The Two-Edged Sword: An Interpretation of the Old Testament (John L. McKenzie Reprints)

Moving from Genesis through the Hebrew prophets, McKenzie has produced a moving picture of Hebrew religion produced by divine revelation. Throughout the work he confronts biblical ideas with modern thought and modern thought with biblical ideas. Themes include the Hebrew view of history, the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern religions and literary forms, and the unique role of Israel as a society governed immediately by the will of God. In short, McKenzie offers an engaging interpretation of the Old Testament which will challenge scholars and delightfully instruct the general reader.

Father John L. McKenzie (1910-1991), an Old Testament biblical scholar who taught at Loyola University of Chicago, University of Chicago, Notre Dame and DePaul University, is considered one of the most influential post-WW2 scholars who oriented Catholic thinkers toward modern biblical scholarship. Beyond being a prolific writer of books and articles, he was the first Catholic president of the Society of Biblical Literature, and served as president for the Catholic Biblical Association and for Clergy and Laity Concerned.