Studying the interplay of figurative language, law, and religious thought, Yochanan Muffs brings us a new understanding of both the Bible and ancient Near Eastern cultures. This first single-volume collection of the pivotal writings of this great religious humanist includes his studies of love and joy as metaphors, the laws of war in ancient Israel, the figurative nature of legal language, the role of the prophet and prophetic speech, and the expressions of belonging which united a culture.

Reading this collection of articles by Yochanan Muffs is like strolling with a friend...seeing familiar landmarks with fresh eyes in unexpected new light.
-- Thorkild Jacobsen