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Australian Biblical Review

AUSTRALIAN BIBLICAL REVIEW

ISSN 0045-0308

BOOK REVIEW  Published in Volume 51, 2003

K. H. Jobes and M. Silva, Invitation to the Septuagint (Carlisle: Paternoster/Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000). Pp. 351.

The opening chapters of this book, by Karen H. Jobes and Moisés Silva, serve as a general introduction to the ancient Greek translations of the Jewish Scriptures. Basic issues are covered in a lively manner to convey the importance of the study of the Septuagint and the avenues into which it leads, as well as the complexity of the evidence.

The second part of the book assumes familiarity with biblical studies as well as some knowledge of biblical languages, especially Greek. All major aspects of Septuagintal research are covered. One of the great strengths throughout is the way in which specific examples are judiciously discussed, sometimes at length and with the Greek and Hebrew texts supplied. Another feature is the wealth of bibliographical information in the footnotes and at the end of each chapter so that the student is given clear and up-to-date information about where to go with regard to each area of research. The usefulness of the book is well illustrated by Chapter 10, in which the authors examine in detail Genesis 4:1–8, Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and Esther 5:1–2 with Additional D.

Part three begins with fascinating biographical sketches of scholarly giants of previous generations and then provides an up-to-date survey of current research. One appendix describes major organisations and research projects and another lists major reference works, including computer software.

Overall, this is a superb book to encourage and enable the study of the Septuagint in depth, while avoiding pitfalls of inexperienced use along the way.

Review by
Rt Rev. Dr John W. Wilson
Anglican Centre
Melbourne, Victoria