A substantial revision to a classroom favoriteExplore the literature, history, and social context of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and their relevance for making sense of this ancient collection. This significant revision of a classroom standard pays particular attention to the original Mediterranean context--how it differs from modern Western culture--and its importance for interpretation. The significance of critical scholarly methods as well as the value of archaeology are likewise explored. Designed with the realities of the classroom in mind, it includes helpful illustrations, insets, and maps; study questions; a glossary; and indexes of subjects, personal and place names, and Scripture citations.

Product Description: This volume from the 101 Questions & Answers series, on the historical books of the Bible, provides easy to understand answers to commonly asked questions. In some cases this means going into depth on a biblical narrative such as Why did Samuel challenge or condemn Saul s leadership on several occasions? or Why does Jeremiah counsel the people of Jerusalem to accept the yoke of Babylon ?" In other cases, basic information is provided that assists the reader with background or social world details, such as What influence do topography and climate have on Israel s history? or What weapons and warfare tactics were used by the Israelites and their opponents? In some cases the volume outlines brief summaries of historical events or the major nations and peoples that have an impact on the history of ancient Israel: What role is played by the Sea Peoples in Israelite history? or Who are the Amalekites and what role do they play in Israelite history? Rounding out the collection are questions on the structure and plot of each of the historical books...read more

This striking new contribution to gender studies demonstrates the essential role of Israelite and Near East law in the historical analysis of gender. The theme of these studies of Babylonian, Hittite, Assyrian, and Israelite law is this: What is the significance of gender in the formulation of ancient law and custom? Feminist scholarship is enriched by these studies in family history and the status of women in antiquity. At the same time, conventional legal history is repositioned, as new and classical texts are interpreted from the vantage point of feminist theory and social history. Papers from SBL Biblical Law Section form the core of this collection.

Product Description: More than a simple exchange of words, conversations in the biblical narratives offer an array of clues that define the characters and their relationships, the setting, and the language they employ. Using current critical communication theories from a number of fields -- anthropology, sociology, psychology, and literary studies -- Victor Matthews analyzes such biblical conversations as the interchanges between Judah and Tamar, Moses and Jethro's back-and-forth, Ezra's public address, and the dialogues recorded in Daniel...read more

Product Description: Commonly asked questions that will help readers to more quickly gain a basic understanding of the biblical world and the role of the prophets.

Product Description: - How did the Exile change Israel's religious life?- Why would Lot even think of throwing his daughters to a mob?- What exactly were the differences between Herodians, Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes?Lots of questions crop up when you read the Bible...read more

Product Description: Takes a look at the most prominent social institutions of the world of early Israel, and the period of the monarchy, and then shows how proper understanding of these social institutions is essential for sound biblical interpretation.

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Product Description: Bringing to life the world portrayed in the stories in Judges and Ruth, this commentary offers readers an "insider" perspective on the narratives. After establishing a cultural and literary context, Victor Matthews analyzes each episode separately and as a whole. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: "Social World of the Hebrew Prophets" is an introduction to the Hebrew Prophets and the social world of which they spoke. Matthews examines ancient Israel s prophets chronologically, providing sketches of their historical contexts...read more

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Product Description: Victor Matthews explores four dominant themes in the Hebrew Bible: covenant, remnant, universalism, and wisdom. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: A collection of freshly translated, ancient Near Eastern stories, laws, and official records, which relate to and help illumine the world of the Bible. Students and scholars will appreciate the interactive capabilities, as well as the ease with which they can search out specifics and take notes and reproduce text with the copy and paste function...read more

Product Description: • How did the Exile change Israel's religious life?• Why would Lot even think of throwing his daughters to a mob?• What exactly were the differences between Herodians, Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes?Lots of questions crop up when you read the Bible...read more