Lynn R. HEBER and Gail R. O'DAY. Revelation: Wisdom Commentary, Volume 58. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press. 2023, 421 pp., $26.79 pb. ISBN 9780814682098 (hardcover). Reviewed by James ZEITZ, Professor emeritus: Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, Texas 48207

 

Excellent contribution to the Wisdom Commentary series! Beyond summarizing the feminist viewpoint (the goal of the Wisdom Commentaries), the authors add the queer or LGBTQ view, especially relevant to events of our time (and increasing focus on queer or LGBTQ groups). An example of this is in the authors' Prologue: "We will argue that the Lamb...appears as a nonbinary figure who cannot be reduced to either a male or female identity." Another example is in the authors' final summary on "writing a feminist commentary." They conclude that this commentary was important at a time "When the world seems to be in a state of upheaval due to... challenges to the rights of women and those in the LGBTQIA  + community" (p.350)

Overall merits of this commentary: abundantly documentation of works pertinent to Revelation (40 pages of "Works Cited"!); important historical information on the author of Revelation's Greco-Roman world: both to highlight the importance of the masculine gender in the Roman world and to appreciate Revelation's Christian challenge to this world: viz: the central role of the Lamb that was slain! A good example of this central role (as well as of the authors' viewpoint!) is their commentary on Rev 5:6 -14 ["I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered..."]. The authors entitle this: "Viewing the Genderqueer Lamb," and they comment (citing Robyn J. Whitaker: "Victim to Victor"): "the Lamb is the 'ultimate victim turned victor.'  This turns traditional gender expectations on their head, as the feminized figure of the Lamb inhabits the role of the masculine victory."

I also note how the authors clarify their role as commentators in their commentary. In commenting on Revelation 22:6-21 (titled: "Final Things?") they return to an image first introduced in their Prologue. Commenting on other commentators, they claim that, rather than "magically" unveiling the book's meaning, "we want to share what we know so that readers can navigate Revelation with confidence (p. xliv). Next section (in connection with a Wisdom feature: Other Voices) is "Navigating Revelation with Others."  They see confirmation of this in how John—in drawing his vision to a close—depicts a river flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb and through the New Jerusalem (cf. 22:1-2)."Those hearing or reading the vision are invited to 'take the water of life as a gift'. (22:17)

Finally, commenting on "I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things," 22;8), "Just as Christ hears 'come' addressed to him, Revelation's audience members may hear the multiple commands to 'come' as a personal beckoning into the New Jerusalem... All are invited!" Thus, to conclude: "Exegesis as worship demands recognition of how our interpretations potentially impact others and their relationship to the divine." "We must ask whether our interpretations are life-giving... support the flourishing of those whom they (may have) harmed." The authors hope this is true of their commentary... and recognize that even best intentions sometimes continue to impede and exclude."