Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
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....
Search in google:
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.
Part 1: Comparative Studies1. History and Methods 2. Comparative Studies, Scholarship, and TheologyPart 2: Literature of the Ancient Near East3. Summary of the Literature of the Ancient Near EastPart 3: Religion4. The Gods 5. Temples and Rituals6. State and Family ReligionPart 4: Cosmos7. Cosmic Geography8. Cosmology and CosmogonyPart 5: People9. Understanding the Past: Human Origins and Role10. Understanding the Past: Historiography 11. Encountering the Present: Guidance for Life--Divination and Omens12. Encountering the Present: Context of Life--Cities and Kingship13. Encountering the Present: Guidelines for Life--Law and Wisdom14. Pondering the Future on Earth and after Death Postscript
