Death of Jesus in Matthew Vol. 166
Book Description
Catherine Sider Hamilton presents a fresh perspective on one of Christianity's most pivotal moments through her exploration of Jesus' death in the Gospel of Matthew. Rather than approaching this sacred narrative through traditional interpretative frameworks, Hamilton introduces the compelling concept of "innocent blood" as a central organizing principle.
Drawing from Hebrew Scriptures and early Jewish thought spanning from the Second Temple period through rabbinic literature, Hamilton demonstrates how this lens of purity and pollution shaped ancient understanding. She carefully traces two significant Jewish interpretative traditions: reflections on the story of Cain and Abel found in Second Temple writings, and rabbinic discussions surrounding the blood of Zechariah.
This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers a nuanced vision that transcends the either-or thinking that has long dominated theological discussions. Hamilton's approach reveals how both judgment and redemption can coexist within Matthew's narrative, suggesting possibilities for understanding exile's end in ways that honor complexity rather than forcing simple categories.
For those seeking deeper insight into early Christian-Jewish relations and biblical interpretation, Hamilton's work provides valuable tools for understanding how ancient communities made meaning from sacred texts. Her methodology offers readers a pathway to engage with familiar stories through fresh eyes, discovering layers of significance that bridge historical contexts with contemporary spiritual reflection.
This 284-page exploration invites readers into a more sophisticated understanding of how sacred narratives function within their original cultural and religious settings.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 284 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Exiles
- ✓ Explore Judaism
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Judaism, relations, christianity
- ✓ Explore Crucifixion
- ✓ Explore Sacrifice
