All about Hebrew lit.

1. Hebrew Literature
History, Themes, Influence

2. Hebrew literature
Most important example:
- Jewish Bible, or
- Christian Old Testament
Preserved by the Hebrews
- Semitic nomads
- Theocentric view of life

3. What is the Bible?
From Greek word “biblia”
meaning “collection of writings”
3 main sections
include every genre of literature
except drama

4. 3 main sections
1) Torah – first 5 books – name them?
Genesis (Greek word)
Exodus (Greek word)
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy (Grk)

5. 3 main sections
2) Historical accounts
Book of Samuel
which includes “David & Goliath”
Writings of the prophets

6. 3 main sections
3) Variety of works, including:
Poetry (Psalms)
Short stories (Book of Ruth)
Religious dialogues (Book of Job)

7. Themes in the Bible?
Constant themes:
1) One God
& his power, goodness, & mercy
2) Covenant
or solemn agreement
between God & Hebrews

8. Themes in the Bible?
3) Humans tend to stray
from the right path
4) God forgives them
every time

9. Influence of the Bible?
Major importance
to Jews, Muslims, & Christians
Has inspired writers & artists
for 2000 years

10. Influence of the Bible?
Written in Hebrew & Aramaic
1st & most important translation:
Greek
Translated into 200 major languages
including Latin & other Western langs.

11. Influence of the Bible?
Translated into > 1000 other tongues
Famous translation:
1611 King James translation
Has influenced our prose & poetry
for 400 years

12. Story of the Flood
Theme:
Covenant or solemn agreement
between God & humans
Essence of covenant:
mutual loyalty
i.e. If humans are just & faithful,
God will protect them.

13. Story of the Flood
God interacts with Hebrews
through mediators or chosen men:
1) Noah, a virtuous man
2) Moses, who receives 10 Commands
3) Prophets later

14. Story of the Flood
Covenant =
warm & loving
divine/ human relationship
almost like marriage bond
Theme of covenant:
first appears in Flood story

15. Story of the Flood
Chosen mediator?
Noah
Issue at stake?
viability of creation itself
Sign of agreement?
rainbow

16. Flood Stories
Now:
Compare/ contrast
the Sumerian flood story
with the Hebrew flood story.