Synopsis "Rewritten Biblical Figures"
The histories of Biblical figures, those of both heroes and villains, have lived throughout the millennia. These figures were given the privilege of living in midst of the drama of God and man in history, as parts of it. As a consequence, they became recipients of divine revelation and are by later generations looked upon as prototypes and models ethical models in good and bad, as prototypes of things to come, as philosophers or prophets possessing extraordinary wisdom. In some cases, their qualities are to be imitated. In other cases, their stories are transmitted to coming generations as warnings of what may happen to people who make wrong choices. However, the stories of fathers and mothers were not merely read and transmitted as such they were also rewritten: new nuances were added, some features were toned down or left aside, anonymous figures were given names, etc. By studying these rewritings today, we may get an impression of the interests and aims of the ancient scribes. By rewriting the stories of the Biblical figures, the scribes wanted to highlight theological truths, tackle contemporary challenges, and to guide their youth unto the path of righteousness.The third volume of the multidisciplinary series, Studies in Rewritten Bible, investigates different facets of the rich tradition of Biblical figures in Jewish, Christian and Islamic history. The core of the volume consists of the contributions of two Rewritten Bible -conferences (Koblenz, Germany, 2007, and Karkku, Finland, 2008). The contributors to this volume represent various fields of scholarship: Biblical studies, Jewish literature from the 2nd Temple period through medieval times, early Christianity and Islamic literature.
