Samson
A Secret Betrayed, A Vow Ignored
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
'Samson: A secret betrayed, a vow ignored' marks a new milestone in Samson studies. You will not likely find a more useful and informative study of one of the Bible's best known characters.
'Samson' is clear and straightforward, up-to-date, enjoyable and easily read. James Crenshaw combines literary skills with rich theological understanding and sound scholarship to present a balanced, perceptive analysis.
This comprehensive new study carefully analyzes the many dimensions of this popular biblical character. James Crenshaw examines the text, employing the critic's tools with flawless proficiency.
He explores:
-the traditions behind the biblical account
-literary form and motifs
-stylistic features
-unifying themes
-the tragic dimension of the saga
-the significance of Samson's and the Philistines' riddles
Crenshaw offers a concise and thorough approach well-suited to the beginning student plus provocative new insights to challenge the Samson scholar. 'Samson' is an excellent resource for ministers, students of the Bible, and church study groups.
James L. Crenshaw is Robert L. Flowers Professor of Old Testament at Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina. His many publications include 'Prophetic Conflict', 'Hymnic Affirmation of Divine Justice', 'Studies in Ancient Israelite Wisdom', and numerous articles. He is co-author of 'Old Testament Form Criticism' and 'Tradition and Theology in the Old Testament Structuralism', contributor to the 'Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible' and 'New English Bible' (Oxford Study Edition), and former editor of the Society of Biblical Literature Monograph Series.
"His study will now be a point of reference for all subsequent study on this narrative."
Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary
'"Samson' should engage the attention of specialists and non-specialists. I found it a pleasure to read. Crenshaw has viewed the story in terms of its aesthetic-literary dimensions, and unfolded it in a fruitful way. It is an excellent book."
Gene M. Tucker, Professor Emeritus, Candler School of Theology
"Crenshaw's 'Samson' makes a distinct contribution to our appreciation of ancient Hebrew narrative art."
Joseph Blenkinsopp, Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame