Biblical Myth and Rabbinic Mythmaking

This is a comprehensive and systematic exploration of myth in the Hebrew Bible. In addition, Michael Fishbane examines the ongoing role of Scripture in the expansion and transformation of myth in ancient Jewish sources (Midrash and Talmud) and in the classical work of medieval Jewish mysticism (the book of Zohar). The role of myth and monotheism is taken up, and the texts of myth are subjected to close analytical treatment, dealing with matters of form, theme, and theology. In particular, the creative role of exegesis, and its capacity to generate new myths and to justify older or pre-existent ones, is explored. Aspects of continuity and discontinuity with biblical and ancient Near Eastern sources are examined, and the explosive innovations of myth in the various literary phases are considered. In exploring three major phases of Jewish culture, Michael Fishbane offers a new appreciation for the reality of myth and its varieties. Many new conceptual and analytical categories are presented, as well as numerous close readings of the texts at hand.

Table of Contents:
Part One. Biblical Myth1: Introduction 2: Combat Myths and Divine Actions 3: Personalization and Historicization of the Combat Motif 4: Conclusions and Other Considerations Part Two. Rabbinic Myth and Mythmaking5: Introduction 6: God and the Primordial Waters 7: Myths of Participation and Pathos 8: Myths of Divinity 9: Conclusions and Other Considerations Part Three. Jewish Myth and Mythmaking in the Middle Ages10: Introduction 11: The Primordial Serpent 12: Divine Sorrow and the Rupture of Exile 13: Conclusions 14: Final Conclusions

About the Author :
Michael Fishbane is Nathan Cummings Professor of Jewish Studies and Chair of the Committee on Jewish Studies at the University of Chicago

Review :
Review from other book by this author 'a masterful and important study which illustrates in countless ways the nature of the on-going exegesis of biblical texts within the Bible itself' Roland E. Murphy, Interpretation 'an outstanding work of scholarship' James L. Kugel, Journal of Jewish Literary History 'a monumental study which places all students of the Hebrew Bible deeply in his debt. Its learning and scope are matched only by its enviable lucidity' E. W. Nicholson, Journal of Theological Studies 'a major scholarly achievement' R. E. Clements, Society for Old Testament Study 'a very substantial and important study of an area which has not previously been given so comprehensive a treatment' Peter R. Ackroyd, Theology 'one of the major works of biblical interpretation in the last decade' Patrick D. Miller, Theology Today 'a magisterial study of inner-biblical exegesis' Herbert Mark, Yearbook of Comparative and General Literature 'Michael Fishbane has written a great feast of a book, with detailed discussion of many passages based on very wide reading.' Methodist Church Overseas Division Annotated Booklist 1988 A review of the 1985 issue; 'It is a pleasure to review a book which reveals so clearly years of intense research and hard reflection. Prof. Fishbane's carefully structured book is packed with such detailed exegesis and close argument that only the serious reader can begin to tap its richness; however, the rewards are great for anyone willing to expend the energy.' Journal of Biblical Literature