The Hebrew Bible and History: Critical Readings

These critical readings explore the history of ancient Israel, from the Late Bronze Age to the Persian period, as it relates to the Bible. Selected by one of the world’s leading scholars of biblical history, the texts are drawn from a range of highly respected international scholars, and from a variety of historical and religious perspectives, presenting the key voices of the debate in one convenient volume.

Divided into five sections — each featuring an introduction by Lester Grabbe — the volume first covers general methodological principles, before following the chronology of Israel’s earliest history. This includes two sections on specific case studies: the reforms of Josiah and the wall of Nehemiah.

A final chapter summarises many of the historical principles that emerge in the course of studying Israelite history, and an annotated bibliography points researchers towards further readings and engagements with these key themes.

The Hebrew Bible and History: Critical Readings is an essential resource for those wishing to deepen their understanding of biblical and historical scholarship.