BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

John H. Hayes (1934–2013)

John H. Hayes, a world-renowned Hebrew Bible scholar and Candler School of Theology professor emeritus at Emory University, died on July 11, 2013, at age 79.

Dr. Hayes served on the faculty at Candler for 35 years until his retirement in 2007. His contributions to research and teaching helped Emory achieve international recognition as a major center for the study of the Hebrew Bible. He was the author or coauthor of over 40 books and numerous scholarly articles. Israelite and Judean History (1977) and A History of Ancient Israel and Judah (1986), produced with J. Maxwell Miller, proved to be seminal works in the field of Biblical history. From 1977– 1982, he was the editor of the prestigious Journal of Biblical Literature. As a teacher, he directed 25 Ph.D. dissertations and taught hundreds of ministerial students.

Dr. Hayes always cherished his rural Alabama roots. Upon retirement, he moved back to his home state, near his birthplace, and began farming. As a leader in the Five Points Baptist Church, he frequently preached sermons and was close to the congregation.