Define Books Toward Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
Original Title: | Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible |
ISBN: | 0801027500 (ISBN13: 9780801027505) |
Edition Language: | English |
John H. Walton
Paperback | Pages: 368 pages Rating: 4.21 | 483 Users | 53 Reviews
Commentary In Pursuance Of Books 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. 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.
Be Specific About Out Of Books Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
Title | : | Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible |
Author | : | John H. Walton |
Book Format | : | Paperback |
Book Edition | : | Deluxe Edition |
Pages | : | Pages: 368 pages |
Published | : | April 5th 2012 by Baker Academic (first published November 1st 2006) |
Categories | : | History. Christianity. Old Testament. Religion. Theology. Nonfiction. Christian |
Rating Out Of Books Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
Ratings: 4.21 From 483 Users | 53 ReviewsCritique Out Of Books Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
This is a more technical look at the ancient Near East, but a worthwhile endeavor. Walton isn't attempting to be devotional here, nor is he looking to create an apologetic tone. He is pointing out two things: how the ancient Near Eastern cultures thought about life (as best we can tell), and how Isreal either aligned or departed from those views.There are many illuminating moments here. Several times I found myself recalling texts in the OT and seeing the correlation between the Hebrews andSimply put, Walton wants to 'have his cake and eat it too.' He wants to use critical scholarship, but completely ignore their implications because of his theological presuppositions. I genuinely don't believe that I've seen anything like it. It's incredibly annoying!Take, for example, the concept of the Divine Council, as this is a topic that I've done a bit of work in. Walton will quote Miller's 'Cosmology and World Order in the Old Testament: The Divine Council as Cosmic-Political Symbol' when
This is a very helpful Old Testament background text. By comparing the literature of Israel with that of other ANE peoples, Dr. Walton provides a clearer lens through which to view the writings of the Old Testament. Even when I did not agree that the data he presented supported his conclusion, I found the thought process and information presented to be useful. This book will be a helpful reference in the future and has encouraged me to read more in the genre.
I cannot recall when or why I added this book to my reading list it was probably footnoted in some other book I had read but it resided there for quite some time before I finally picked it up. I even began reading it about six months ago and got sidetracked reading other things. So I was pleasantly surprised when I finally worked my way through this book. It is an academic work, but for the most part does not read like one.In this book, Walton does a comparative study of the Old Testament
In this book, John Walton brings together research from contemporary scholars of Mesopotamian, Egyptian and other Ancient Near Eastern cultures and does a comparison of the similarities and differences between the beliefs of these cultures and the culture of the Hebrew people as reflected in the Old Testament. A very good resource in comparative studies, not too academically inclined. Will need to buy the physical book as the ebook doesn't contain the pictures and images he references due to
Walton takes a fresh approach to the Old Testament by looking at the worldview of the Ancient Near Eastern cultures that intersected with the biblical peoples. Throughout the book he shows how the biblical worldview either adapts or contrasts with the views current in society. In particular he looks at the biblical view of history, literature, religion, creation and human life. A great book which introduces the conceptual world in which the Old Testament was written.
What a scholarly work ! I love the sections at the end of each topics which shows the similarities and differences between Israel and other ANE cultures. Truly, Israel is unique ! and it is so in that they were always all about one thing : the proper worship of the Only One deity of Israelm and his holiness. Marvelous !
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