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Marriage in the Book of Tobit

AUTHOR Miller, Geoffrey David
PUBLISHER de Gruyter (01/18/2011)
PRODUCT TYPE Hardcover (Hardcover)

Description

Apart from Genesis, Tobit contains more information about marriage than any other biblical book. It reflects third-century beliefs and customs yet also serves a didactic function, teaching Diaspora Jews what they should value in their own marriages. This monograph elucidates these elements by asking four questions: 1) Whom should one marry? 2) How does one get married? 3) What role does God play in marriage? 4) What do actual marriages look like? By contextualizing Tobit in light of the Old Testament and relevant Ancient Near Eastern texts, one can appreciate the book's unique claims. Endogamy is defined more narrowly than in other Old Testament texts as Israelites are now enjoined to marry close relatives. Monetary matters such as the payment of the bride-price are downplayed, while adherence to the Mosaic Law is emphasized in the marriage contract and the wedding ceremony. Furthermore, intertextual links with Genesis 24 cast Tobiah and Sarah as founders of a "new Israel", showing that God becomes involved in their marriage so that the nation of Israel will not die out. Finally, the author's portrayal of three married couples in the book reveals much about gender roles and also creates a realistic portrait of the marital relationship in terms of communication, cooperation, and conflict.

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Product Format
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9783110247862
ISBN-10: 3110247860
Binding: Hardback or Cased Book (Sewn)
Content Language: English
More Product Details
Page Count: 268
Carton Quantity: 26
Product Dimensions: 6.30 x 0.80 x 9.20 inches
Weight: 1.10 pound(s)
Feature Codes: Bibliography, Index
Country of Origin: DE
Subject Information
BISAC Categories
Religion | Biblical Criticism & Interpretation - Old Testament
Religion | Biblical Studies - Bible Study Guides
Religion | Ancient
Grade Level: Post Graduate - Post Graduate
Dewey Decimal: 229.220
Library of Congress Control Number: 2010031125
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Apart from Genesis, Tobit contains more information about marriage than any other biblical book. It reflects third-century beliefs and customs yet also serves a didactic function, teaching Diaspora Jews what they should value in their own marriages. This monograph elucidates these elements by asking four questions: 1) Whom should one marry? 2) How does one get married? 3) What role does God play in marriage? 4) What do actual marriages look like? By contextualizing Tobit in light of the Old Testament and relevant Ancient Near Eastern texts, one can appreciate the book's unique claims. Endogamy is defined more narrowly than in other Old Testament texts as Israelites are now enjoined to marry close relatives. Monetary matters such as the payment of the bride-price are downplayed, while adherence to the Mosaic Law is emphasized in the marriage contract and the wedding ceremony. Furthermore, intertextual links with Genesis 24 cast Tobiah and Sarah as founders of a "new Israel", showing that God becomes involved in their marriage so that the nation of Israel will not die out. Finally, the author's portrayal of three married couples in the book reveals much about gender roles and also creates a realistic portrait of the marital relationship in terms of communication, cooperation, and conflict.

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List Price $280.00
Your Price  $277.20
Hardcover