Georg Heinrich August von Ewald

1803-1875. German biblical scholar. Born in Göttingen, he studied there under J.G. Eichhorn* and thus was put in touch with the first generation of modern critical studies of the OT. His interest in the poetic and prophetic materials of the OT reveal strong reactions to the romantic interpretations of J.G. Herder* and Eichhorn, just as his conservative historical bent made him an opponent of F.C. Baur* and D.F. Strauss.* Ewald succeeded Eichhorn at Göttingen, and among his pupils were C.F.A. Dillmann* and Julius Wellhausen.* Ewald's place in the history of biblical scholarship is fixed by his initiating role in two of its major dimensions: Semitic linguistics in a historical vein (from 1827) and the history of Israel as Volk (from 1843). Political views forced him to leave Göttingen in 1837, and for ten years before he could return he taught at Tübingen. In later life he was deeply involved in political affairs.