Winds of change? Recent developments in Old Testament exegetical methodology in Germany.

Abstract

In this article some of the latest trends in German exegetical-methodological discussions are introduced. After a short introduction on the history of German biblical scholarship, reference is made to Rolf Rendtorff ’s question whether the paradigm is changing. In the next three sections the exegetical approaches of three contemporary German Old Testament scholars are introduced in order to argue that winds of change are definitely blowing. These scholars are Erhard Blum, Christof Hardmeier and Helmut Utzschneider. Although in different fashions, these three German scholars all plead for more attention to the final form of the biblical text and for an integration of synchronical and diachronical exegetical perspectives.