The Bible as Literature: Old Testament

Queen Esther The Book of Esther, known as The Megillah in Jewish tradition, is the second book in the Hebrew Scriptures named for a female protagonist. It is part of the Ketuvim , or Writings. The Hebrew word megillah translates to scroll. Esther’s story, typically read from a scroll, is one of five megillahs found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Names are significant in Judaism, as are the Jewish texts that reference Esther’s names. When reading the Bible as a work of literature, it is important to consider the significance of the naming of a character. A traditional Jewish holiday is also tied to Esther’s story, and consequently, her names. Names are significant in many cultures around the world. This is especially true for names of Jewish people. According to the Midrash , one virtue that delivered the Jewish people from Egypt was their decision to not change their names. Names were linked to redemption, language, and separting o...

What is the Significance of Hannah's Story? Hannah presents Samuel at the temple. Part of the Nevi’im , 1 Samuel provides an historical account of the narrative of the Hebrew people. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, is introduced as the book begins. We are told little about her, other than that she is barren but still loved and cared for by her husband ( 1 Samuel 1:5 ) and that she is a woman of faith, as evidenced by her prayer in later verses. Hannah’s story, like that of many other women in the Hebrew Scriptures, is significant for reasons more prolific than those evident during an initial reading of the text. Hannah’s story is significant not only from a cultural perspective, but also from the significance of her role as the mother of a future leader, when considering her relevance in Judaism, and as a character foreshadowing Mary, who is presented as the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, in the New Testament. During the time of the ...