Vol. 40:1

A member of the JBQ Editorial Board for over thirty years reflects on the publication's remarkable growth, celebrating its expanded online readership and Dr. Shimon Bakon's editorial leadership.

Examines the keri/ketiv textual variants in Psalm 24:4 (nafsho vs. nafshi), tracing how different translations reflect divergent rabbinic and medieval interpretations of who answers the psalmist's question.

Chronicles Egypt's destructive role in the political downfall of both Israel and Judah, from the reign of Rehoboam through the Babylonian conquest, arguing that Egyptian promises consistently proved empty and fatal.

Questions traditional interpretations of the 'sons of God' (benei elohim) in Genesis 6:1-5, proposing that these may refer to Neanderthals or other hominids whose interbreeding with homo sapiens prompted God's decision to bring the Flood.

Reads John Milton's Paradise Lost as a narrative midrash on Genesis 3:6, examining how Milton drew on Radak's commentary to portray Eve as a proto-feminist figure who acts independently in pursuit of wisdom.

Explores the midrashic connection between the Joseph story and the laws of the eglah arufah (the beheaded heifer), arguing that the wagons Joseph sent to Jacob encoded a secret message of life and forgiveness.

Surveys classical and modern interpretations of Og's iron bed in Deuteronomy 3:11, examining whether it was a literal bed, crib, sarcophagus, or fortification, and what it reveals about Og's actual stature among the Rephaim.

Continues an examination of the Book of Chronicles, arguing that its differences from Kings and Samuel stem primarily from the Chronicler's access to additional historical sources rather than ideological bias alone.

Analyzes the entangled roles of love and politics in David's relationships with Saul, Jonathan, and Michal in the book of Samuel, arguing that the text's narrative ambiguity reflects the complex interplay of personal emotion and political necessity.

Traces Elijah the Tishbite's dramatic confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, examining the spiritual, political, and theological dimensions of his battle for Israel's soul.