Review Essay: The History of Israel Contested and Revised (original) (raw)
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The first part of this paper provides some insights into the problematic nature of the genre "history of ancient Israel", both in terms of historiography and of historical epistemology. It is argued that the concept "history of ancient Israel" is essentially valid within a particular modern theological or biblical historiographical context. As such, this history of ancient Israel may indeed progress and generate new understandings but is nonetheless seriously limited by its main concern with "biblical Israel". It is also proposed that in order to overcome these thematic and epistemological historical limitations, a wider history of ancient Palestine or the Southern Levant should be envisioned, into which to understand the epigraphic and archaeological realia of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, together with other contemporary polities in the region, and the later development of biblical traditions and texts. The second part of the paper addresses questions of ethnogenesis, socio-political organization and identity in the light of the previous discussion, setting the stage for an alternative history of Israel and other historical realities in ancient Palestine.
Towards a New History of Israel
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, 2001
The so-called "historical-critical" school that created a universe of its own dubbed "ancient Israel" has dominated the last two hundred years of biblical studies. The texts of the Old Testament-in some circles called "the Hebrew Bible"-were believed to refer to an "ancient Israel" thought to be a historical reality. Already at an early stage of the development of historical-critical methodology scholars accepted that the Old Testament was not simply a history book-or textbook-that told the truth and nothing but the truth about ancient Israel. In accordance with developments within the field of general history this was not considered an insurmountable problem to biblical scholars. Historians began in the early 19th century to develop methods of source criticism that enabled them-or so they believed-to make a distinction between real information and secondary expansion. In the words of the leading historian of this period, Johann Gustav Droysen (1808-84), the historian had to distinguish between "Bericht", that is story or interpretation, and "Überreste", that is, what is left of historical information. In every part of the historical narrative in the Old Testament, it would, according to this view, be possible to make a distinction between information that originates in the past, and additions and commentaries to this information from a later period. 2 2.1 Let me quote as an example of such a source analysis the story about Sennacherib's attack on Jerusalem in 701 B.C.E.: Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which you puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. (2 Kgs. 18:13-16; KJV)
Ancient Israel's History: An Introduction to Issues and Sources
2014
The history of Israel is a much-debated topic in Old Testament studies. On one side are minimalists who find little of historical value in the Hebrew Bible. On the other side are those who assume the biblical text is a precise historical record. Many serious students of the Bible find themselves between these two positions and would benefit from a careful exploration of issues in Israelite history. This substantive history of Israel textbook values the Bible's historical contribution without overlooking critical issues and challenges. Featuring the latest scholarship, the book introduces students to the current state of research on issues relevant to the study of ancient Israel. The editors and contributors, all top biblical scholars and historians, discuss historical evidence in a readable manner, using both canonical and chronological lenses to explore Israelite history. Contents Preface Bill T. Arnold and Richard S. Hess Introduction: Foundations for a History of Israel Richard S. Hess 1. The Genesis Narratives Bill T. Arnold 2. The Exodus and Wilderness Narratives James K. Hoffmeier 3. Covenant and Treaty in the Hebrew Bible and in the Ancient Near East Samuel Greengus 4. Early Israel and Its Appearance in Canaan Lawson G. Stone 5. The Judges and the Early Iron Age Robert D. Miller II 6. The Story of Samuel, Saul, and David Daniel Bodi 7. United Monarchy: Archaeology and Literary Sources Steven M. Ortiz 8. The Biblical Prophets in Historiography James K. Mead 9. Late Tenth- and Ninth-Century Issues: Ahab Underplayed? Jehoshaphat Overplayed? Kyle Greenwood 10. Eighth-Century Issues: The World of Jeroboam II, the Fall of Samaria, and the Reign of Hezekiah Sandra Richter 11. Judah in the Seventh Century: From the Aftermath of Sennacherib's Invasion to the Beginning of Jehoiakim's Rebellion Brad E. Kelle 12. Sixth-Century Issues Peter van der Veen 13. Fifth- and Fourth-Century Issues: Governorship and Priesthood in Jerusalem André Lemaire 14. The Hellenistic Period David A. deSilva Indexes