Table of Contents 1
Cover
4
Figures
5
Maps
6
Main Discussions/Outlines of Biblical Books
Where to Find Basic Information on Biblical Books
7
Preface to the First Edition
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
10
Overview of the Historical Period
11
Timeline
12
Prologue
The Bible as a Complex Product of Many Hands
The Different Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity
Becoming an Informed User of a Contemporary Bible Translation
Conclusion on Critically Analyzing a Page of Your Own Bible
CHAPTER REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
APPENDIX 1: TRANSLATION AND PARAPHRASE COMPARISON OF ISA 52:13–15
APPENDIX 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECT ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE
13
1 Studying the Bible in its Ancient Context(s)
Academic Study of the Bible
The Geography and Major Characters of the Biblical Drama
Major Periods in the Biblical Drama
Multiple Contexts, Multiple Methods
Conclusion
CHAPTER ONE REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
APPENDIX: ISRAEL’S HISTORY AND EMPIRES
14
2 The Emergence of Ancient Israel and its First Oral Traditions
Imagining Early Israel
Problems in Reconstructing Early Israel
FOCUS TEXT: The Song of Deborah (Judges 5) as a Window to Ancient Tribal Israel
Ancient Israel and Israelites
The Oral Background of Genesis
Exodus
Conclusion: The Creation of “Israel” Through Cultural Memory of Resistance to Domination
CHAPTER TWO REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
15
3 Beginnings of the Monarchy and Royal and Zion Texts
Imagining Early Monarchal Israel
The Rise of the Israelite Monarchy and Resistance to It
The Story of David’s Succession
Influence of Ancient Empires on Early Israel’s Monarchy and Writings
Echoes of Near Eastern Royal Theology in the Royal and Zion Psalms
CHAPTER THREE REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
16
4 Interlude
Echoes of Texts from Earlier Empires in Writings Attributed to Solomon
FOCUS TEXT: The Speech of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8
Echoes of Texts from Earlier Empires Elsewhere in the Bible
FOCUS TEXT: The Garden of Eden Story (Gen 2:4–3:24)
Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
17
5 Narrative and Prophecy Amidst the Rise and Fall of The Northern Kingdom
Setting the Stage: The Rise of the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Its Texts
Ancient Near Eastern Prophecy
Amos, Prophet of Justice
Hosea, the Northern Prophet, Calling for Israel’s Devotion to Yahweh Alone
Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE REVIEW
RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY
