23 SEPTEMBER 1865, Page 23

The Hebrew Scriptures. Translated by Samuel Sharpe. $ vols. Vol.

IL (Whitfield, Green, and Son.)—The learned translator adheres to his original design of making no unnecessary alterations in the authorized version of the Scriptures, whilst he gives the reader the full benefit of modern scholarship. His aim is in addition to the correction of mistranslated passages to render more intelligible the details con- nected with geography, antiquities, and ancient manners and customs in general. Thus Ararat is explained by Armenia, the Kenites by Arabs, and in 1 Kings vi. and vii. the whole description of the building of the temple and its contents assumes quite a fresh and interesting aspect. Acknowledged errors have been removed, as in Job xix. v. 26 and Psalm v. 12, but there is no wanton interference with the beautiful language which has such charms for UR that we regard even the necessary revision with much the same uneasiness as a surgical operation. We look for- ward with considerable interest to the appearance of the third and con- cluding volume of this translation, which will contain the prophets. By the side of passages-of great beauty there is so much that is intelligible in the authorized version of this part of Scripture, that we shall hope to enjoy quite a new sensation under Mr. Sharpe's critical auspices.