Nicholas of Lyra (d. 1349) was the most important Christian biblical commentator of his generation. His massive Postilla on the whole Bible circulated in hundreds of copies throughout Europe. Focussed squarely on the literal meaning of the text, Nicholas was said to be Martin Luther’s favourite exegete. What makes him extraordinary is his use of Jewish commentary in understanding the text. He learnt Hebrew, and he employed Rashi as the basis for much of his exposition. He even produced comparative drawings, to help his readers see what he meant…