Osnova sekce

  • This lesson is devoted to the second group of books of history, in which the point of the story plays a major role. They are usually very legibly written, and present a fluent plot and well-drawn characters. Three of these books are protocanonical (Ruth, Esther, and Jonah), two deuterocanonical (Judith and Tobit). The article by V. Ber offers a good example of a possible way of reading such a novel: to consider the text in its entirety, as one complex and consistent voice. 


    - Rendtorff, Rolf, The Old Testament, p. 259-261; 270-272 (Ruth, Esther, and Jonah).  
    - ABD 2:626-633 (Additions to Esther)`; 3:1117-1125 (Judith); 6:585-594 (Tobit). 
    - Ber, Viktor. The World according to Boaz: Wealth, Power, and Justice in the Book of Ruth. Caritas et Veritas 10 (3/2013), pp. 17-23. (see the link below)


    Biblical texts for final exam: 

    The student is supposed to have read and to know all and entire Old Testament books; however, at the final exam (s)he will be confronted with one of these texts: 

    Ruth 1-4 (the entire book)

    Est 9:20-32 (establishing the Feast of Purim) 

    Jonah 1-4 (the entire book)

    Jdt 5 (Achior's speech)

    Tob 6:1-9 (catching the fish) 


    Verifying comprehension: 

    1. What are the main differences between the Greek and the Hebrew version of the Book of Esther? 
    2. What are the main traits that point to the fictional character of the book of Judith? 
    3. Compare Ruth and Jonah with the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Is there something they sharply disagree about? 
    4. What does the Book of Tobit say about the diaspora Judaism of its time?