Thomas Hieke, Die Genealogien der Genesis, Herders Biblische Studien 39, Freiburg i. Br. u.a.: Herder, 2003. Pp. xii+420. ISBN 3-451-28206-2.

H.'s study focuses on the overall structure of the Book of Genesis and the function of its genealogies. After reviewing the status questionis and the reader-oriented method, H. uses form-criticism to examine and describe the genealogical information in Genesis. His detailed analysis demonstrates that the genealogies provide the basic structure for Genesis and interrelate closely with the surrounding narrative passages. Genesis thus can be read as one book with a preface (1:1–2:3) followed by ten chapters (each introduced by the tôlĕdôt formula). The genealogies serve literary, social, and theological functions, including that of drawing attention to themes, e.g., the role of women. The genealogical system interprets Israel's origin, and theologically defines the chain of descent. The unbroken line leads from creation to the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel—and continues in two later strands: the priests (Levi, Exod 6:16-25) and the kings (Judah/David, Ruth 4:18-22), both of these texts utilizing the same formulaic language found in Genesis. Indexes of texts cited, topics, and modern authors conclude the work.—T.H.

 

(Abstract published in Old Testament Abstracts 27 [2003] #684, p. 168.)