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The Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic, 200 BC - 100 AD (1964) is a book by David S. Russell.

Abstract

Claiming that Jewish apocalyptic literature is ‘a child of prophecy,’ Russell argues throughout the work how Jewish apocalyptic literature is both dependant upon and a development of Israel’s prophetic tradition. In Part I, Russell frames his discussion of this topic within its historical context, demonstrating how the turbulent years between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D. fostered the proliferation of apocalyptic literature. Part II examines the characteristics and consciousness of apocalyptic literature, frequently comparing and contrasting apocalyptic literature to the prophetic tradition. Part III highlights key developments within apocalyptic thought, such as angels and demons, the Messianic Kingdom, the Traditional Messiah, and the Son of Man, and Resurrection, while simultaneously emphasizing how both the prophets and the apocalyptists view history within the sphere of divine control. Russell's work depends upon Charles' approach to this literature, but the book merit attention because it provides a updated presentation of the material, particularly with his inclusion of a discussion on the apocalyptic literature found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. -- Deborah Forger, University of Michigan

"Here is a first-class treatment of the source and message of the apocalyptic literature of the period running roughly from 200 BC to AD 100. It consists of three parts: the nature and identity of Jewish apocalyptic; the method of Jewish apocalyptic; and the message of Jewish apocalyptic. It brings within its scope the relevant sections of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and emphasizes the common ideas and elements running through all the apocalyptic literature, despite its great diversity. The author gives an excellent account of the development of thought among the apocalyptists, tracing it in part to Iranian influence, and emphasizes the enduring values of their message. On the psychology of apocalyptic and the problem of pseudonymity he expresses the most original ideas the volume contains, arguing that just as ""corporate personality"" offers an explanation of the identification of an individual with the community he represents, so it offers an explanation of the self-identification of an author with an ancient worthy whose name he took and into whose school of tradition he had entered. This is by far the most notable work in English on the apocalyptic literature for a very long time."--H.H. Rowley.

Editions

Published in London: SCM, 1964. First American ed. in Philadelphia: Westminster, 1964.

Translations

• L'apocalittica giudaica = The Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic (1991 Russell / Borbone), book (Italian ed.)

Table of Contents

• Preface

• Abbreviations

Part One: The Nature and Identity of Jewish Apocalyptic

• I. The Milieu of Apocalyptic
• II. The Apocalyptic Literature

Part Two: The Method of Jewish Apocalyptic

• III. The Decline of Prophecy and the Rise of Apocalyptic
• IV. Characteristics of the Apocalyptic Writings
• V. The Apocalyptic Consciousness
• VI. Apocalyptic Inspiration
• V. Apocalyptic and the Interpretation of Prophecy

Part Three: The Message of Jewish Apocalyptic

• VIII. Human History and Divine Control
• IX. Angels and Demons
• X. The Time of the End
• XI. The Messianic Kingdom
• XII. The Traditional Messiah
• XIII. The Son of Man
• XIV. Life after Death

External Links

• Google Books