Abstract
The first instalment of Sasson’s new commentary on Judges presents detailed and insightful exegesis on this fascinating work. Sasson presents a fresh translation of the Masoretic text on which his commentary is based. However, variant readings and the versional witnesses are employed to cast greater light on the text.
The introduction is relatively brief (pp. 3–32), but manages to open a range of intriguing questions. Sasson provides an extremely helpful description of the textual witnesses, considering the Hebrew text, the Greek and Latin versions, and Aramaic targum. Next, he reflects upon the construction of the past in the book of Judges. There follows a series of context in which the book of Judges is received by later works or by scholarly interpreters. Sasson traces the reception history from within the parameters of the Hebrew Bible itself, through the late antique period in the writings of Josephus and Philo, then onward to the various scholarly methods for studying the work.
The format of the commentary section follows the pattern of the Anchor Yale Bible series, although the series itself has been given an overhaul that results in a fresher more modern feel. Each section commences with the English translation of the relevant portion of text. Next follow the ‘notes’. Here Sasson is extremely helpful in providing brief introductory remarks that orient readers to the overall message and context of the section of text under consideration. The notes take the passage phrase by phrase and offer clarifying remarks and explanations that elucidate the text with regard to specific points of interpretation. Finally, the comments provide a more global overview of the meaning of each textual section.
On the whole this new treatment is a readily accessible and sure guide to the text. It was surprising to see the book of Hebrews attributed to Paul—a claim that not even Hebrews makes for itself. However, such points are minor. This will undoubtedly become a major critical work on the text and message of Judges. The next volume will be eagerly awaited.