Proceeding by means of intensive readings of passages from the earlymidrash on Exodus The Mekilta, Boyarin proposes a new theory of midrash that restsin part on an understanding of the heterogeneity of the biblical text and theconstraining force of rabbinic ideology on the production of midrash. In a forcefulcombination of theory and reading, Boyarin raises profound questions concerning theinterplay between history, ideology, and interpretation.