0.2-Preface

PREFACE The following pages are an effort to give, within the space of a day, a vivid picture of the Galilean activity of Jesus. The historical data are taken from the gospels, but consist not only of what is there narrated, and which can be made clear and elucidated by all the means of exact exegetical science and research in biblical antiquities, but embrace also many features that have hitherto been but little noticed, but which can be drawn out by comparison, combination, and conclusions. The description of the localities in their present appearance is based, although not exclusively, on the works of Robinson; their reproduction in their older form on the notices scattered in Josephus, the Talmud, and the Midrashim, for which the author was not restricted to those already collected by Reland, Lightfoot, Schwarz, and Neubauer. The illustrations of the circumstances of the times and of the life of the people are in no wise the work of fiction; they are throughout drawn from the oldest Jewish literature as their sources.*

* The notes added by Delitzsch by way of appendix to the German edition, indicating the sources or giving further illustrations, have been, for the most part, omitted, as the specialist will resort to the original in any case, and the general reader will not need the notes. In a number of cases, however, the contents of the notes have been worked into the text itself. With these words characterizing this magnificent little book, the author, Professor Franz Delitzsch, recognized by all as the leading Old Testament scholar of the world, sent it out for the first time in the summer of 1870. Since then two new editions have been called for, and the venerable Nestor of German theologians has given it the finish of his continued biblical and Palestine studies. Delitzsch is a Christian, a scholar, and a poet. These three leading features of the almost myriad-minded Leipzig professor are most harmoniously blended in the little volume here translated. It is as truly an historical picture of a busy day in Christ’s life as could possibly be drawn; it is written with a poetic fervor that holds the attention and interest to the end; it is written with such a glowing love for the Saviour and faith in His salvation, that it warms and enkindles the heart of all who peruse these pages. Thank God that Christian science and the Christian Church still have such noble men to serve their cause as Franz Delitzsch! THE TRANSLATOR.