Overview
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.
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.
Table of Contents
Contents
Preface Bill T. Arnold and Richard S. Hess
Introduction: Foundations for a History of Israel Richard S. Hess
1. The Genesis Narratives Bill T. Arnold
2. The Exodus and Wilderness Narratives James K. Hoffmeier
3. Covenant and Treaty in the Hebrew Bible and in the Ancient Near East Samuel Greengus
4. Early Israel and Its Appearance in Canaan Lawson G. Stone
5. The Judges and the Early Iron Age Robert D. Miller II
6. The Story of Samuel, Saul, and David Daniel Bodi
7. United Monarchy: Archaeology and Literary Sources Steven M. Ortiz
8. The Biblical Prophets in Historiography James K. Mead
9. Late Tenth- and Ninth-Century Issues: Ahab Underplayed? Jehoshaphat Overplayed? Kyle Greenwood
10. Eighth-Century Issues: The World of Jeroboam II, the Fall of Samaria, and the Reign of Hezekiah Sandra Richter
11. Judah in the Seventh Century: From the Aftermath of Sennacherib's Invasion to the Beginning of Jehoiakim's Rebellion Brad E. Kelle
12. Sixth-Century Issues Peter van der Veen
13. Fifth- and Fourth-Century Issues: Governorship and Priesthood in Jerusalem André Lemaire
14. The Hellenistic Period David A. deSilva
Indexes
Preface Bill T. Arnold and Richard S. Hess
Introduction: Foundations for a History of Israel Richard S. Hess
1. The Genesis Narratives Bill T. Arnold
2. The Exodus and Wilderness Narratives James K. Hoffmeier
3. Covenant and Treaty in the Hebrew Bible and in the Ancient Near East Samuel Greengus
4. Early Israel and Its Appearance in Canaan Lawson G. Stone
5. The Judges and the Early Iron Age Robert D. Miller II
6. The Story of Samuel, Saul, and David Daniel Bodi
7. United Monarchy: Archaeology and Literary Sources Steven M. Ortiz
8. The Biblical Prophets in Historiography James K. Mead
9. Late Tenth- and Ninth-Century Issues: Ahab Underplayed? Jehoshaphat Overplayed? Kyle Greenwood
10. Eighth-Century Issues: The World of Jeroboam II, the Fall of Samaria, and the Reign of Hezekiah Sandra Richter
11. Judah in the Seventh Century: From the Aftermath of Sennacherib's Invasion to the Beginning of Jehoiakim's Rebellion Brad E. Kelle
12. Sixth-Century Issues Peter van der Veen
13. Fifth- and Fourth-Century Issues: Governorship and Priesthood in Jerusalem André Lemaire
14. The Hellenistic Period David A. deSilva
Indexes
Endorsements
"An excellent new resource for those interested in taking seriously all the evidence, both biblical and extrabiblical, bearing on the history of ancient Israel and in thinking carefully about how to weigh that evidence and integrate it into a coherent account."
Iain Provan, Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent College, Vancouver
"An engaging examination of the current state of research, Ancient Israel's History finely balances the biblical text and extrabiblical sources while exploring critical interpretive issues and methodological questions. It is comprehensive and readable and will be a valuable addition to the library of students and researchers alike. This volume will be part of my students' curriculum."
Lissa M. Wray Beal, professor of Old Testament and chair of the seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary
"In this incredibly thorough volume, an international and esteemed team of contributors offers us exactly what was promised: a state-of-the-art review of research relating to the history of ancient Israel. In fifteen essays that consider the history of scholarship on topics ranging from ancient Israelite history to Genesis to Alexander the Great and that leave nary a stone unturned, this book picks its way between the Scylla of overwrought skepticism and the Charybdis of naïve fideism. The result is a copiously documented, user-friendly, and up-to-date treatment that will prove to be a most useful textbook for both introductory students and seasoned teachers alike. I plan on having it close by."
Brent A. Strawn, professor of Old Testament, Emory University
"A superb collection orienting readers to historical data and debates relevant to ancient Israel--judiciously weighed, accessibly presented."
Mark J. Boda, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College; professor, Faculty of Theology, McMaster University
"Debates surrounding the history of ancient Israel are lively these days, making this new volume most welcome. Substantive essays penned by leading authorities in their respective subject areas not only provide convenient summaries of available evidence--biblical, archaeological, contextual, etc.--but also offer mature reflections on what all this evidence means for the historian. The attractiveness of the volume is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous charts, maps, photos, and sidebars. To have so much learning and sensible analysis collected in one volume is a significant achievement, and all involved in the project are to be congratulated on a job well done. I shall be recommending this book!"
V. Philips Long, professor of Old Testament, Regent College, Vancouver
"This is an outstanding work that will provide students and scholars alike with a fine introduction to the multifaceted issues and sources that are crucial to interpreting and reconstructing a history of ancient Israel. This is achieved through an impressive cadre of scholars contributing their individual expertise. Yet, the volume is very readable, and Arnold and Hess should be congratulated for their labors."
K. Lawson Younger Jr., professor of Old Testament, Semitic Languages, and Ancient Near Eastern History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School