Hebrew Bible

#

his codex from the Royal Library in the Escorial is composed of 386 folios, box measurement 275 x 200 mm, on vellum; the script is exceptionally fine, square Spanish lettering, in double columns; it has both masoras in the Pentateuch, except for Genesis 27.26-35 and Genesis 29 (folios 14a-18d). It is an example of fine ornamentation with interlace, and filigree and calligraphic medallions. The binding is Mudejar.

The Bible comprises the whole of the Palestinian canon, with the exception of Genesis 38.24-42 and 16, where the folios have been lost. Apart from some differences in pointing, it coincides with the Textus Receptus. The Book of Psalms is divided into four sections beginning with Psalms 1, 42, 73 and 107 respectively.

It is obvious that this manuscript was used by Alfonso de Zamora as a working document. At first he wrote in the top margins of all the folios, in his own hand, the Latin names of the books of the Bible, and the corresponding chapter numbers. In the side margins, using the same signs as in the Madrid original, he inserted the chapter divisions which appear in the Polyglot Bible. Where the Polyglot does not correspond to the Textus Receptus, which the G.II.8 which is used as a supporting source. This occurs with Complutense chapters Gen. 32.1; Nb. 12.16 and 25.19; I Sam. 24.2; Ho. 2.4 and 11.2; Joel 3.1; Micah 4.14; Nahum 3. 2; Eccl. 11.10; Daniel 6.2; Neh. 10.2; II Ch. 1.18 and 13.23. Significantly, the Hebrew Books of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles are changed to the Latin titles, Kings I and II, Kings III and IV and I and II Paralipomena.

At a later date, the same famous rabbi removed the titles and numbers in the margin, replacing the former by the original Hebrew names and the latter by rabbinico-alphabetical numbers. In some places, only the erasures can be detected, while in others the original annotations can still be seen.

Documentation Kit

Containing facsimile reproductions of 4 folios, printed in 6 to 12 colours plus gold and silver, ready to frame and a portfolio with a descriptive documentation of the reproductions. The Documentation Kit is priced at $US115- plus postage.

• Portfolio: 425 x 335 mm.
• Pages: 282 x 210 mm.

#