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LOTHAR RUPPERT, Genesis: Ein kritischer und theologischer Kommentar, 2. Teilband, Gen 11,27-25,18 (FB 98; Wurzburg: Echter Verlag, 2002). Pp. 657. Paper euro36.80.
Ruppert' s commentary on the first patriarchal narrative (Gen 11:27-25:18) is a continuation of and follows the same methodology as the previous volume, which treated Gen 1:1-11:26. R. uses the traditional German sigla for sources: J, E, Je, jR, dtr, P, P^sup s^, G, 2.ES, 3.ES, R, and R^sup Pt^, which differ from those used in the United States. R.'s detailed analysis and discussion of the sources mitigate the speculative nature of some (e.g., pp. 259-60 on Genesis 15, and elsewhere), for which there is no consensus opinionis.
Ruppert treats the theological issues at the same time as he offers a close critical analysis of the text. Although Paul deems the narrative about Abraham important because he is the "bodily and spiritual father of the Jews, but also the spiritual father of the Christians" (p. 15), R. believes Christians find Abraham to be not venerable and demonstrative of "human weakness" (p. 654).
Ruppert discusses the relationship of the various redactions and the time of their composition to an understanding of the narrative, putting an emphasis on particular traditions and cycles....