The ten commandments
Subtitle: a short history of an ancient text
By: Michael Coogan
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 176
ISBN-13: 9780300178715
Subjects: Ten commandments; Criticism, interpretation
Other titles: 10 commandments
Description: "In this lively and provocative book, Michael Coogan guides readers into the ancient past to examine the iconic Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue. How, among all the laws reportedly given on Mount Sinai, did the Ten Commandments become "the" Ten Commandments? When did that happen? There are several versions of the Decalogue in the Old Testament, so how have different groups determined which is the most authoritative? Why were different versions created?"--book jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 153-154) and index.

Text in English.
Table of contents: title: The three biblical versions of the Ten Commandments; title: Idols and images; title: A contract sealed with blood; title: Which version of the Ten Commandments?; title: How old are the Ten Commandments?; title: Original meanings; title: Which laws are binding?; title: Up for grabs? The selective observance of the Ten Commandments; title: Honoring the Ten Commandments; title: An ancient treaty.