The World of Ancient Israel
Sociological, Anthropological and Political Perspectives

Ronald E. Clements (Author)

9780521423922, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 November 1991

452 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.66 kg

'An excellent collection of essays, reflecting a variety of methodological positions with regard to the interdisciplinary study of the Old Testement.' Theological Book Review

Encapsulating as it does research that has been undertaken on the sociological, anthropological and political aspects of the history of ancient Israel, this important book is designed to follow in the tradition of works in the series sponsored by The Society for Old Testament Study which began with the publication of The People and the Book in 1925. The World of Ancient Israel is especially concerned to explore in greater depth than comparable studies the areas and degrees of overlap between approaches to the subject of Old Testament research adopted by scholars and students of theology and the social sciences. Increasing numbers of scholars have recognised the valuable insights that can be gained from a cross-disciplinary approach, and it is becoming clear that the early biblical traditions about the formation of the Israelite state must be examined in the light of comparative anthropology if useful historical conclusions are to be drawn from them.

Preface
Contributors
Abbreviations
Part I. Introductory Perspectives: 1. Israel in its historical and cultural setting R. E. Clements
2. Anthropology and the Old Testament J. W. Rogerson
3. Sociology and the Old Testament A. D. H. Mayes
Part II. Israel: 4. Agriculture and patterns of settlement F. S. Frick
5. Israel as a tribal society J. D. Martin
6. Israelite kinship: the royal ideology and its opponents K. W. Whitelam
7. The concept of Israel in transition H. G. M. Williamson
8. The origins of the Jewish diaspora R. J. Coggins
Part III. Fundamental Institutions: 9. Ideas of law and legal administration: a semiotic approach B. S. Jackson
10. Prophecy and society R. P. Carroll
11. The social world of the Apocalyptic writers R. N. Whybray
12. The social world of the Apocalyptic writings P. R. Davies
Part IV. Ideas and Ideals: 13. Holiness and cult P. J. Budd
14. The concept of Holy War G. H. Jones
15. Covenant ideology in ancient Israel R. Davidson
16. Land, its rights and privileges E. W. Davies
17. Women in ancient Israel G. I. Emmerson
18. Life and death in the Old Testament M. A. Knibb.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]