Disciple II - "Resource Library"

The following books are assigned reading for my Disciple II Bible study course. In addition to our weekly Scripture and study manual assignments, each of us is to take turns with several resources designed to enhance our study:

• Harper's Bible Dictionary
• Oxford Bible Atlas
• Genesis and Exodus - by Everett Fox
• Jews & Christians, A Troubled Family - by Walter Harrelson and Randall Falk

The dictionary and atlas are fairly self-explanatory. Genesis and Exodus is actually a Bible translation designed to give the reader a better flavor for what the Hebrews would have understood the Bible to say. In the words of the author:

Purpose: “To echo the style of the original Hebrew text (rather than the way the English versions translate that text). Translation is guided by the principle that the Hebrew Bible was meant to be read aloud. Attention should be paid to the original words, rhythm and sound”

Genesis 32:20b-21 example:

NIV
For he thought,
"I will pacify him
with these gifts I am sending on ahead;
later, when I see him
perhaps he will receive me."
So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him...

HEBREW
For he said to himself:
I will wipe his face
with the gift that goes ahead of my face;
afterward, when I see his face
perhaps he will lift up my face!
The gift crossed over ahead of his face...

“The NIV (and all other contemporary versions), while accurately presenting the text in a clear and modern English, necessarily translate out the sound by discarding the word “face” (which is a second possible translation of each of the bolded words in the NIV). This is an unfortunate loss not only for understanding the current Scripture, but also for that which follows and is related in Gen 32:1 and 33:10, which recall the use of “face” in this passage – it all ties in when considering the Hebrew text.”

I know nothing of Hebrew, but it is interesting to have the emphasis of "face" in the passage here - and easy to see how the original conveyed additional meaning that would have been understood and appreciated by the listeners.

The last resource, Jews & Christians, I am undecided on. At first blush, it appears to be a little liberal for my taste - as they authors seem to be moving toward a conclusion that Christians on the whole need not only to apologize to Jews for centuries of oppression, stereotyping and indifference to genocide - but we should also "let Jews be Jews" by not attempting to convert them or defend Christ as Messiah. If that's the end game for this book, I would disagree on all counts. While I believe it is important to understand and recognize the role that elements of Christianity have played in Jewish oppression throughout history - these things were a perversion of Christianity, not Christianity as a religion. And on the second point, I can't find anything in Scripture telling me to share the Gospel with everyone but Jews - so to otherwise instruct us is not Biblical in my view. This doesn't mean I think there is nothing to be gained from interfaith dialogue, but certainly not by foresaking the very foundations of Christian doctrine. I know it doesn't sound like I'm "undecided," but it's really hard given the direction the initial few chapters seem to be heading. As I read through more I'll provide updates.

Has anyone read this book, or have any experience with the Everett Fox translation above?