Biblical Studies Carnival # 183

With the first of June comes the newest edition of the Biblical Studies Carnival. I want to thank Phil for the privilege of hosting it again. Ruben Rus of Ayuda Ministerial/Resources for Ministry hosted last month’s BSC. If you have not looked at it, stop and go check it out! The next two BSC’s will be hosted by Brent Niedergall and Kenson Gonzalez.

184 June 2021 (Due July 1) – Brent Niedergall, @BrentNiedergall 
185 July 2021 (Due August 1) – Kenson Gonzalez Viviendo para Su Gloria @KensonGonzalez

Before we take a look at this month’s contributions, please consider hosting a Biblical Studies Carnival. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them each month. More than that, I have had the privilege of meeting new people. They have taught me with their expertise and knowledge in biblical studies (which is a broad category). You can contact Phil here.

Also, if you have a blog, or know of one that has not been featured, please contact the hosts. We would love to feature your contributions to the field of biblical studies.

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Hebrew, First Testament Studies

Christopher Page, of In A Spacious Place, has continued a series called Travels with HP (Hebrew poet) covering the psalms. For the month of May, Christopher has discussed Psalms 3-7.

Though not technically written in the month of May, this republication of “Jethro in the Bible” by Elie Wisel is an excellent read on the Biblical Archaeology Society page.

Peter Goeman encourages us to commit to the Biblical languages (I include it in this section, though it could easily be placed in Greek, New Testament Studies as well). In his post, Goeman shares a variety of quotes that focus on Luther’s love of the original languages.

Bob MacDonald has been as busy as ever. He has published numerous posts on the Hebrew scriptures. Check them out here.

Julia Blum (Israel Institute of Biblical Studies) writes “The Hidden Message” out of Genesis 38. In one of the most perplexing accounts in Genesis (of which there are many), Blum works through the narrative while raising helpful issues within the Hebrew.

Greek, New Testament Studies

Phil Long (Reading Acts) is working his way through the Gospel of Matthew. You will have to weave your way through the insane amount of reviews Phil does (I am beginning to think he reads more than he breaths!), but they are good.

Elijah Hixson made us aware of an open access catalog here. If you work with Greek Textual Criticism, you will want to check this out.

Theological Studies

Christopher Page, of In A Spacious Place, has addressed an opinion piece from David Bentley Hart in two posts (first post, second post) that focuses on hell. They will provoke your own thoughts, regardless of your personal views.

Brent Niedergall has posted several videos in his 300 Seconds of Theology series. He has discussed the attributes of God, the Triunity of God, and the Names of God. These videos (which are short, as the name indicates) are great summaries of deep theological topics. He usually connects to something well known (often a pop culture reference) that would be well worth your viewing. He also published a post on “A Theology of Backgammon.” I know the name will pique your curiosity, so I do not have to sell you on it!

Jim West of Zwinglius Redivivus addresses the topic When to Imprecate and When to Be Silent. He quotes Martin Luther, “A christian for the sake of his own person neither curseth nor revengeth himself.” He also wrote a post, Adolf von Harnack Explains Luther’s Disdain for Invented Theological Terminology that is an excellent read.

Philip Stern answers the question, “When Did Monotheism Emerge in Ancient Israel?” at Biblical Archaeology Society. He begins his post with a provocative statement, “While many biblical scholars view monotheism as a relatively late development within Israelite religion, I believe–based on evidence from early Israelite poetry–that the origins of biblical monotheism can be located early in Israel’s history, most likely by early in the first millennium B.C.E.”

Books, ACADEMIA & Publishing Issues

Jim West of Zwinglius Redivivus shares the “ultimatum” concerns frequently found in academia. He also shared his commentary on the entire Bible available for purchase here. The Person in the Pew commentary is, in West’s words, “the only series of Commentaries in modern history written by a single person on the entire Bible and aimed at layfolk.” Additionally, West points out the absurdity of Princeton not requiring students in classics to take Greek or Latin. Yes, you read that right, Princeton is not requiring students in classics to take Greek or Latin.

For those familiar with the BSC, it will come as no surprise that Phil Long of Reading Acts has reviewed numerous books over this month. They include: A Commentary on James, John Through Old Testament Eyes, Proverbs: A Shorter Commentary, Transformative Word Series (three volumes), and The Theology of Jeremiah.

Peter Gurry posted a review of The Daily Discoveries of a bible Scholar and Manuscript Hunter: A Biography of James Rendel Harris.

Travis Bohlinger posted the most recent academic jobs in Biblical Studies and Theology here.