This book contains a collection of studies in Historical Geography and Biblical Historiography. It is presented to Professor Zecharia Kallai, one of the leading scholars of Historical Geography of the Bible and is concluded with a list of his publications.

In Midrash and Theory, David Stern presents an approach to midrashic literature through the prism of contemporary theory. As midrash--the literature of classical Jewish Scriptural interpretation--has become the focus of new interest in contemporary literary circles, it has been invoked as a precursor of post-structuralist theory and criticism. At the same time, the midrashic imagination has undergone a revival in the larger Jewish community and shown itself capable of exercising a powerful influence and hold on a new type of contemporary Jewish writing. Stern examines this resurgence of fascination with ancient Jewish interpretation from the persepctive of the cultural relevance of midrash and its connection to its original historical and literary contexts.

This book is presented to Professor Zecharia Kallai, one of the leading scholars of Historical Geography of the Bible, by his students and friends. It contains a collection of studies in Historical Geography and Biblical Historiography. The book is divided into three parts: Historical Geography, Biblical History and Historiography, and Texts and Textual Studies. The book is concluded with a list of Kallai’s publications. Part one contains articles by Shmuel Ahituv, Aaron Demsky, Volkmar Fritz, Gershon Galil, M. Heltzer, André Lemaire, Zeev Safrai, B. Oded and Joshua Schwartz. Part two contains articles by Yairah Amit, Graeme Auld, David Elgavish, Moshe Garsiel, E.L. Greenstein, A.F. Rainey, Shmuel Vargon. And part three contains articles by Yitzhak Avishur, Bob Becking, Moshe Elat, Bezalel Porten & Ada Yardeni, Moshe Weinfeld and Ze’ev Weisman.

This volume offers critical assessments of Life of Jesus research in the last generation, with special emphasis on work that is quite recent. It will introduce graduate students to the field and will provide the veteran scholar with current bibliography and discussion of the issues. Topics treated include Jesus and Palestinian politics, Jesus tradition in Paul, Jesus in extracanonical Gospels, and Jesus' parables, miracles, death, and resurrection. The contributors are among the most widely recognized and respected Life of Jesus scholars. They include Marcus J. Borg, James H. Charlesworth, James D.G. Dunn, Sean Freyne, Richard Horsley, and Helmut Koester.