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.