Reviews
[T]he author does an outstanding job of providing a vast wealth of information on the history of Israel. Biblical scholars and others will appreciate more fully the story of our faith ancestors. It is recommended for academic and parish libraries.
Catholic Library World
Dianne Bergant clearly and concisely presents the major theological themes and the historical and literary context of the varied biblical books that reflect Israel's story from the end of the eighth century BC to the time of the Maccabean revolt in the second century BC. In addition, she excellently carries Israel's story forward into the time between the testaments, drawing on Jewish writings outside the Bible as well as up-to-date information on the Qumran community to produce a picture of the complex religious world into which Jesus was born. With its companion volume, this book can be used equally well for a compelling overview of the Bible's story or for brief introductions to individual books.
Carol Kloss, Director, Chicago Catholic Scripture School of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Picking up where volume one left off, this volume introduces the major prophets, the exilic and postexilic periods, the crisis of Hellenism, wisdom, the formation of the Scriptures and the background of the New Testament. In covering this span of material, Bergant, as before, nicely integrates historical, literary, and theological dimensions. Her depth as a scholar and experience as a teacher are manifested throughout this popular and user-friendly introduction to the Old Testament. It deserves a wide readership.
Michael Guinna, OFM
Bergant contributes a distillation of the Israel's story that can be used by Scripture students, religious education leaders and religion teachers who want a clear presentation of the Second Temple period. Exceptional in the book is the section on the hellenization of Israel describing the Greek influence on the later development of Jewish theology and sectarianism. The book is a readable and expertly presented account of or religious ancestors whose story of faith is the root of the Christian experience.
Esther Hicks, Office of Catholic Schools, Chicago, Illinois
Students of the Bible have a tremendous advantage when they are able to survey the entire biblical landscape before focusing on each of the Bible's many books and themes. In this two-part overview of the story of ancient Israel, Professor Dianne Bergant offers a concise and accessible overview of the Hebrew Scriptures and their historical and literary background. Because of Bergant's unique ability to synthesize centuries of biblical material into succinct volumes, these works are ideal for college courses, Bible study groups, adult faith formation, or personal enrichment. By placing her readers within the panorama of Israel's ancient history, Bergant forms the essential connection between our world and that of our ancient ancestors in the covenant.
Stephen J. Binz, Biblical scholar and author of Threshold Bible Study
In her sequel to Israel's Story: Part One, Dianne Bergant continues Israel's Story: Part Two from the mid 8th C to the Second Temple Period. The author incorporates much valuable information concisely and in a readable format, blending the historical background of the text with the development of biblical ideas and theological concepts that change significantly during this span of time. Typical of the writer's teaching style, the work engages the reader through some challenging terrain in a dynamic exchange. The book would be an especially helpful resource for teachers and an excellent companion for students.
Barbara Shanahan, West Seneca, New York
This second volume deals with a part of the Bible and an historical era less familiar to most readers. Dianne Bergant does a brilliant job waving the production of the biblical books into the story of the times, with their shifting religious and political movements. She never loses sight of her audience. Those who read Israel's Story will discover that the insight they receive about the Old Testament will also enrich their reading of the New Testament.
Abbot Jerome Kodell, O.S.B., Subiaco Abbey, Subiaco, Arkansas
Students of the Bible have a tremendous advantage when they are able to survey the entire biblical landscape before focusing on each of the Bible's many books and themes. In this two-part overview of the story of ancient Israel, Professor Dianne Bergant offers a concise and accessible overview of the Hebrew Scriptures and their historical and literary background. Because of Bergant's unique ability to synthesize centuries of biblical material into succinct volumes, these works are ideal for college courses, Bible study groups, adult faith formation, or personal enrichment. By placing her readers within the panorama of Israel's ancient history, Bergant forms the essential connection between our world and that of our ancient ancestors in the covenant.
Stephen J. Binz
Biblical scholar and author of Threshold Bible Study
With a seasoned grasp of the vast terrain of the biblical traditions, Bergant skillfully traces the story line from the divided kingdom to the second Temple period in Volume Two. Scholars and students alike will benefit soundly from the in-depth engagement of key texts. Bolstered by a wealth of clarifying details, the presentation of the complex biblical story becomes most accessible here.
Gina Hens-Piazza, Professor of Biblical Studies, Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, California
In Israel's Story: Part Two, readers delight in a concise and convincing text of a wisdom woman who knows the story inside out. Once again, Dianne uses a mixture of quotations, summary statements and astute commentary to invite readers to trace the texture of the story in their lives. She lifts up the forgotten women and men as well as well known characters with her delicious style and scholarship.
Mary Margaret Pazden, O.P., Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri
Reading the Bible is a daunting challenge that often begins with enthusiasm but aborts in frustration. Sr. Bergant's brief but engaging narrative summary of Israel's Story is a well integrated historical and literary overview that helps novice and experienced Bible readers to see how individual books or text-segments fit into the bigger picture. References to relationships with the New Testament are an added bonus. Both volumes are highly recommended as effective aids for serious Bible study. They can serve both as a stimulating introduction to and a succinct review of the contents of Hebrew Bible.
John J. Pilch, Ph.D., Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
With grace and style, Dianne Bergant takes us through the second half of Israel's story, from the time of David up to the Second Temple Period. Scholarly in its approach and creative in its presentation, this volume brings to life Israel's great historical figures while delicately unraveling for us the complicated, colorful, and illustrious times in which they lived. This thoroughly engaging and rich text provides scholars and students alike with the material necessary for understanding and appreciating the biblical text in its ancient context. For anyone interested in Israel's history told from the vantage point of `story,' this new volume stimulates the imagination, opens up new avenues for conversation, and offers a new way of approaching technical data.
Carol J. Dempsey, OP, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology, University of Portland, Oregon
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