Bible and Hebrew folk literature

Author: Zhang Chaoke
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: This book records the splendid heritage of rich and diverse Hebrew folk literature. The Bible is a remarkable book with multifaceted valuable and significant meanings. Theologians regard it as an unparalleled religious classic, historians view it as a rare historical document in the world, and literary scholars consider it an invaluable collection of literary works. A comprehensive examination of the Bible reveals its recording of the splendid heritage of rich and diverse Hebrew folk literature. The author of this book reselects, summarizes, and categorizes the scattered Hebrew folk oral literary works found in various volumes of the Bible, introducing them in dedicated chapters: Hebrew myths, epics, folk tales, folk songs, folk fables, and folk proverbs collected in the Bible. Each chapter provides detailed classification and elaboration, analyzing their artistic characteristics, the influences they received from other ethnic groups, and their impact on other cultures around the world. For example, the chapter on "Myths" introduces the Hebrew people's transition from polytheism to monotheism as reflected in the Bible, covering myths such as the creation of God, Eden, and Noah's Ark. It analyzes the artistic features of Hebrew myths, compares them with Mesopotamian myths, and compares the flood myths of Hebrew, Greek, and Mesopotamian cultures.