Jewish Biblical Theology: An Ongoing Dialogue

Abstract

This essay presents an introduction to the field of Jewish biblical theology. Following a brief survey of major works in the field, it treats a number of key issues: the need for Jewish biblical theology; the distinctive form of the Jewish Bible; constructive questions of G-d, covenant, the nation of Israel, and the conceptualization of the temple and the monarchy; and questions raised when the ideal conceptualization of these issues are challenged by destruction and exile. The relation of the Bible to subsequent Jewish tradition is a concern throughout. Altogether, the essay demonstrates the inherent dialogical character of Jewish biblical theology, both within the Bible itself and among its interpreters within the Jewish tradition.