Ancient Israel`s History – An Introduction to Issues and Sources

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.

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

About the Author :
Bill T. Arnold (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He is the author or editor of nine books and coauthor (with Bryan E. Beyer) of Encountering the Old Testament. Richard S. Hess (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is Earl S. Kalland Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado, and editor of the Denver Journal. He is the author or editor of more than twenty-five books, including Israelite Religions and Song of Songs in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms.