The World of Ancient Israel Sociological, Anthropological and Political Perspectives

This volume brings together work by scholars of international repute in order to explore fundamental questions about the kind of society we see reflected in the Bible. By adopting a cross-disciplinary approach, the various contributors recognise the valuable insights that can be gained when the social sciences are allowed to cross-fertilise with theology.

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.

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.