Iconographic Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible / Old Testament

Joel M. LeMon ist Assistant Professor für Altes Testament an der Candler School of Theology und der Abteilung für Religion an der Emory University.

Dr. Thomas Staubli is senior lecturer at the Department of Biblical Studies, University of Fribourg. Having studied at Fribourg, Jerusalem, Berlin and Bern, he holds a PhD in Theology (1989) from the University of Fribourg. In 1987-88 he was director of studies at the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem. 1989-1994 he established and directed the Biblical Pastoral Ministry of the Diocese of St. Gallen. From 1999 to 2012 he participated in the establishment of the BIBLE+ORIENT Museum and served as its first director until 2012. Co-director of the BIBLE+ORIENT Database online (BODO).

Brent A. Strawn, PhD, ist Privatdozent für Altes Testament an der Candler School of Theology, Emory Universität, Atlanta.

Ryan P. Bonfiglio, PhD, ist Dozent für Altes Testament am Theologischen Seminar Columbia, Georgia, USA, und John H. Stembler Stipendiat in Residence an der First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Iconographic exegesis combines the study of biblical texts (exegesis) with the study of ancient expressions of visual art (iconography). Studying ancient visual art that is contemporary with the documents of the Old Testament gives remarkable insight, not only on the meaning and historical context of the biblical text, but also because it facilitates greater understanding of how the ancient authors and audiences saw, thought, and made sense of the world. Iconography thus merits close attention as another avenue that can lead to a more nuanced and more complete understanding of the biblical text. Each chapter of this book provides an exegesis of a particular biblical text or theme. The book is organized around the tripartite structure of the Hebrew Bible, and demonstrates that iconographical exegesis is pertinent to "every nook and cranny" of the Bible. Within the three parts, there is special emphasis on Genesis, Isaiah, and the Psalms in order to make the book attractive for classes that deal with one or more of these books and might therefore include an iconographic perspective. In addition to connecting with a major issue in biblical interpretation, theology, or visual studies each chapter will end with one or two exercises directing the reader/student to comparable texts and images, enabling them to apply what was described in the chapter for themselves. This approach enables beginners as well as advanced readers to integrate iconography into their toolbox of exegetical skills.

Studying ancient visual art that is contemporary with the documents of the Old Testament gives remarkable insight, not only on the meaning and historical context of the biblical text, but also because it facilitates greater understanding of how the ancient authors and audiences saw, thought, and made sense of the world.Each chapter of this book provides an exegesis of a particular biblical text or theme. The method taught here enables beginners as well as advanced readers to integrate iconography into their toolbox of exegetical skills and get a more complete understanding of the biblical text.Iconography is an indispensible tool for exegesis of the Hebrew Bible in its historical context.

· At present, there are no other accessible introductions to the theory, method, and practice of iconographic exegesis. This book fills this gap.· Iconography is displayed and made accessible as a tool for exegesis of the Hebrew Bible in its historical context· This book enables students to integrate iconography into their toolbox of exegetical skills. · Each chapter ends with an exercise, directing the reader/student to comparable texts and images.