The Compilational History of the Megilloth

Canon, Contoured Intertextuality and Meaning in the Writings

by Timothy J. Stone

Book cover: The Compilational History of the Megilloth

Extent: 258 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Biblical Studies

Series: Forschungen zum Alten Testament 2.Reihe

Series volume number: 59

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 2013)

ISBN: 9783161523755

Price: $99.00

Out of stock

Timothy J. Stone explores the canonical shape of the third part of the Hebrew canon, the Writings, challenging the common assumption that the collection is an anthology of unrelated books. First he analyzes the formation and various orders for the Writings in antiquity. Conceptions of sacred literature differed in Judaism, but within temple circles, the Writings and the Hebrew canon were likely solidified prior to the end of the first century. Despite the consensus that there are a large number of orders for the Writings, there is only evidence of the Masoretic and the Talmudic orders prior to the twelfth century. Stone also examines the books of the “Megilloth” for signs of their compilation, especially Ruth and Esther. He concludes that the codification of the “Megilloth” into a collection is integral to the canonical process and preserved in the shape of the Writings’ ancient arrangements.


Timothy J. Stone explores the canonical shape of the third part of the Hebrew canon, the Writings, challenging the common assumption that the collection is an anthology of unrelated books. First he analyzes the formation and various orders for the Writings in antiquity. Conceptions of sacred literature differed in Judaism, but within temple circles, the Writings and the Hebrew canon were likely solidified prior to the end of the first century. Despite the consensus that there are a large number of orders for the Writings, there is only evidence of the Masoretic and the Talmudic orders prior to the twelfth century. Stone also examines the books of the “Megilloth” for signs of their compilation, especially Ruth and Esther. He concludes that the codification of the “Megilloth” into a collection is integral to the canonical process and preserved in the shape of the Writings’ ancient arrangements.

  • By (author) Timothy J Stone

"...The Compilational History of the Megilloth is a valuable discussion for those interested in the Megilloth or the development of canon." --James R. Blankenship, John Brown University, Review of Biblical Literature, 3.25.16