Essays on Ancient Israel in Its Near Eastern Context


Book Description

Reflecting the breadth and interconnectedness of Professor Na'aman's research areas, this volume contains contributions on archaeology, ancient Near East (other than ancient Israel), Israel's ancient history and historiography, and biblical studies. --from publisher description.




Israel's Past in Present Research


Book Description

Further, many of the most important names in late twentieth century biblical historiography appear as authors of various contributions: Hayes, Brettler, Van Seters, Miller, and de Vaux. In a work of more than 600 pages, Long finds room for thirty-two different writers. In addition to his concluding chapter, he also introduces each section and reprints an important essay of his own on history and literary technique.Every reader, including those already conversant with the subject, will gain much from reading this book. However, some will also recognize gaps or areas that they wished had been highlighted. Despite the word, 'Recent,' one wonders why no samples of the writings of Wellhausen, and especially of Alt, Noth, and Albright are included. Although most of the essays date from the 1990's, Hans Walter Wolff's contribution comes from a 1963 volume.




Confronting the Past


Book Description

William G. Dever is recognized as the doyen of North American archaeologist-historians who work in the field of the ancient Levant. He is best known as the director of excavations at the site of Gezer but has worked at numerous other sites, and his many students have led dozens of other expeditions. He has been editor of the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, was for many years professor in the influential archaeology program at the University of Arizona, and now in retirement continues actively to write and publish. In this volume, 46 of his colleagues and students contribute essays in his honor, reflecting the broad scope of his interests, particularly in terms of the historical implications of archaeology.




Writing and Rewriting History in Ancient Israel and Near Eastern Cultures


Book Description

Most of the papers collected in this volume were delivered at the conference held in June 2018, Mainz. They discuss recent developments in the analysis of history and historiography in ancient Israel and its surrounding cultures. The scholars compare the compositional and editorial approaches evident in biblical and post-biblical writings with those shown in other ancient literature, while concentrating on a specific theme. 0Professor Dr. Isaac Kalimi is the worldwide leading biblical scholar, historian and Judaist. He has published numerous books and articles in English, German, Hebrew and Polish.




The Cultural and Religious Creativity of Ancient Israel


Book Description

A collection of essays on the history of the biblical tradition by George E. Mendenhall (1916-2016). Includes studies on law, covenant, and the Hebrew conquest of Palestine, as well as excerpts from Mendenhall's own autobiography.




Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament


Book Description

Leading evangelical scholar John Walton surveys the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bringing insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. This new edition of a top-selling textbook has been thoroughly updated and revised throughout to reflect the refined thinking of a mature scholar. It includes over 30 illustrations. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.




The Politics of Ancient Israel


Book Description

This work offers a reconstruction of the politics of ancient Israel within the wider political environment of the ancient Near East. Gottwald begins by questioning the view of some biblical scholars that the primary factor influencing Israel's political evolution was its religion.




Readings from the Ancient Near East


Book Description

Comprehensive, up-to-date collection of primary source documents (creation accounts, epic literature, etc.) gives insight into the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament.




Ancient Israel's History


Book Description

The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history. This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible's historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history. Illustrative items, such as maps and images, visually support the book's content. Tables and sidebars are also included.




Sacred History, Sacred Literature


Book Description

Richard Friedman is well known in the field of biblical studies, not only because of his contributions to the study of the Hebrew Bible (which are many) but also because he has written cogently and clearly for a much wider audience, outside the academy, most notably in his Who Wrote the Bible? (1997). In addition, his influence has crossed the boundaries of a variety of disciplines such as source criticism, archaeology, the ancient Near East, as well as religious studies. The essays in this volume reflect the breadth and depth of Richard Friedman's life and work. Several contributors discuss topics related to the Hebrew Bible: for example, Jacob Milgrom examines the relationship between Ezekiel and the Levites and Carol Meyers discusses the Tabernacle texts in the context of Priestly influence on them; Ronald Hendel, Michael Homan, and Robert Wilson explore the history of source criticism, with detailed source-critical analysis of Genesis 1-11 and the book of Kings. Jeffrey Geoghegan discusses the origins of the Passover in one of several insightful essays under the topic "Israel and the Ancient Near East." Among the contributions specific to archaeology, Baruch Halpern's provides a provocative "Defense of Forgery." Lastly, four contributors (e.g., Alan Cooper) discuss religion and religious studies, along with ramifications for contemporary application. A fine collection of contemporary topics discussed by leading scholars in the field.