The Estuary
Commentaries in Eerdmans’ Illuminations series aim, in part, “to alert the reader to the history of conversation surrounding biblical texts.” In her volume Jonah, Amy Erickson, associate professor of Hebrew Bible at Iliff School of Theology, examines the text of the biblical book as well as the history of its interpretation.
Rather than offering a single interpretation of the text, she devotes the first half of her work to exploring how various ages of church history understood the erstwhile prophet’s story. This “history of consequences” unpacks how church fathers, writers, preachers, and scholars viewed the book and its meaning as well as the results of interpretations in various eras and cultures. Not limiting her research to Christian scholars, Erickson includes perspectives from Islamic and Jewish sources as well. She examines literary and linguistic questions and explores how Jonah has appeared in liturgies and art. The result is a broad yet deep exploration of Jonah as it has been received through the ages.
In the second half of the commentary, Erickson offers her own analysis chapter by chapter. She begins with the biblical text, then a short summary of the history of consequences, followed by her verse-by-verse interpretation, and finally a commentary that elaborates on critical words or phrases.
The copious citations, listed as endnotes for each section throughout the work, bear witness to the professor’s meticulous research. And while readers will appreciate the author’s scholarship, they will also admire the accessibility and readability of her writing. Academics and pastors alike will find this volume intriguing and educational.
This review first appeared in Bible Study Magazine, March/April 2022.
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