Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook

At one time, apocalyptic literature was relegated to the more obscure reaches of biblical scholarship, acceptable to occasionally refer to, but too thorny to delve into deeply. However, in recent decades it has moved to the forefront of research. The rich veins of wisdom to be mined therein are being rediscovered. Richard A. Taylor has crafted a handbook to explore those riches and uncover a way to understand apocalyptic literature more fully. Using the characteristic six-chapter structure of the Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis series, Taylor offers an introduction to the genre; covers the purpose, message, and primary themes; and then discusses critical questions and helpful works for study. He provides guidelines for interpretation of the text, and then lays out sample texts on which to practice those guidelines. Taylor does more than simply consider the history of the texts and those who have previously studied them; he uses these as a foundation for and springboard into the proclamation of apocalyptic literature.