This well-known book is a vivid and engrossing account of the life story of ancient Israel from the time of the Exodus from Egypt to the eve of the Christian era. It analyses and interprets the familiar Biblical narrative in the context of our modern knowledge of the ancient world and it adopts no denominational standpoint. Fully revised and updated to take account of the latest archaeological findings and most recent changes in biblical interpretation this book will remain a major work of scholarship.
Introduction: the Old Testament as the story of a people. Part 1 The creation of a people: the beginnings of Israel; liberation from bondage; covenant in the wilderness; the promised land; the formation of an all-Israelite epic; the struggle between faith and culture. Part 2 Israel becomes like the nations: the throne of David; prophetic troublers of Israel; fallen is the virgin Israel; Judah's covenant with death; the rediscovery of Mosaic Torah; the doom of the nation. Part 3 The covenant community is renewed: by the waters of Babylon; the dawn of a new age; a kingdom of priests; the praises of Israel; the beginning of wisdom; the unfulfilled drama. Chronological chart. Select bibliography. Author index. Subject index.
