Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament
Subtitle: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
Publisher: Baker Academic
Published: November 1, 2006
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 368
ISBN-13: 9780801027505
Subjects: Relation to the Old Testament; Middle Eastern literature; Hebrew Literature; Old Testament Commentary; Religion; Religion - Commentaries / Reference; O.T; Biblical Criticism & Interpretation - Old Testament; Biblical Studies: Old Testament Backgrounds/Historical Studies/Archaeology, Old Testament General Studies; Religion / Bible / General; Bible; Comparative studies; Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible - Criticism  Interpretation - Old Testament
Description: This volume provides a thoughtful introduction to the literature of the ancient Near East and a well-considered apology for its importance to exegetical work. John Walton suggests that there are three important roles comparative studies can play in biblical interpretation: critical analysis, defense of the biblical text, and exegesis. He focuses particularly on the third aspect and its importance for preventing misinterpretation through the imposition of modern worldviews. In the main body of the text, Walton offers a thoughtful introduction to ancient Near Eastern literature and the "common cognitive environment" that it provides for understanding the world of ancient Israel. After surveying types of literature, he considers the perspectives they offer on beliefs about gods, religion, the cosmos, people, and history. Throughout his study, helpful comparative sidebars focus on Old Testament interpretation to illumine the continuities and discontinuities between the Israelites and their neighbors. This study provides an excellent introduction to the field of comparative studies and will be an important guide for students, scholars, and clergy who want to make use of extrabiblical resources to enrich their understanding of ancient Israel and its scriptures.