Ancient near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament : Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible

by Walton, John H.

• ISBN13: 9780801027505
• ISBN10: 0801027500
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-11-01
• Publisher: Baker Academic

Summary

Much of the Old Testament seems strange to contemporary readers. However, as we begin to understand how ancient people viewed the world, the Old Testament becomes more clearly a book that stands within its ancient context as it also speaks against it. John Walton provides here a thoughtful introduction to the conceptual world of the ancient Near East. Walton surveys the literature of the ancient Near East and introduces the reader to a variety of beliefs about God, religion, and the world. In helpful sidebars, he provides examples of how such studies can bring insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.

Author Biography

John H. Walton (PhD, Hebrew Union College) is professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including A Survey of the Old Testament, Old Testament Today, and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	7	(2)
Acknowledgments	9	(1)
Abbreviations	10	(5)
Part 1 Comparative Studies
History and Methods	15	(14)
Comparative Studies, Scholarship, and Theology	29	(14)
Part 2 Literature of the Ancient Near East
Summary of the Literature of the Ancient Near East	43	(44)
Part 3 Religion
The Gods	87	(26)
Temples and Rituals	113	(22)
State and Family Religion	135	(30)
Part 4 Cosmos
Cosmic Geography	165	(14)
Cosmology and Cosmogony	179	(24)
Part 5 People
Understanding the Past: Human Origins and Role	203	(14)
Understanding the Past: Historiography	217	(22)
Encountering the Present: Guidance for Life---Divination and Omens	239	(36)
Encountering the Present: Context of Life---Cities and Kingship	275	(12)
Encountering the Present: Guidelines for Life---Law and Wisdom	287	(26)
Pondering the Future on Earth and after Death	313	(18)
Postscript	331	(4)
Appendix	335	(8)
Bibliography	343	(8)
Scripture Index	351	(3)
Foreign Words Index	354	(2)
Modern Author Index	356	(5)
Ancient Literature Index	361	(3)
Subject Index	364