How Did They Read the Prophets?: Early Jewish and Christian Interpretations

Description: "A study of how early Jewish and Christian readers interpreted the Hebrew Bible's prophetic literature, focusing on selected passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the minor prophets"--

Brief description:
Michael B. Shepherd is professor of biblical studies at Cedarville University. He has authored multiple academic books and articles and has taught courses in biblical languages, Old Testament, and Johannine literature.

Review Quotes:

"A magnificent work for academics and pastors."
--Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Book List

"This study serves as a helpful introduction for theological students seeking to understand early Jewish and Christian interpretation of the prophetic texts. It effectively demonstrates how the composition of the prophetic books and their messages are intertwined with early Jewish interpretive traditions."
--Review of Biblical Literature

"In this detailed study, Michael Shepherd clearly shows how the scribes who wrote and transmitted the prophetic books were exegetes, and how the early readers of the prophetic books were attuned to this exegetical activity. Modern readers of the Bible will find a wealth of valuable information in this volume, which is full of insightful examples of how ancient authors understood Israel's Scriptures."
--Michael A. Lyons, University of St. Andrews

"Adding to his previous helpful studies on the biblical prophets and their inner-biblical connections, Shepherd here discloses how ancient Jews and Christians interpreted key passages in the Major and Minor Prophets. He highlights the importance of tracing the compositional strategies of the prophetic books themselves and notes how the prophets were not only preachers but also scholars who interpreted texts (see Ezek 38:17; Dan 9:2; Matt 13:52; 1 Pet 1:10-11). This volume is a welcome contribution to the growing number of studies considering early biblical interpretation and inner-biblical exegesis."
--Jason S. DeRouchie, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"The study of ancient exegesis is of immense value for allowing us to reflect on our practices and conclusions. In recent years, scholars have given attention not only to interpreters looking back at the Bible, but interpreters within the Bible, including intertextual links within biblical books themselves. In this volume, Michael Shepherd catalogs a very helpful selection of ancient interpretations of key passages and themes in the Latter Prophets. He then reflects on the significance of these for our understanding of prophecy, text, ancient versions, and canon. This is a thought-provoking study that touches on a number of crucial issues for modern interpreters."
--Eric J. Tully, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"The Old Testament's use of the Old Testament is receiving increased attention today. Michael Shepherd's book How Did They Read the Prophets? is a welcome contribution to the conversation. While many studies in this field focus primarily on usage criteria within the Masoretic text, Shepherd gives particular attention to the ancient versions and textual witnesses. Through representative examples within the Major and Minor Prophets, this book postulates that the biblical authors were first of all biblical exegetes. Though readers will find some examples more compelling than others, Shepherd provides many intriguing connections, inviting readers to consider, or perhaps reconsider, the nature of prophecy in the Bible."
--Andrew M. King, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary