DESCRIPTION
Although scholars have studied ancient Israel for centuries, their purpose has for much of that time been primarily to illuminate and clarify the biblical story. In
Biblical History and Israel's Past Megan Bishop Moore and Brad E. Kelle describe how scholars have increasingly begun in recent years to tell the story of ancient Israel and its neighbors on its own terms, using both biblical and extrabiblical sources without privileging the biblical perspective.
Moore and Kelle provide a comprehensive yet accessible survey of the ways in which the study of the Old Testament and Israel's past have progressed since the middle of the twentieth century -- trends that have till now been difficult for nonspecialists to access and follow. Beginning with the patriarchs and matriarchs, Moore and Kelle summarize major scholars, viewpoints, issues, and developments in the field of study for each major epoch of Israel's early history. Each chapter includes pull-boxes explaining key terms and concepts, discussion questions to deepen understanding, and suggestions for further reading.
REVIEWS
John H. Hayes
— coauthor of Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner's Handbook
"This excellent, comprehensive, and well-written volume will be an invaluable aid to students and an indispensable reference for scholars."
Philip Davies
— University of Sheffield
"The rapidly-changing scenario of 'biblical history' is certainly in need of a clear, balanced and comprehensive explanation. This book certainly fills that requirement, providing a first-class resource for the scholar and the student, and I can recommend no better book for a new generation of biblical historians. This book will not be standing on my bookshelf. It will lie permanently on my desk. I congratulate the authors on a splendid achievement."
Brent A. Strawn
— coauthor of Qumran Studies: New Approaches, New Questions
"In this highly readable and remarkably comprehensive study, Megan Moore and Brad Kelle have put all biblical scholars in their debt — whether they are specialists in the study of ancient and/or biblical history (the two are not the same, as they rightly point out) or not. The book is a one-stop shop in the changing state of the study of Israel's past since 1970, but it also includes Moore and Kelle's own judicious commentary and prognostications for the future. This volume is not to be missed!"