26
Exodus 1:1–6:13; 6:28–14:31; 15:19–20:26; 32:1–40:38
Leviticus 8:1–10
Numbers 9:1–23; 10:29–14:45; 15:32–36; 16:1–17:28; 20:1–23:6; 23:11–17; 23:25–24:3; 24:10–14; 24:25–26:4; 27:1–23; 31:1–32:42; 36:1–13
Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Joshua 1:1–11:23; 22:1–24:23
Judges 1:1–4:23; 6:1–21:25
Ruth 1:1–4:17
Samuel: 1 Sam 1:1–28; 1 Sam 2:11–2 Sam 1:18; 2:1–8:15; 9:1–20:22; 21:1–22; 24:1–25
Kings: 1 Kgs 1:1–3:28; 1 Kgs 4:20–8:11; 1 Kgs 8:54–2 Kgs 19:20; 19:35–25:30
Chronicles: 1 Chr 10:1–11:9; 1 Chr 13:1–16:6; 1 Chr 16:37–18:13; 1 Chr 19:1–23:5; 1 Chr 28:1–2 Chr 5:14; 2 Chr 7:1–17:12; 2 Chr 18:1–36:23
Ezra 1:1–11; 2:68–4:7; 6:19–7:11; 7:27–28; 8:15–10:17
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20; 3:33–7:5; 7:70–9:5; 12:27–13:31
Esther 1:1–10:3
Revised 3/23/2022: Added Excel Spreadsheet that includes statistics
1. Extended lists, including genealogies (e.g., Gen 5:1–32; Ezra 2:1-67).
2. Long quotations of more than four or five verses, whether prose or poetry. Such longer prose discourses (e.g., 1 Kgs 8:12–53) tend to be stylized, marking them as distinct from regular narrative and its embedded dialogues. Poetry (e.g., 1 Sam 2:1–10), with its distinct use of word order, presents different characteristics than prose narratives. However, short poetic snippets embedded in narrative were included (e.g., Gen 1:27; 1 Sam 18:7).
3. Legal and instructional material (e.g., Exod 21:1–31:18).
This resulted in the following texts being compiled as narrative in the Pentateuch and historical books:
Genesis 1:1–4:26; 6:1–9:29; 11:1–9; 12:1–35:29; 37:1–46:7; 46:28–48:22; 49:28–50:26
Exodus 1:1–6:13; 6:28–14:31; 15:19–20:26; 32:1–40:38
Leviticus 8:1–10
Numbers 9:1–23; 10:29–14:45; 15:32–36; 16:1–17:28; 20:1–23:6; 23:11–17; 23:25–24:3; 24:10–14; 24:25–26:4; 27:1–23; 31:1–32:42; 36:1–13
Deuteronomy 34:1–12
Joshua 1:1–11:23; 22:1–24:23
Judges 1:1–4:23; 6:1–21:25
Ruth 1:1–4:17
Samuel: 1 Sam 1:1–28; 1 Sam 2:11–2 Sam 1:18; 2:1–8:15; 9:1–20:22; 21:1–22; 24:1–25
Kings: 1 Kgs 1:1–3:28; 1 Kgs 4:20–8:11; 1 Kgs 8:54–2 Kgs 19:20; 19:35–25:30
Chronicles: 1 Chr 10:1–11:9; 1 Chr 13:1–16:6; 1 Chr 16:37–18:13; 1 Chr 19:1–23:5; 1 Chr 28:1–2 Chr 5:14; 2 Chr 7:1–17:12; 2 Chr 18:1–36:23
Ezra 1:1–11; 2:68–4:7; 6:19–7:11; 7:27–28; 8:15–10:17
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20; 3:33–7:5; 7:70–9:5; 12:27–13:31
Esther 1:1–10:3
Revised 3/23/2022: Added Excel Spreadsheet that includes statistics
Research Interests:
This is a compilation of compound subjects in the Old Testament (Hebrew portions only). It is a preliminary file used for a study of compound subject-verb concord in Biblical Hebrew. I hope to publish this study in the future.
Research Interests:
In my paper "Genesis Genealogies and Messianic Promise," I suggested that the positioning of Enoch, Noah, Eber, and Abram as seventh, tenth, fourteenth (twice seven), and twentieth (twice ten) in the combined genealogies of Gen 5:3-32 and... more
In my paper "Genesis Genealogies and Messianic Promise," I suggested that the positioning of Enoch, Noah, Eber, and Abram as seventh, tenth, fourteenth (twice seven), and twentieth (twice ten) in the combined genealogies of Gen 5:3-32 and Gen 11: 10-26 was due to authorial intent. I surmised that the author of Genesis (Moses) purposely skipped over some generations to position these four important men in numerically significant locations.1 I have received several communications suggesting that the positioning of these men in the genealogies was simply happenstance and, therefore, there were no skipped generations. This short notice is in reply to those communications and is intended to demonstrate that such positioning of important persons in numerically significant places in the genealogies is unlikely to be simply unplanned and unintentional on the author's part.
Research Interests: Genesis 1-11 and Genesis
This paper was published in The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (2021). Presented here is a catalog of every textual variant in Genesis among the Masoretic Text (MT), the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) and the Septuagint... more
This paper was published in The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (2021). Presented here is a catalog of every textual variant in Genesis among the Masoretic Text (MT), the Samaritan Pentateuch (SP) and the Septuagint (LXX).
Updated catalog of variants uploaded 6/7/2020
Updated catalog of variants uploaded 6/7/2020
Research Interests:
Because they include numbers indicating ages of the pre- and post-deluvian patriarchs, the genealogies of Gen 5 and 11 have often been used as chronological information useful for determining the date of creation. However, since antiquity... more
Because they include numbers indicating ages of the pre- and post-deluvian patriarchs, the genealogies of Gen 5 and 11 have often been used as chronological information useful for determining the date of creation. However, since antiquity it has been recognized that these genealogies present insuperable difficulties for such chronological calculations. This paper explores these problems, as well as ancient (i.e., LXX) and modern proposed solutions to these problems. Instead, this study offers a different view of the purpose of these genealogies and their numbers: the genealogies were not intended to present chronology but to present the history of the messianic promise from Adam to Abram.
Research Interests:
In his article, Jeremy Sexton offers a critique of my observations about the possibility of gaps in the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11. His critique notes several items in my presentation, but most notably, Sexton attempts to make an... more
In his article, Jeremy Sexton offers a critique of my observations about the possibility of gaps in the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11. His critique notes several items in my presentation, but most notably, Sexton attempts to make an argument about the semantics of Hebrew causation in general and about the H (Hiphil) stem of verbs of the root ילד in particular. In this response, I demonstrate that Sexton's analysis is flawed and involves misunderstanding of my position and false conclusions about the meaning of H (Hiphil) stem of verbs of the root .ילד
Following my publication of "Challenging the Authenticity of Cainan, son of Arphachshad," 1 Henry B. Smith Jr. and Kris J. Udd published a paper defending the authenticity of the presence of Cainan in both Luke's genealogy of Jesus and in... more
Following my publication of "Challenging the Authenticity of Cainan, son of Arphachshad," 1 Henry B. Smith Jr. and Kris J. Udd published a paper defending the authenticity of the presence of Cainan in both Luke's genealogy of Jesus and in Genesis 11. 2 This short paper will not attempt to reply to every argument that Smith and Udd offer. Instead, I wish only to set forth two observations that call into question two of their key assertions. A full-blown critique will have to be left to another occasion.
Research Interests: Genesis 1-11 and Cainan
Most English versions list Cainan as son of Arphaxad and father of Shelah at Luke 3:36, although this person is not mentioned in the genealogies in Gen 10, Gen 11 or 1 Chr 1. This study examines the evidence for Cainan as a member of... more
Most English versions list Cainan as son of Arphaxad and father of Shelah at Luke 3:36, although this person is not mentioned in the genealogies in Gen 10, Gen 11 or 1 Chr 1. This study examines the evidence for Cainan as a member of these genealogies in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek sources from the second century BC through the fifth century AD. After demonstrating that there is no evidence for Cainan in these genealogies before the late fourth century AD, the study concludes that Cainan was an accidental scribal displacement of the name from Luke 3:37 into the text of Luke 3:36. Subsequently, under the influence of this later text of Luke, Christian scribes added the name to other texts, including LXX Gen 10, LXX Gen 11, some manuscripts of LXX 1 Chr 1, and the book of Jubilees.
Research Interests:
The meaning of the refrain in Gen 1 “There was an evening and there was a morning, X day” (Gen 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31) has long been in dispute. This paper argues that the refrain is a chronological summary of the preceding text by... more
The meaning of the refrain in Gen 1 “There was an evening and there was a morning, X day” (Gen 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31) has long been in dispute. This paper argues that the refrain is a chronological summary of the preceding text by demonstrating what the syntax and usage of such summaries are in the OT. The phrase then means “In summary there was an evening and then a morning, X day,” thereby encompassing an entire day beginning at sundown and ending at the next sundown. Moreover, the phrase “evening and morning” is further defined in the refrain as a single day.
Research Interests:
A handful of recent articles have sought to argue that the geealogies of Genesis 5 and 11 are complete, skipping no generations. However, the major arguments they use are defective and falsifiable. The syntax of the Hiphil of yld... more
A handful of recent articles have sought to argue that the geealogies
of Genesis 5 and 11 are complete, skipping no generations.
However, the major arguments they use are defective and falsifiable.
The syntax of the Hiphil of yld allows for generations to be
skipped, while gaps in other Old Testament genealogies suggest
that most biblical genealogies are selective. Evidence from Egyptian
and Sumerian chronology indicates that the same is the case
for the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11.
of Genesis 5 and 11 are complete, skipping no generations.
However, the major arguments they use are defective and falsifiable.
The syntax of the Hiphil of yld allows for generations to be
skipped, while gaps in other Old Testament genealogies suggest
that most biblical genealogies are selective. Evidence from Egyptian
and Sumerian chronology indicates that the same is the case
for the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11.
Most modern scholars agree that the reference to “seed” (zr') in the promise to Abraham (Gen. 22:17–18) refers collectively to all of Abraham’s descendants. However, this creates a conflict with Paul’s explanation in Galatians 3:16 that... more
Most modern scholars agree that the reference to “seed” (zr') in
the promise to Abraham (Gen. 22:17–18) refers collectively to all
of Abraham’s descendants. However, this creates a conflict with
Paul’s explanation in Galatians 3:16 that zr' refers to Christ. The
syntax of Genesis 22:17–18 and the use of zr' elsewhere in the Old
Testament suggest that Paul was indeed correct in his understanding
of tr' as a singular reference to Christ. Moreover, Jesus
himself claimed in Matthew 16:18 that the second part of the
promise to Abraham was fulfilled in him.
the promise to Abraham (Gen. 22:17–18) refers collectively to all
of Abraham’s descendants. However, this creates a conflict with
Paul’s explanation in Galatians 3:16 that zr' refers to Christ. The
syntax of Genesis 22:17–18 and the use of zr' elsewhere in the Old
Testament suggest that Paul was indeed correct in his understanding
of tr' as a singular reference to Christ. Moreover, Jesus
himself claimed in Matthew 16:18 that the second part of the
promise to Abraham was fulfilled in him.
Research Interests:
This paper will be published in JETS 67.3 (2024). Only the abstract is available at this time. The paper will be posted here after it appears in print. Three pieces of information contained in the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke... more
This paper will be published in JETS 67.3 (2024). Only the abstract is available at this time. The paper will be posted here after it appears in print.
Three pieces of information contained in the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke have often been pressed into service in attempts to determine or bolster a particular view of the date of the nativity. This paper argues that Zechariah’s priestly duty as part of the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5), Herod’s execution of the young boys in Bethlehem (Matt 2:16), and the star that led the Magi to Jesus (Matt 2:1–2, 9–10) cannot be employed for this purpose either because of ambiguity in the text, variables in chronology which cannot be resolved, or because the text does not present a natural phenomenon but a supernatural event.
Three pieces of information contained in the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke have often been pressed into service in attempts to determine or bolster a particular view of the date of the nativity. This paper argues that Zechariah’s priestly duty as part of the course of Abijah (Luke 1:5), Herod’s execution of the young boys in Bethlehem (Matt 2:16), and the star that led the Magi to Jesus (Matt 2:1–2, 9–10) cannot be employed for this purpose either because of ambiguity in the text, variables in chronology which cannot be resolved, or because the text does not present a natural phenomenon but a supernatural event.
Research Interests:
In previous papers we have argued that the consensus view of the date for Herod's death (i.e., early 4 BC) is contradicted by a variety of evidence and that Herod died in early 1 BC. In this paper we examine the only remaining pillar upon... more
In previous papers we have argued that the consensus view of the date for Herod's death (i.e., early 4 BC) is contradicted by a variety of evidence and that Herod died in early 1 BC. In this paper we examine the only remaining pillar upon which the consensus rests, the dating of the reigns of his sons who succeeded him. We note that ancient historians, notably Josephus, contain indications that Herod's sons received royal prerogatives before Herod's death. It is proposed that this happened sometime in the year that began in Tishri 6 BC, and it was to this date that Herod's sons backdated their reigns which actually began sometime in 1 BC. We also examine the numismatic evidence of the coins issued by Herod and his sons and demonstrate that it confirms this view, thereby removing the final pillar that supports the consensus chronology for Herod's reign.
Research Interests:
Much of New Testament chronology, especially the dating of Jesus’s life, is dependent upon the dates for the reign of Herod the Great. In the late nineteenth century Schürer proposed dates for the reign of Herod: 40 (37) BC to 4 BC. These... more
Much of New Testament chronology, especially the dating of Jesus’s life, is dependent upon the dates for the reign of Herod the Great. In the late nineteenth century Schürer proposed dates for the reign of Herod: 40 (37) BC to 4 BC. These are suspect and are based on Josephus’s erroneous use of Roman consular years. Schürer also cites the sabbatical tables developed by Zuckermann, but this is not an independent source, since they are based on the same citation of consular years in Josephus. When Josephus’s error is recognized, the correct dates for Herod’s reign are demonstrated to be 39 (36) BC to 1 BC, placing the birth of Christ in late 3 BC or early 2 BC.
Research Interests:
Determining the chronology of Herod the Great, as given in Josephus, involves many questions: consular years, Sabbatical years, Nisan or Tishri years regarding Herod’s reign, inclusive or non-inclusive counting for elapsed time, and the... more
Determining the chronology of Herod the Great, as given in Josephus, involves many questions: consular years, Sabbatical years, Nisan or Tishri years regarding Herod’s reign, inclusive or non-inclusive counting for elapsed time, and the year from which Herod’s sons considered their reigns to have begun. The present paper focuses on just two of these issues—elapsed time and Nisan versus Tishri years—as dealt with in the two most frequently cited positions formulated for the death of Herod, those of Schürer and Filmer. Tables at the end demonstrate which of the two views best agrees with the many designations of elapsed time in Josephus.
Research Interests:
The Emperor Caligula’s attempt to put a statue of himself, portrayed as the god Jupiter, in the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple is described by contemporary authors Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. The chronology of this episode... more
The Emperor Caligula’s attempt to put a statue of himself, portrayed as the god Jupiter, in the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem Temple is described by contemporary authors Josephus and Philo of Alexandria. The chronology of this episode is firmly established by these authors as well as by Roman historians. The challenge of that chronology to the consensus chronology for Herod the Great is described, along with the attempts of consensus scholars to deal with the challenge. Closely related to the Caligula statue issue is a Seder ‘Olam passage associating the burning of the Second Temple with a Sabbatical year. New evidence is presented showing that the Seder ‘Olam places that event in the latter part of a Sabbatical year, in conflict with the consensus date for a Sabbatical year during Herod the Great’s siege of Jerusalem but in harmony with the minority view that dates the siege to 36 BC.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This essay examines the portrayal of the Philistines in Judges and Samuel as vital to the establishment of a legitimate, divinely-authorized monarchy in ancient Israel. After an opening section that looks at the Philistines and their... more
This essay examines the portrayal of the Philistines in Judges and Samuel as vital to the establishment of a legitimate, divinely-authorized monarchy in ancient Israel. After an opening section that looks at the Philistines and their origins, the essay examines the Philistines as antagonists in the ongoing narrative concerning the establishment of a permanent Israelite royal dynasty as ultimately achieved under David. It is demonstrated that Saul failed in his responsibility to remove the Philistine threat from Israel, but David succeeded precisely matching Saul's failures. After David's reign the Philistines are largely absent from the narrative concerning the Israelite kingdoms-they have become simply one of the surrounding nations.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Paper in the book His Words Soar Above Him (Festschrift for Charles Krahmalkov, 2017), 149-156.
Research Interests:
The paper posted here consists of the proof pages for this article.
Arboreal imagery used to describe human life and circumstances is fairly common in the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom literature. This study examines the varied uses of comparisons between trees and humans in several wisdom psalms, in Job, and in... more
Arboreal imagery used to describe human life and circumstances is fairly common in the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom literature. This study examines the varied uses of comparisons between trees and humans in several wisdom psalms, in Job, and in Song of Songs. It is concluded that this imagery was adaptable and malleable enough to serve the sages’ purposes in teaching moral and ethical values through vivid descriptions of trees and their various characteristics.
Research Interests:
article in The Law, The Prophets, and the Writings: Studies in Evangelical Old Testament Hermeneutics. Andrew M. King, Joshua M. Philpot, and Douglas K. Stuart, eds. (Nashville: B & H Academic, 2021). Due to agreement with the publisher,... more
article in The Law, The Prophets, and the Writings: Studies in Evangelical Old Testament Hermeneutics. Andrew M. King, Joshua M. Philpot, and Douglas K. Stuart, eds. (Nashville: B & H Academic, 2021). Due to agreement with the publisher, this article is not available here. It is available in the book and electronically through WordSearch (https://www.wordsearchbible.com/).
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Paper in 1995 Festschrift for David Noel Freedman: Astrid B. Beck, Andrew H. Bartelt, Paul R. Raabe, and Chris A. Franke, eds. Fortunate the Eyes that See: Essays in Honor of David Noel Freedman in Celebration of His Seventieth Birthday... more
Paper in 1995 Festschrift for David Noel Freedman:
Astrid B. Beck, Andrew H. Bartelt, Paul R. Raabe, and Chris A. Franke, eds. Fortunate the Eyes that See: Essays in Honor of David Noel Freedman in Celebration of His Seventieth Birthday (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), 288-97.
Astrid B. Beck, Andrew H. Bartelt, Paul R. Raabe, and Chris A. Franke, eds. Fortunate the Eyes that See: Essays in Honor of David Noel Freedman in Celebration of His Seventieth Birthday (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995), 288-97.
Research Interests:
A literary analysis of the Pentateuch and a discussion of teaching the Decalogue.
Research Interests:
One much-discussed Bible verse relating to the chronology of Jesus’s ministry is Luke 3:1 where Jesus’s baptism is placed during Tiberius’s fifteenth year. Normally, Tiberius’s reign is said to have begun after Augustus’s death, making AD... more
One much-discussed Bible verse relating to the chronology of Jesus’s ministry is Luke 3:1 where Jesus’s baptism is placed during Tiberius’s fifteenth year. Normally, Tiberius’s reign is said to have begun after Augustus’s death, making AD 29 his fifteenth year as emperor. However, some have wished to date the fifteenth year of Tiberius earlier by claiming that Luke would have understood Tiberius’s reign as commencing sometime between AD 11 and 13 when Tiberius was granted joint authority with Augustus over the provinces. A survey of the extant literary-historical sources from the first and second centuries combined with surveys of the surviving numismatic and inscriptional evidence reveals that there is no support for an earlier dating of Tiberius’s reign. Thus, it is highly unlikely that Luke or his readers would have understood the fifteenth year of Tiberius as occurring before AD 29.
Research Interests:
Abstract: While the standard translation of John 2:20 is endorsed by a large majority of commentaries during the last century, a few voices during the last fifty years have proposed an alternate rendering. This study examines the... more
Abstract:
While the standard translation of John 2:20 is endorsed by a large majority of commentaries during the last century, a few voices during the last fifty years have proposed an alternate rendering. This study examines the manifold problems that confront the standard translation of this verse. The results demonstrate that the alternate rendering is superior on syntactical, semantic, and historical grounds. Implications for the dating of Jesus’s ministry are explored.
While the standard translation of John 2:20 is endorsed by a large majority of commentaries during the last century, a few voices during the last fifty years have proposed an alternate rendering. This study examines the manifold problems that confront the standard translation of this verse. The results demonstrate that the alternate rendering is superior on syntactical, semantic, and historical grounds. Implications for the dating of Jesus’s ministry are explored.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Materials Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, May 2007
JETS 65.3 (2022): 561-3
Research Interests:
Book review posted on RBL July, 2020.
https://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=13301&CodePage=13301,1080,6291
https://www.bookreviews.org/bookdetail.asp?TitleId=13301&CodePage=13301,1080,6291
Research Interests:
published in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 81 (2019): 706-7
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Concordia Pulpit Resources 25.2 (2015): 10
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 54 (2014): 806-807
Review of Biblical Literature September, 2013
Review of Biblical Literature August, 2013
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature December, 2012
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature September, 2012
Review of Biblical Literature January, 2011
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 53 (December 2010): 801–70
Review of Biblical Literature February, 2009
Review of Biblical Literature May, 2009
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature July 2008
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 37 (1993): 135-136
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature March, 2007
Research Interests:
Concordia Theological Quarterly 70 (2006): 187-190
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature April, 2006
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature September, 2005
Research Interests:
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 46 (2003): 333-334
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature March, 2003
Research Interests:
Review of Biblical Literature July 2002
Review of Biblical Literature April, 2000
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 33 (1990): 238-239