The value and significance of the targums—translations of the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic, the language of Palestinian Jews for centuries following the Babylonian Exile—lie in their approach to translation: within a typically literal rendering of a text, they incorporate extensive exegetical material, additions, and paraphrases that reveal important information about Second Temple Judaism, its interpretation of its bible, and its beliefs. This remarkable survey introduces critical knowledge and insights that have emerged over the past forty years, including targum manuscripts discovered this century and targums known in Aramaic but only recently translated into English. Prolific scholars Flesher and Chilton guide readers in understanding the development of the targums; their relationship to the Hebrew Bible; their dates, language, and place in the history of Christianity and Judaism; and their theologies and methods of interpretation. “With clear presentation of current research and the issues involved, including the Targums and the New Testament, and a rich bibliography, this is the most complete—and up-to-date—introduction to the Targums. An outstanding, highly recommended achievement.” Martin McNamara, Emeritus Professor of Scripture, Milltown Institute, Dublin, Ireland

This book explores how the ancient Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible known as Targums are in part designed to guide readers to see the messianism of the biblical text. The interpreters who produced the Targums were careful readers of Scripture and were in many cases prompted by the finer details of the biblical text itself to produce their messianic renderings. The Targums have been an important part of the history of messianic interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, and they continue to have something to say to readers today.

An analysis of the Messiah according to ancient rabbinical writings.

A mysterious figure called the “Messiah” is the central theme of the entire Bible. In this book that Messianic theme is traced from its announcement in the Old Testament through its development between the Testaments to its fulfillment in the New Testament. The book also examines how Jews and Christians have continued to debate this subject down until today. There are also some studies on fascinating related subjects like the location of the Temple and the ashes of the Red Heifer. While these chapters have been written from a Christian perspective, adequate attention has also been given to Jewish concerns. The Messiah was successively revealed, rejected and received. This book explains how and why that happened. “In this book, Will Varner has opened the Scripture to provide a readable, clarifying look at Jesus, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Jesus once asked His disciples, ”Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). That is still the most urgent question - - who is this Jesus? You will find the answer powerfully and convincingly provided in this outstanding book.” John MacArthur, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA and President of The Master’s College