Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2003. / Advisor: Dr. David Levenson, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Religion. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Oct. 3, 2003). Includes bibliographical references.

The manner in which Torah is understood alters the manner in which the use of it is determined. This biblical „law‟ has traditionally been understood to prescribe legal remedies and obligations for the cases it treats. However, this prescriptive understanding is increasingly seen as an anachronistic caricature in need of revision. Current alternative proposals based upon an indicative model are still fundamentally legal in nature. Considering the implications derived from the relational character of narrative and covenant this thesis postulates that a similar underpinning of Torah would be feasible. It is in this context that the thesis attempts to examine an example of use to determine the nature of Torah. As a snapshot of a particular time and context the Yehud example of Ezra-Nehemiah was chosen on the basis of the prescriptive association and the consequential difficulties the texts offer. Indeed, the complications derived from adopting the more legalistic approach usually results in questions being raised over the reliability of the text. In particular, the conflict in matching Ezra 9-10 and the genuine use of a legalistic Torah has given rise to much scholarship intent on identifying the alternative events behind the text. Assumptions on the required manipulation of the material and the genuine reasons motivating the religious leader are variously offered at the expense of the consequently unreliable text. In contrast, the relational approach allows for a genuine Torah basis to the text, which effectively removes the need for creative explanations. In addition, the relational approach also provides a greater correlation between the Ezra and Nehemiah text with an emphasis on the empowerment of a community with direct access to the Torah. It is on this basis that this thesis concludes that the use of the Torah in Ezra-Nehemiah indicates that the text should be understood as relational.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Capital Bible Seminary, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 78-88).

Thesis (Th. M)--Regent College, 1988. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-111).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Washington Bible College, 1993. / "A thesis presented to the faculty of the Capital Bible Seminary in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Theology." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-91).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 335-347).

Thesis (M.A.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1995. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves [91]-94).

Thesis (M.A.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1996. / Abstract and vita. .Herem appears in Hebrew letters on title page. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-76).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1925. / Bibliography: p. [70]-71.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Western Seminary, Portland, OR, 2004. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-130).