Knut Holter:   Editorial: Documentation
Willem Boshoff:   Graduate students in Old Testament from other African Countries in South African universities
Knut Holter:   Old Testament researchers north of the Limpopo: A bibliography of doctoral dissertations
Conferences
Research
Book Reviews

is important to all scholarship: documentation of sources and material as well as discussion and methodology. Documentation is also an important aspect of the raison d'être of this bulletin: documentation of the how's and why's of African Old Testament studies, but also of its who's and what's. A general lack of documentation may explain some of the marginalisation African Old Testament studies still experiences in the broader guild of western/"international" Old Testament studies.

This is why documentation of Old Testament studies in Africa is focused in two articles in the present issue of the bulletin. In the first article Willem Boshoff points out the growing interaction between Old Testament studies in South Africa and in the rest of the continent. I believe Boshoff touches an important aspect of Old Testament studies in Africa as a whole, when he points out that South African universities are able to offer the quite unique possibility of combining studies in an African context with a very well developed infrastructure of library services and technological equipment. In the second article I give a preliminary presentation of the results of my bibliographical research on Old Testament doctoral dissertations written by African scholars. I am probably not the right person to evaluate the importance of this piece of bibliographical documentation; still, a number of colleagues have encouraged me to make it available, so that further research is made possible.

Knut Holter editor

Graduate students in Old Testament from other African countries at South African universities

Willem Boshoff

South Africa has a variety of universities with theological faculties and departments of biblical and religious studies. The full range of theological disciplines is taught at the various institutions. While some of the theological faculties are denominational, it is especially at graduate level that a wide variety of students from all over the world join the faculties for Master's and Doctoral studies.

One of the unique characteristics of the South African universities is the fact that excellent tertiary teaching here is offered in the African context. The South African situation, in terms of library services, infrastructure and technological equipment, is most conducive for research.

Old Testament is one of the disciplines that is taught widely in the country. In many cases the universities also have a combinaton of Old Testament and Hebrew departments, that can combine both linguistic and theological studies of the Old Testament and its context. The Old Testament Society of South Africa was established more than four decades ago, and the society organises an annual conference which serves as platform for the exchange of ideas and research results. More recently two other societies were established; the South African Society of Semitics and the Southern African Society for Biblical and Religious Studies.

An interesting development is that growing numbers of students from abroad enroll with South African universities to study in the country, or by means of distance education under the guidance of South African academics. One of the growing sectors in the student numbers from outside the country, is the group of African students who are studying at South African universities.

I have made a survey amongst the various South African universities and present the results here. The information is probably not complete. I only used the information that reached me after a single call for information on e-mail to as many colleagues as I could reach. Moreover, further applications were in the process of consideration and some students may have discontinued their studies. However, the information gives at least some indication of students from the rest of Africa, who are currently enrolled for graduate studies in South Africa.

Master's students
My survey shows that two approaches to Master's studies are currently in use:

• A course work (or structured) Master's degree, which consists of a percentage course work and a dissertation of limited scope.
• A research Master's degree, which consists of a dissertation based on independent research.

At the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education one Zimbabwean, Mr R. Wuriga is currently enrolled for the degree ThM under the guidance of Prof H.F. van Rooy. He previously obtained the BA, ThB and MA (Philosophy) at Potchefstroom. He is currently working on an exegetical study of 2 Samuel 7, with special reference to verse 16. He is simultaneously working on a PhD in Philosophy, also at the Potchefstroom University.

Two other Zimbabweans are currently enrolled at the University of Pretoria for their Master's degrees. They are Rev Hillary Nyika and Rev Ray Motsi. Both are currently engaged in course work under the guidance of Prof Jurie H. le Roux, and both also specialise in hermeneutical problems. Rev Nyika is especially interested in the appropriation of Gadamer's philosophy in the African theological context. An interesting fact about this structured Master's degree at the University of Pretoria is that it is based on telematic tuition. Enquiries can be directed to Prof le Roux (e-mail: jleroux@mweb.co.za).

At the University of South Africa, which is a distance education university with thousands of students from the rest of Africa, several students are engaged in Master's in Old Testament studies, under various scholars at the university. Dr S. Adei from Ghana works under the guidance of Prof P.J. van Dyk, who specialises in folklore studies, creation theology, the Pentateuch and the relationship between natural science and theology. Dr Adei holds a doctorate in Economics and was attached to the UN office in Windhoek, Namibia for quite a few years. He has recently returned to Ghana. He works on a dissertation about "Marriage in the Old Testament" and has previously published in the field of marriage counselling.

Yet another Zimbabwean, Fr M.J.F. Njika, also studies under Prof van Dyk. Pastor J.E. Tumpkin, who teaches at the Solusi University near Bulawayo in Zimababwe, does his Master's studies under Prof S.W. van Heerden, a specialist in hermeneutics and proverb studies.

Mr M.W. Nupanga from Bangui in the Central African Republic, does structured MTh studies under Prof G.F. Snyman (a specialist in Chronicles and literary studies) and W.S. Boshoff (who specialises in the prophets, history and religion of ancient Israel) as co-supervisors, also at the University of South Africa.

Doctoral students
At the University of Stellenbosch three doctoral students from Africa are enrolled for the degree DTh under the guidance of Prof Hendrik L. Bosman.

Dr Joseph Muutuki, from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya, works on a DTh dissertation on the theme: "The relationship between covenant and righteousness in Isaiah 42 from an Akamba perspective". He already holds an MTh in Old Testament and a PhD in Christian Education. Rev Joshua Muyo works on a dissertation on the theme: "The scapegoat sacrifice in Leviticus 16 from a Bafut perspective". He obtained an MTh in Old Testament from the University in Yaounde in Cameroon. Pastor Peter Ngugi from Nairobi in Kenya previously obtained an MTh from the University of Stellenbosch. Currently he works on a doctoral dissertation on the theme: "A theological comparison of messianic concepts in the Old Testament and in Africa".

In line with this tendency at Stellenbosch to direct research towards a comparison and appropriation of biblical concepts to specific African contexts, it is interesting to learn that one of the pending registrations concerns a study of the Passover from an Ashanti perspective. The student who applied for registration is from Ghana.

Rev N. Weanzana from Kenya is enrolled with Prof Jurie H. le Roux at the University of Pretoria. He works on a PhD dissertation about "The kingship concept in Chronicles". Also under the guidance of Prof le Roux is Dr Ron du Plooy from Zambia. He previously obtained a doctorate in Ethics from the University of South Africa, and currently works on a dissertation about certain ethical problems in the Old Testament.

At the University of South Africa Mr K.K. Lumbu from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo works under co-promotership of Prof P.J. van Dyk and Prof E.H. Scheffler. He does research on the theme of "Civil war in the Old Testament" - with a view to the African situation. Rev B.M. Kometsi from Morija in Lesotho studies the "Wilderness motif in the Old Testament". He works under the guidance of Prof W.S. Boshoff. Rev Kometsi previously studied in the United States, where he completed a Master's degree. During the year 2000 he decided to join the archaeological excavations in Israel which is annually organised by the University of South Africa. Rev W. Hildebrandt, principal of the Pan Africa Christian College in Nairobi, Kenya, is also enrolled for a DTh in Old Testament under Prof Boshoff. He previously studied in Canada and obtained a ThM degree at Regent College, Vancouver. His Master's dissertation was published under the title An Old Testament Theology of the Spirit of God (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1995). He is currently working on a dissertation on the theme "The cessation of prophecy".

Conclusion
There is a definite need for closer ties between African Old Testament scholars. We hope that through the contact created by formal study, a community of Old Testament scholars in Africa will grow.

Dr Willem Boshoff is Professor of Old Testament at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa. Address: Department of Old Testament, University of South Africa, P. O. Box 392, UNISA 0003, South Africa; e-mail: boshows@unisa.ac.za

Old Testament researchers north of the Limpopo: A bibliography of doctoral dissertations

Knut Holter

In my research on African Old Testament scholarship I have often missed the bibliographical tools we are so well acquainted with and dependent on in other areas of our research. In 1996 I therefore published a bibliography on scholarly literature relating "Africa" and "the Old Testament".(1) In the years that have passed I have continued my bibliographical research, especially focusing on doctoral dissertations in Old Testament studies written by African scholars. I intend to publish the results of this research in two ways: (i) as a web database (2001),(2) and (ii) as part of a book (2002). However, due to the general lack of bibliographical tools in this area, I would like to give a preliminary presentation of parts of the material in the following pages of this bulletin. First, three introductory remarks:

• Sources: The relevant bibliographical data has been collected from two kinds of sources; (i) published sources: journals(3) and books,(4) and (ii) unpublished sources: university catalogues(5) and personal contact.(6)
• Organising: The presentation includes bibliographical / institutional data, as well as key words and key texts. In a the more complete form, the bibliography will also include abstracts of the theses.
• Geography: The presentation includes dissertations by researchers from all over Africa, except South Africa. South African researchers are excluded partly because their research is already very well documented in international bibliographical tools, and partly because their high number would totally dominate the presentation.

I hope this preliminary presentation of parts of the bibliographical material will be of some help until the more complete web and book publishing of the material. In the meantime I would be happy to assist colleagues with relevant information, and I would also be happy to receive all kinds of new information and corrections.

Author:	ABE, GABRIEL OYEDELE (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Covenant in the Old Testament"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1983
Promoter:	Abogunrin, Samuel O.
Keywords:	covenant; deuteronomism; Hittite vassal treaties; salvation history; bryt
Author:	ABEGUNDE, SOLOMON O. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"A philosophy and method of translating the Old Testament into Yoruba" [x + 227 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, 1985
Promoter:	Tate, Marwin E.
Keywords:	cultural parallels; dynamic equivalence; translation; Yoruba
Author:	ADAMO, DAVID TUESDAY (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The place of Africa and Africans in the Old Testament and its environment" [x + 291 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA, 1986
Promoter:	Cresson, Bruce
Publication:	Africa and Africans in the Old Testament. San Francisco: Christian University Press, 1998. ISBN: 1-57309-204-5 [ix + 208 pp.]
Keywords:	Africa; Cush; de-Africanisation; Ethiopia
Key texts:	Gen 2:13; 2 Sam 18:21-32; Amos 9:7; Is 18; Jer 36; Zeph; Ps 68:31
Author:	ADEMILUKA, S. SOLA (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The Genesis accounts of creation and fall in an African setting"
Inst. data:	Ph.D, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria, 1998
Promoter:	Dopamu, P. Ade
Keywords:	comparison; creation; cultural parallels; fall; myth
Key texts:	Gen 1-3
Author:	ADEOGUN, EBENEZER OLUTOSIN (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Biblical apocalyptic literature and its relevance to the church in Africa, with particular reference to the book of Daniel"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1988
Promoter:	Abogunrin, Samuel O.
Keywords:	apocalyptics; relevance
Key texts:	Dan
Author:	ADUTWUM, OFOSU (Ghana)
Diss. title:	"The root bth in the Old Testament" [viii + 501 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Hamburg, Germany, 1984
Promoter:	Koch, Klaus
Keywords:	security; trust; bth
Key texts:	Is; Jer; Pss
Author:	AJAYI, JOEL ADEROJU ADEDOKUN (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Wisdom and old age in ancient Israel: A critical study of the correlation of wisdom with advanced years in the Hebrew sapiential tradition" [ix + 367 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA, 1997
Promoter:	Bellinger, William H.
Keywords:	age; cultural parallels; wisdom; Yoruba; hkmh; zkn
Author:	AKAENYI, CHUDI-PETER (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Judah's definitive infidelity and the divine response in Jer. 7:1-8:3: An exegetico-theological study in the nature and implications of false religion in Israel" [xxxiv + 743 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1989
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Keywords:	false religion; infidelity
Key texts:	Jer 7:1-8:3
Author:	AKAO, JOHN OSEMEIKHIAN (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The burning bush: An investigation of form and meaning in Exodus 3 and 4"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 1985
Promoter:	Carroll, Robert P.
Keywords:	exodus; oppression
Key texts:	Exod 3-4
Author:	AKPUNONU, PETER (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Salvation in Deutero-Isaiah: A philological-exegetical study" [xxi + 351 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1971
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Keywords:	exile; liberation; salvation; ys'; g'l; pdh
Key texts:	Is 40-55; Is 41:8-16; Is 43:1-7; Is 45:8; Is 46:12-13; Is 54:1
Author:	APURI, JOSEPH W. (Ghana)
Diss. title:	"Human sacrifice, Isaac and Jesus: A study of human sacrifice in the Ancient Near East and Ashante and related tribes, in the light of the blood of Jesus in the Epistle to the Hebrews" [xix + 394 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1983
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; Ashanti; comparison; cultural parallels; sacrifice
Key texts:	Gen 22
Author:	ARIRI-CHIDOMERE, AHAMDI CYRIACUS (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The background to the accession of Solomon to the throne of David: An exegetical and historical study of 1 Kg 1-2 within the context of the Succession Narrative (2 Sam 9-20, 1 Kg 1-2)" [viii + 271 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, 1985
Promoter:	Brekelmans, Chris
Keywords:	David; Succession Narrative; Solomon
Key texts:	2 Sam 9-20; 1 Kgs 1-2
Author:	ARULEFELA, JOSEPH OLUWAFEMI (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"An analysis of the biblical and Yoruba concepts of covenant with implications for the Christian education of Yoruba Christians" [vii + 173 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., New York University, New York, USA, 1980
Promoter:	Belford, Lee A.
Publication:	Covenant in the Old Testament and in Yorubaland. Ibadan: Daystar Press, 1988 [60 pp.]
Keywords:	comparison; covenant; cultural parallels; education; Yoruba; bryt
Author:	AWORINDE, JOHN ADEMOLA (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"A comparative analysis of destiny in the Old Testament and in Yoruba philosophy of life"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria, 1997
Promoter:	Wambutda, Daniel N.
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; destiny; Yoruba
Author:	BEDIAKU, BUAME YAWO J. BAPTISTE (Togo)
Diss. title:	"Etude comparée de la célébration pénitentielle dans l'ancien testament et chez le peuple Ewe du Togo: Pour une catéchèse de la célébration pénitentielle en Afrique noire" [xxiv + 178 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Lateran University: Academia Alfonsiana, Rome, Italy, 1978
Promoter:	Koch, R.P.R.
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; Ewe; penance
Author:	BESSOLE, PAUL MBA (Gabon)
Diss. title:	"La traduction du prophète Osée de l'hébreu en fang: Les problèmes de linguistique et d'exégèse" [810 + 136 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Institut catholique de Paris, Paris, France, 1988
Promoter:	Lévêque, Jean & Hagège, Claude
Keywords:	cultural parallels; Fang; oral traditions; translation
Key texts:	Hosea
Author:	BYAMUNGO, GOSBERT T.M. (Tanzania)
Diss. title:	"Stronger than death: David's winning story in an intertextual perspective of 1 Sam 13 - 2 Sam 5" [viii + 377 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1996
Promoter:	Conroy, Charles
Publication:	Stronger than Death: Reading David's Rise for Third Millennium. Rome: Urbaniana University Press, 1996 (Pontificia Universitas Urbaniana: Varia; 59). ISBN: 88-401-8059-1 [xii + 311 pp.]
Keywords:	contextualisation; David; intertextuality; model; Saul
Key texts:	1 Sam 16 - 2 Sam 5
Author:	CAREW, M. DOUGLAS (Sierra Leone)
Diss. title:	"To know and not to know: Hosea's knowledge in discourse perspective"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA, 1998
Promoter:	VanGemeren, Willem A.
Keywords:	discourse; knowledge; yd'; d't
Key texts:	Hosea
Author:	CHINGOTA, FELIX L.B. (Malawi)
Diss. title:	"The use of the concept 'fear' in Deuteronomy to denote the relationship between God and Israel" [272 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, 1991
Promoter:	Johnstone, William
Keywords:	deuteronomism; fear; God; Israel; yr'
Key texts:	Deut
Author:	DINZOLELE NZAMBI, PHILIPPE (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"Proverbes bibliques et proverbes kongo: Étude comparative de Proverbia 25-29 et de quelques proverbes kongo"
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, 1991
Promoter:	Gross, Walter & Jungraithmayr, Herrmann
Publication:	Proverbes bibliques et proverbes kongo: Étude comparative de Proverbia 25-29 et de quelques proverbes kongo. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1992 (Religionswissenschaft; 5). ISBN: 3-631-44827-9 [767 pp.]
Keywords:	comparison; Congo; proverbs; stylistic parallels
Key texts:	Prov 25-29
Author:	EBO, D.J.I. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"'O that Jacob would survive': A study on hope in the Book of Amos"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 1985
Keywords:	hope; research history
Key texts:	Amos; Amos 9:11-15
Author:	GAKINDI, GÉDÉON (Rwanda)
Diss. title:	"La bénédiction aaronique et la berakah de l'ancien testament" [394 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Yaoundé Faculty of Protestant Theology, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 1992
Promoter:	Amsler, Samuel
Keywords:	blessing; cultural parallels; brkh
Key texts:	Num 6:24-27
Author:	GITAU, SAMSON (Kenya)
Diss. title:	"African and biblical understanding of the environment"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, 1996
Promoter:	Waruta, Douglas W.
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; environment
Author:	GITAU, SAMSON NJUGUNA (Kenya)
Diss. title:	"A comparative study of the transmission, actualization and stabilization of oral traditions: An examination of traditions of circumcision in Africa and ancient Israel" [xvii + 442 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 1994
Promoter:	Purvis, James D.
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; circumcision; comparison; cultural parallels; oral traditions; rites of passage
Key texts:	Gen 17:1-27; Gen 34:1-31; Josh 5:2-9; Exod 12:43-51; Exod 4:24-26
Author:	GRANTSON, EMMANUEL FRANCIS YANKUM (Ghana)
Diss. title:	"Death in the individual psalms of lament: An exegetical study with implications for theology and mission" [xi + 398 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1991
Promoter:	Fuerst, Wesley
Keywords:	African theology; cultural parallels; death; lament; psalms; world-view
Key texts:	Ps 6; Ps 7; Ps 13; Ps 30; Ps 49; Ps 64; Ps 88
Author:	HABBERSTAD, RAKOTONDRAZAKA (Madagascar)
Diss. title:	"Le fin d'Israël selon la prophétie d'Amos: Nature et fonction des récits de vision" [ix + 223 + 76 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Université de Sciences Humaines de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France, 1999
Promoter:	de Waard, Jan
Keywords:	eschatology; oracle; prophetism; vision
Key texts:	Amos
Author:	HABTU, TEWOLDEMEDHIN (Eritrea)
Diss. title:	"A taxonomy of approaches of five representative scholars to the nature of wisdom in the Old Testament, in the light of Proverbs 1-9" [xv + 336 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, USA, 1993
Promoter:	VanGemeren, Willem A.
Keywords:	research history; wisdom
Key texts:	Prov 1-9
Author:	HIMBAZA, INNOCENT (Rwanda)
Diss. title:	"Transmettre la Bible: Une critique exégétique de la traduction de l'Ancien Testament. Le cas du Rwanda" [409 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Université Catholique de Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland, 1998
Promoter:	Schenker, Adrian
Keywords:	culture; interpretation; translation; Rwanda
Author:	ILONU, ANTHONY E. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The New Testament common priesthood and the Hebrew passover: A comparative study" [xxix + 417 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1971
Promoter:	Mariani, B.
Keywords:	passover; priesthood
Key texts:	Exod 19:5-6
Author:	KABASELE MUKENGE, ANDRÉ (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"La supplique collective de Ba 1,15-3,8: Traditions et réécriture" [381 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Louvain, Louvain, Belgium, 1992
Promoter:	Bogaert, Pierre-Maurice
Keywords:	Apocrypha; confession; rereading; Septuagint
Key texts:	Bar 1:15-3:8
Author:	KALUGILA, LEONIDAS (Tanzania)
Diss. title:	"The wise king: Studies in royal wisdom as divine revelation in the Old Testament and its environment"
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden, 1980
Promoter:	Ringgren, Helmer
Publication:	The Wise King: Studies in Royal Wisdom as Divine Revelation in the Old Testament and its Environment. Lund: CWK Gleerup, 1980 (Coniectanea Biblica. Old Testament Series; 15). ISBN: 91-40-04738-5 [160 pp.]
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; kingship; Messiah; wisdom
Key texts:	Job; Prov
Author:	KAWALE, WINSTON RAPHAEL (Malawi)
Diss. title:	"God and nature in Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Chewa cosmogony"
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1998
Promoter:	Bosman, Hendrik L.
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; Chewa; comparison; cosmogony; creation; cultural parallels
Key texts:	Gen 1:1-2:4a
Author:	KUBULANA MATENDO, SIMÉON (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"Justice et royaume messianiques: Essai de relecture exégètique de la prophétie de Michée. Eléments d'une théologie de l'espérance pour une église en crise" [ii + 425 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté Universitaire de Théologie Protestante, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1998
Promoter:	Chopineau, Jacques
Keywords:	Congo; justice; messianic kingdom; prophetism; relevance
Key texts:	Mic 1:2-7; Mic 2:1-5; Mic 3:1-12; Mic 4:1-5; Mic 5:1-5; Mic 6:6-8
Author:	KWASI, UGIRA (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"La problématique de la mort dans les écrits sapientiaux postexiliques: Une contribution à la relecture du Yahviste" [iii + 363 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté universitaire de théologie protestante, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1988
Promoter:	Chopineau, Jacques
Keywords:	death; life; nature; wisdom
Key texts:	Job; Prov; Pss; Qoh
Author:	LASEBIKAN, GEORGE LATUNJI (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Prophecy or schizophrenia? A study of prophecy in the Old Testament and in selected Aladura churches"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1983
Keywords:	Aladura; comparison; cultural parallels; prophetism; schizophrenia
Key texts:	1 Sam 19:24; 1 Kgs 18:46; 2 Kgs 9:11; Ezek 12:1-16
Author:	LEZOUTIE, JEAN SALOMON
Diss. title:	"Relations entre les vivants et les morts en 2 M 12,38-45; Mt 5,23-26; Lc 16,1-13; Ap 7,9-17" [viii + 210 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1995
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Keywords:	death; life
Key texts:	2 Mac 12:38-45
Author:	MAFICO, TEMBA LEVI JACKSON (Zimbabwe)
Diss. title:	"A study of the Hebrew root spt with reference to Yahweh" [iv + 204 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1979
Promoter:	Coogan, Michael David
Keywords:	judge; spt
Key texts:	Gen 18:25; Deut 1:16-17
Author:	MANDA, JOEL WILLIAM (Malawi)
Diss. title:	"Battling with words only: A rhetorical interpretation of the function of proverbs within Old Testament kingship narratives"
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1998
Promoter:	Bosman, Hendrik L.
Keywords:	Chewa; kingship; proverbs; rhetorics
Key texts:	Judg 9:1-21; 1 Sam 16:1-23; 1 Sam 24:1-23
Author:	MBELE, PHILÉMON (Cameroon)
Diss. title:	"La justice sociale ou l'ultime possibilité de salut pour Israël selon le prophète Amos" [189 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté de théologie protestante de Montpellier, Montpellier, France, 1988
Promoter:	Lys, Daniel
Keywords:	judgement; justice; salvation; society
Key texts:	Amos
Author:	MBUWAYESANGO, DORA RUDO (Zimbabwe)
Diss. title:	"The defense of Zion and the House of David: Isaiah 36-39 in the context of Isaiah 1-39" [207 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 1998
Promoter:	Hayes, John H.
Keywords:	Assyria; Isaiah; research history
Key texts:	Is 36-39; 2 Kgs 18-20
Author:	MEBI-OBAM, RENÉ (Cameroon)
Diss. title:	"Le Dieu qui repond: Essai d'analyse d'un thème biblique" [v + 263 pp.]
Inst. data:	D. Rel., Faculté de theologie protestante, Université des sciences humaines, Strasbourg, France, 1982
Promoter:	Heintz, Jean-Georges
Keywords:	divine response; God; 'nh
Author:	MELUMA, BUSE
Diss. title:	"Pactes de sang africains et alliances bibliques par le sang: Etude comparative des significations et des fonctions du sang de l'alliance" [vii + 473 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1983
Promoter:	Spada, Domenico
Keywords:	blood; comparison; covenant; cultural parallels; rituals
Author:	MIANBÉ BÉTOUDJI, DENIS (Chad)
Diss. title:	"El, le Dieu suprême et le Dieu des patriarches (Gen 14:18-20)" [vii + 212 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1984
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Publication:	El, le Dieu suprême et le Dieu des patriarches (Genesis 14,18-20). Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag, 1986 (Religionswissenschaftliche Texte und Studien; 1). ISBN: 3-487-07760-4 [290 pp.]
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; El Eljon; God; patriarchs
Key texts:	Gen 14:18-20
Author:	MONSENGWO PASINYA, LAURENT (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"La notion de nomos dans le Pentateuque grec" [xxiv + 230 + 44 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy, 1972
Promoter:	Potterie, Ignace
Publication:	La notion de nomos dans le Pentateuque grec. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1973 (Analecta Biblica; 52 / Recherches Africaines de Théologie; 5) [246 pp.]
Keywords:	Pentateuch; Septuagint; nomos; twrh
Key texts:	Pentateuch lovgo"
Author:	MUTHENGI, JULIUS, K. (Kenya)
Diss. title:	"Missiological implications of the book of Jonah: An African perspective" [xi + 264 pp.]
Inst. data:	D.Miss., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois, USA, 1992
Promoter:	Rommen, Edward
Keywords:	missiology; theological education
Key texts:	Is 40-66; Jonah; Pentateuch; Psalms
Author:	NARÉ, LAURENT (Burkina Faso)
Diss. title:	"Proverbes salomoniens et proverbes mossi: Étude comparative à partir d'une nouvelle analyse de Pr 25-29" [305 + 29 + 100 + 9 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy, 1983
Promoter:	Gilbert, Maurice
Publication:	Proverbes Salomoniens et Proverbes Mossi: Étude Comparative à Partir d'une Nouvelle Analyse de Pr 25-29. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1986 (Publications Universitaires Européennes; xxiii/283). ISBN: 3-8204-8968-1 [ix + 461 pp.]
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; Mossi; proverbs
Key texts:	Prov 25-29
Author:	NDIOKWERE, NATHANAEL I. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Prophetic movements in the independent African churches in confrontation with Old Testament prophetism: A comparative study" [xix + 408 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1977
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Publication:	Prophecy and Revolution: The role of Prophets in the Independent African Churches and in Biblical Tradition. London: SPCK, 1981. ISBN: 0-281-03737-X [319 pp.]
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; prophetism
Author:	NDJERAREOU, ABEL LAONDOYE (Chad)
Diss. title:	"The theological basis for the prohibition of idolatry: An exegetical and theological study of the Second commandment" [iv + 360 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas, USA, 1995
Promoter:	Merrill, Eugene H.
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; Decalogue; idol; idolatry; polytheism; psl
Key texts:	Exod 20:2-6; Exod 32; Deut 4:15-24; Deut 5:6-21
Author:	NGALLY, JACQUES (Cameroon)
Diss. title:	"Jérémie 28 & le problème des faux prophètes" [iii + 143 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté libre de théologie protestante, Montpellier, France, 1968
Promoter:	Vischer, Wilhelm
Keywords:	lie; prophecy; sqr
Key texts:	Jer 28
Author:	NGEWA, SAMUEL M. (Kenya)
Diss. title:	"The biblical idea of substitution versus the idea of substitution in African traditional sacrifices: A case study of hermeneutics for African Christian theology" [424 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, 1987
Promoter:	Silva, Moisés
Keywords:	African theology; atonement; comparison; cultural parallels; sacrifice; substitution
Key texts:	Is 53; Lev 16
Author:	NIYIBIZI, FRANCOIS (Rwanda)
Diss. title:	"L'analyse des énoncés de péché chez le prophète Jérémie et les péripéties de conversion" [xviii + 183 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1969
Promoter:	Bernini, Josephus
Publication:	L'analyse des énoncés de péché chez le prophète Jérémie et les péripéties de conversion. Rome: Pontifical Gregorian University, 1977 [248 pp.]
Keywords:	conversion; God; sin
Key texts:	Jer; Jer 2
Author:	NJOKU, MARK CHIAKA (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The image of the prophet Jeremiah in the 'so-called Baruch biography' and cognate texts: A theological consideration of the canonical text"
Inst. data:	Th.D., Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, 1994
Promoter:	Ruppert, Lothar
Publication:	The Image of the Prophet Jeremiah in the So-Called Baruch Biography and Cognate Texts: A Theological Consideration. Owerri: Assumpta Press, 1994. ISBN: 978-34657-4-0 [201 pp.]
Keywords:	additions; Baruch biography; deuteronomism; textual development
Key texts:	Jer 26; Jer 36; Jer 37:1-40:6; Jer 40:7-41:18; Jer 42-44; Jer 45
Author:	NTAGWARARA, JEAN (Burundi)
Diss. title:	"Alliance d'Israël au pays de Moab (Dt 28,69-30,20): Analyse exégétique, histoire rédactionelle et théologie" [244 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Université des sciences humaines de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France, 1983
Promoter:	Renaud, Bernard
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; covenant; Hittite vassal treaties
Key texts:	Deut 28:69-30:20
Author:	NTREH, BENJAMIN ABOTCHIE (Ghana)
Diss. title:	"Transmission of political authority in ancient Israel: A tradition historical study of the demise and succession of kings in the Deuteronomistic history and in the Chronicler's history" [ix + 218 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1989
Promoter:	Klein, Ralph
Keywords:	kingship; politics
Key texts:	1-2 Chr; 1-2 Kgs; 1-2 Sam; 2 Sam 7
Author:	NWAORU, EMMANUEL (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The imagery of the prophecy of Hosea: A literary and exegetical survey of Hosea's metaphores and similes"
Inst. data:	Th.D., Katholisch-theologisches Fakultät, Universität München, München, Germany, 1997
Promoter:	Görg, Manfred
Publication:	Imagery in the Prophecy of Hosea. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1999 (Ägypten und Altes Testament; 41). ISBN: 3-447-04227-3 [xxi + 226 pp.]
Keywords:	imagery; metaphor; simile
Key texts:	Hos
Author:	OBETA, JULIUS SUNDAY (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Eschatological concepts in Job"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 2000
Promoter:	Ebo, D.J.I.
Keywords:	cultural parallels; death; eschatology; heaven; Igbo; resurrection; Sheol
Key texts:	Job
Author:	OBIAJUNWA, CHUKWUDI J. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Semitic interference in Theodotion-Daniel" [vii + 252 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., The Catholic University of America, Washington D.C., USA, 1999
Promoter:	Di Lella, Alexander A.
Keywords:	Semitic interference; Septuagint; Theodotion; translation
Key texts:	Dan 2:31-45; Dan 7:1-14; Dan 9:20-27; Dan 10:1-21
Author:	OJO, ADEWALE ANTHONY (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"'Honur your father and mother' (Ex 20,12): The dignity of parents and the duties of children in the Pentateuch" [xv + 258 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1996
Promoter:	Federici, Tommaso
Keywords:	children; Decalogue; parents
Key texts:	Pentateuch; Exod 20:12
Author:	OKOYE, JOHN IFEANYICHUKWU (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Speech in Ben Sira, with special reference to 5,9-6,1"
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical University of S. Thomae in Urbe, Rome, Italy, 1994
Promoter:	Agius, Joseph
Publication:	Speech in Ben Sira, with special reference to 5,9-6,1. The dissertation is published in two almost identical versions and with the same title: (1) Rome: Pontifical University of S. Thomae in Urbe, 1995 [xiv + 239 pp.]; (2) Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1995 (European University Studies, xxiii/535). ISBN: 3-631-48923-4 [xix + 208 pp.]; the latter "[...] edition includes a comparison between Greek, Hebrew, Syriac and Latin texts of some of the passages studied" (p. vii).
Keywords:	exposition; rhetorics; speech; atimia; doxa
Key texts:	Ben Sira 5:9-6:1
Author:	OKWUEZE, MALACHY IKECHUKWU (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Myth: The Old Testament experience"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 1995
Promoter:	Ebo, D.J.I.
Keywords:	Babylonia; mythology
Key texts:	Gen 1-11; Prophets; Psalms
Author:	ONAIYEKAN, JOHN (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The priesthood among the Owe-Yoruba of Nigeria and in pre-monarchical ancient Israel: A comparative study" [xlvii + 297 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1976
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; Owe-Yoruba; priesthood
Author:	ORJI, CHUKWUEMEKA (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"And Yahweh delivered David wherever he went (2 Sam 8:6b.14b): Composition and redaction criticism of 2 Sam 1-8" [xxii + 319 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy, 1998
Promoter:	Pisano, Stephen
Keywords:	composition; David; deuteronomism; redaction
Key texts:	2 Sam 1-8
Author:	OSUJI, BONIFACE ANTHONY (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"The Hebrew and Igbo concept of religion and sin compared in the light of biblical and rabbinic literature: Anthropo-ethnological study - partially explanatory" [xii + 305 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1967
Promoter:	Mariani, B.
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; Igbo; religion; sin
Author:	PUNGUMBU SHAONDO, LODY (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"L'intervention sociale d'Amos: Une contribution à l'étude de la mission prophétique en Afrique aujourd'hui" [301 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté universitaire de théologie protestante, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1991
Promoter:	Chopineau, Jacques
Keywords:	human rights; justice; prophecy
Key texts:	Amos
Author:	RAMAROSATA, ALINE RAHOLISOA (Madagascar)
Diss. title:	"La notion du Dieu de l'alliance dans la tradition 'D' avec ses incidences sur le Nouveau Testament et sa portée oecuménique" [2 + 380 + lxxx]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté libre de théologie protestante, Paris, France, 1984
Promoter:	Cazelles, Henri & Carrez, Maurice
Keywords:	covenant; deuteronomism; God; man
Key texts:	Deut - 2 Kings
Author:	RAVALOMANANA, CHARLOTTE (Madagascar)
Diss. title:	"Création et providence: Étude exégétique du Psaume 104" [337 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Faculté libre de théologie protestante, Montpellier, France, 1997
Promoter:	Bourguet, Daniel
Keywords:	Patristics; Rabbinism; Septuagint; translation
Key texts:	Ps 104
Author:	RWEHUMBIZA, RULANGE K. PHIL. (Tanzania)
Diss. title:	"A comparative study between the development of Yahwistic monotheism and the concept of God among the Bantu people of Africa south of the Sahara: A biblico-theological evaluation" [520 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, Italy, 1983
Promoter:	Skalicky, Carlo
Publication:	A Comparative Study Between the Development of Yahwistic Monotheism and the Concept of God Among the Bantu People of Africa South of the Sahara: A Biblico-Theological Evaluation. Rome: Pontifical Lateran University, 1983 [xi + 363 pp.]
Keywords:	Bantu; Banyoro; comparison; cultural parallels; El; Gikuyu; God; monotheism
Key texts:	Gen 14:18-20; Gen 17:1; Gen 21:33; Gen 49:24; Exod 3:14-15
Author:	SAMAAN, KAMIL (Egypt)
Diss. title:	"Sept traductions arabes de Ben Sira" [301 + 72 + 68 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, Italy, 1990
Promoter:	Gilbert, Maurice
Publication:	Sept traductions arabes de Ben Sira. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1994 (Europäische Hochschulschriften xxiii/492). ISBN: 3-631-46565-3 [465 pp.]
Keywords:	Arab manuscripts
Key texts:	Ben Sira
Author:	SIMBANDUMWE, SAMUEL S. (Zimbabwe)
Diss. title:	"Israel in two African prophet movements"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 1989
Publication:	A Socio-Religious and Political Analysis of the Judeo-Christian Concept of Prophetism and Modern Bakongo and Zulu African Prophet Movements. Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press, 1992 (African Studies; 28). ISBN: 0-7734-9182-1 [xviii + 434 pp.]
Keywords:	Bantu; comparison; cultural parallels; holy mountain; Kimbangu; prophetism; Shembe
Author:	TCHAPE, JEAN-BOSCO (Cameroon)
Diss. title:	"La terre promise dans le Deutéronome: Signification juridique et religieuse" [249 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Université des sciences humaines de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France, 1987
Promoter:	Renaud, Bernard
Keywords:	covenant; Hittite vassal treaties; promised land; structuralism
Key texts:	Deut
Author:	TESFAI, YACOB (Eritrea)
Diss. title:	"This is my resting place: An inquiry into the role of time and space in the Old Testament" [v + 129 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 1975
Keywords:	history; space; time
Key texts:	Eccl 3:1-9
Author:	TSHIDIBI BAMBILA, DONATIEN AIMÉ (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"La rétribution négative dans l'histoire monarchique d'Israël" [464 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical University of S. Thomae in Urbe, Rome, Italy, 1997
Promoter:	Agius, Joseph
Publication:	La rétribution négative dans l'histoire monarchique d'Israël. [excerpt] Rome: Pontifical University S. Thomae in Urbe, 1997 [123 pp.]
Keywords:	collective responsibility; monarchy; retribution
Key texts:	Deut 24:16; Ezek 18:2; Jer 31:29; 1-2 Kgs; 1-2 Sam
Author:	UDOFIA, SYLVESTER DAN (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Documents from Old Testament times: Their implications for African Christians"
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 2000
Promoter:	Ebo, D.J.I.
Keywords:	cultural parallels; cuneiform documents; Egyptian documents; Hebrew documents
Author:	UGWUEZE, FRANCIS OKO (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Igbo proverbs and biblical proverbs: Comparative & thematic research" [xxxv + 308 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1976
Promoter:	Federici, Tommaso
Keywords:	adaption; comparison; cultural parallels; Igbo; proverbs
Key texts:	Prov
Author:	UKPONG, JUSTIN S. (Nigeria)
Diss. title:	"Ibibo sacrifice and levitical sacrifice: A comparative study of the sacrificial systems of the Ibibio people of Nigeria and of ancient Israel as recorded in the book of Leviticus" [xxvi + 320 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1980
Promoter:	Virgulin, Stefano
Publication:	Sacrifice - African and Biblical: A Comparative Study of Ibibio and Levitical Sacrifices. Rome: Urbaniana University Press, 1987 [vii + 230 pp.]
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; Ibibio; sacrifice
Key texts:	Lev
Author:	UZELE, KASAMBA MICHEL (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Diss. title:	"Proverbes 10,1-22,16: Essai de regroupment et d'interprétation des 'Meshalim'" [xxiii + 437 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, 1982
Promoter:	Pennacchini, Bruno
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; comparison; cultural parallels; proverbs
Key texts:	Prov 10:1-22:16
Author:	WAFAWANAKA, ROBERT (Zimbabwe)
Diss. title:	"Perspectives on the problem of poverty in traditional Africa and in ancient Israel" [xxii + 352 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 1997
Promoter:	Darr, Katheryn Pfisterer
Keywords:	comparison; cultural parallels; family; poverty; sociology
Key texts:	Pentateuch; Prophets; Writings
Author:	ZINKURATIRE, VICTOR (Uganda)
Diss. title:	"The kingship of Yahweh in Israel's history, cult and eschatology: A study of Psalm 47" [300 pp.]
Inst. data:	Ph.D., University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 1987
Promoter:	Clements, Ronald
Keywords:	Ancient Near East; cult; enthronement; eschatology; history; kingship; ritual
Key texts:	Ps 47
Author:	ZULU, EDWIN (Zambia)
Diss. title:	"A Ngoni assessment of the role of ancestors within Israelite world-views and religion in Genesis 11:28-50:26" [viii + 232 pp.]
Inst. data:	Th.D., University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 1999
Promoter:	Bosman, Hendrik L.
Keywords:	ancestors; cultural parallels; Ngoni; religion; world-view
Key texts:	Gen 12-50

Endnotes:

1 K. Holter, Tropical Africa and the Old Testament: A Select and Annotated Bibliography. Oslo: University of Oslo, 1996 (Faculty of Theology: Bibliography Series; 6).

2 Cf. the website "Old Testament Studies in Africa: Resource Pages": http://www. misjonshs.no/res/ot_africa/

3 Of special importance is Dissertation Abstracts (Ann Arbor, USA); some relevant information has also been found in the dissertation lists printed in Revue Theologique de Louvain (Louvain, Belgium), Zeitschrift für die alttestamentliche Wissenschaft (Berlin, Germany), and Africa Journal of Biblical Studies (Ibadan, Nigeria).

4 Let me especially mention G. LeMarquand's "A Bibliography of the Bible in Africa", which LeMarquand most kindly has let me use before its publication. His extensive bibliography is soon to appear in G.O. West & M.W. Dube (eds.), The Bible in Africa. Leiden: Brill, 2000.

5 In 1998 and 1999 I was able to visit the various pontifical universities in Rome; much of the material found there is not published, and in some cases it is not even listed in published documents.

6 Much of the material has come into my knowledge through personal correspondence and conversation. So is in particular the case with the dissertations written in Africa.

Conferences

• Rome, Italy: The 2001 International Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature will be held in Rome, Italy, 8-12 July 2001, in the Pontifical Biblical Institute and the Pontifical Gregorian University. For information: Society of Biblical Literature, 825 Houston Mill Road, Suite 350, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; e-mail: sblexec@emory.edu or you can visit the SBL website: http://www.sbl-site.org/Congresses/IM/2001/

   

• Basel (Switzerland): The XVIIth Congress of the International Organization for the Study of the Old Testament (IOSOT) will be held from 5-10 August 2001; website: http://iosot2001.theol.unibas.ch/indexE.html. President of the congress is Prof Ernst Jenni, and Congress secretary is Dr Beat Huwyler. Congress office: IOSOT XVII. Kongress Basel 2001, Postfach 112, CH-4011 Basel, Switzerland; telephone and fax: ++41 61 267 27 96; e-mail: iosot2001@ubaclu.unibas.ch. The following accompanying congresses will be held: International Organization for Masoretic Studies (IOMS): 6 August; International Organization for Qumran Studies (IOQS): 5-7 August; International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies (IOSCS): 3/4 August; International Organization for Targumic Studies (IOTS): 2/3 August.

Research

Bristol University / Trinity College, Bristol, United Kingdom: Rev Dickson Chilongani is working with a doctoral dissertation on "The book of Job and the African concepts of suffering and restoration" (Supervisor: Dr John Bimson). The researcher hopes to offer a contribution to the problem of suffering in relation to faith in God, from an Afrocentric rather than the traditional Eurocentric perspective. The intention is not to "solve" the problem of suffering, but to widen the picture which takes for granted that Satan is the source of all suffering and evil in the world, and, at the same time, to assure the reader that God can still be found in suffering. The book of Job is a useful resource for one major reason, namely that its worldview is similar to that in African Traditional Religion, and the research hopes to offer a contribution to the current dialogue between Christianity and African religion and culture. Adress: Rev Dickson Chilongani, Trinity College, Stoke Hill, Bristol, BS9 1JP, United Kingdom; e-mail: Dickson@chilongani.freeserve.co.uk

Book Reviews

• Leonidas Kalugila, Historia ya Israeli. Dodoma: Central Tanganyika Press, 1998 (xvi + 389 pp.: TShs. 4000.00).

  Dr Leonidas Kalugila-previously Professor of Old Testament at Makumira Theological Seminary in Tanzania (now Makumira University College of Tumaini University), currently an expert translator with the Nairobi based United Bible Societies-has written a number of Old Testament related titles in Kiswahili: Vitabu vya Agano la Kale (lit. Old Testament books) 1979, Utangulizi wa Theolojia ya Agano la Kale (An Introduction to Old Testament theology) 1991, and Majina, Asili na Maana ya Majina (Names, sources, and meanings of names) 1995.

Kalugila's latest book, Historia ya Israeli (A history of Israel) from 1998 is the first and only comprehensive history of Israel available in Kiswahili. The author here combines his excellence in Old Testament scholarship, his Kiswahili fluency, and his knowledge and experience in Bible translation, to present an easy reader. This approach gives a rare opportunity to even those with a limited educational background to grapple with an otherwise difficult subject.

Immediately after the introductory remarks on the importance of the study and its problems, he proceeds to present the subject in twenty chapters. The first chapter starts with the primeval history, to bring in the picture of the world, especially as it relates to the Ancient Near East, before the coming of the Israelite patriarchs. It is emphasised that Israel did not come out a vacuum, but was founded in an already civilised world of its time. The following nineteen chapters then expound the history of Israel, from the time of the patriarchs to the exodus from Egypt, from judges and monarchy to exile and return, and from the reign of Persians and Greeks to the reign of Hashmonians, Maccabees, and Romans. The last two chapters even stretch the line to AD 135 and AD 1967, respectively.

As an African author Kalugila has succeeded nicely to include elements that are relevant and recognisable from an African perspective. One example is Jacob's promise and fulfilment of a sacrifice to God (Gen 28:20-22), which is related to the Christian obedience and fidelity to baptism by a Kiswahili proverb, "a promise is a dept" (p. 36). Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek (Gen 14:18-20) is related to an African song on stewardship (pp. 36-37). The building of the sanctuary (Exod chs. 25-40) is compared to that found in African traditional religion of building small sanctuaries for the living-dead, the spirits, etc. (p. 62). And Jacob's blessing of his children (Gen 49) is related to a common phenomenon in Africa for dying old parents (p. 34).

In addition, ten illustrative and useful excurses on various topics are appended. So are also various maps. The book has a full bibliography, but it does not have any sort of index.

Kalugila recognises that the history of Israel is more of a theologically based subject, asserting that it is a salvation history not only of Israel but of the world as a whole (p. 347). I also agree with him that in order to understand the Bible properly it is very essential to know the history of Israel. In a few words this book is a rare and valuable tool for both the laity and the theologian of any cadre in the Kiswahili speaking zone.

Peter Lechion Kimilike
Kidugala Lutheran Seminary, P.O. Box 328, Njombe, Tanzania

• Stefan Fischer, Die Auffordering zur Lebensfreude im Buch Kohelet und seine Rezeption der ägyptischen Harfnerlieder. Frankfurt a.M.: Peter Lang, 1999; 269 pp. (Wiener Alttestamentliche Studien; 2) (64.00 SFr.).

  Stefan Fischer (b. 1966, Germany) has for some years taught Old Testament studies at Morija Theological Seminary (Morija, Lesotho), and the book is a revised version of his 1997 doctoral dissertation at the University of South Africa (Pretoria, South Africa), directed by Prof James Alfred Loader.

Fischer analyses Qohelet's focus on the joy of life-for example a text like 2:24: "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work"-arguing that this focus reflects an early (pre-monarchical!) reuse of the so-called "heretical" harpist songs in Egypt. Originally these songs belonged to death/funeral contexts in Egypt (18-20 dyn., 14-12 cent. BC). Fischer, however, argues that they, due to Egyptian influence, became part of Canaanite fiest poetry, and then eventually were reused by Qohelet to express its focus on the joy of life. The number of correspondences between the two traditions reflect a relationship on a literary level, he argues, where Qohelet not only copies the harpist songs, but rather uses them as a model for his own composition.

The book provides an interesting examplification of the relationship between the Old Testament and ancient Egypt, and its approach should probably be of some relevance for hermenetical studies of the relationship between the Old Testament and traditional Africa too.

Knut Holter
Misjonsveien 34, N-4024 Stavanger, Norway,
kh@misjonshs.no