Few parts of the Bible have captured the imagination of individuals in the way that the book of Jonah has. James Limburg examines this well-known book, keeping several questions in mind: How did the story originate? What is its place in the Bible? How did the New Testament understand the story? How has the story been understood in Judaism and in Islam? What might it mean for people today? And what does it have to say about God, about the human condition, and even about God and nature? In reviewing the book, Limburg gives special attention to the many contributions of artists, musicians, painters, and sculptors who, he says, may have been the best interpreters of Jonah. He also keeps in mind the literary dimension of the texts and takes great care to follow the divisions of the book as they were defined by Jewish scribal tradition. Limburg begins his commentary with a fresh translation of the biblical book of Jonah and continues with a careful examination of the text, pointing out the significance of this old story for our own time. An extensive appendix provides highlights from the interpretation of Jonah in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
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Great Book
Dec 9 2010
By Keith Ralston
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The author succinctly states most of the issues concerning the book. In controversy, he takes a wise, measured approach to his own opinion, representing all other opinions as well.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Educational and Insightful
April 20 2006
By P. G. Jones, Jr.
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was an exceptionally good and concise commentary on the Book of Jonah. Though I must state that the author is writing from the view of "didactic fiction" meaning that he views the Book of Jonah as based on a historical figure and life, but not a record of literal history. I disagree with him on that conceptualization of the Book of Jonah, but since that is a background issue I was not constantly bothered by it. The author simply stated his position and, for the most part, left it alone.
I believe the Book of Jonah to be historical narrative since God is the main Character along with Jonah. To see the book of Jonah as any type of fiction would be similar to saying that God could not have decreed those miraculous events throughout the book to happen as they did. God does many things in history that are for His people's benefit and learning that involves all kinds of miracles. Why should the Book of Jonah be any different, especially since Jesus Himself spoke about it and compared His death to Jonah in the fish?
The whole commentary was very insightful with its picture of what God is saying in the Book of Jonah. The information presented covered context, dating, purpose, and interpretation of Jonah. Every chapter stepped through each verse of the book and provided a clear presentation of various view points throughout history as well as the authors own position.
The end of the book has an appendix that deals with the interpretation of the Book of Jonah in Judaism, Islam, first century AD lit., apocryphal books, and the Reformers.
Overall it was enjoyable to read and it did not place the text in constant doubt of being Christian Scripture inspired by God, Himself. This was well worth the time for anyone who loves the story of Jonah.
I believe the Book of Jonah to be historical narrative since God is the main Character along with Jonah. To see the book of Jonah as any type of fiction would be similar to saying that God could not have decreed those miraculous events throughout the book to happen as they did. God does many things in history that are for His people's benefit and learning that involves all kinds of miracles. Why should the Book of Jonah be any different, especially since Jesus Himself spoke about it and compared His death to Jonah in the fish?
The whole commentary was very insightful with its picture of what God is saying in the Book of Jonah. The information presented covered context, dating, purpose, and interpretation of Jonah. Every chapter stepped through each verse of the book and provided a clear presentation of various view points throughout history as well as the authors own position.
The end of the book has an appendix that deals with the interpretation of the Book of Jonah in Judaism, Islam, first century AD lit., apocryphal books, and the Reformers.
Overall it was enjoyable to read and it did not place the text in constant doubt of being Christian Scripture inspired by God, Himself. This was well worth the time for anyone who loves the story of Jonah.
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