Product Overview
Step into the world of the Hebrew Bible and discover how the contexts of the people who lived in it illuminate and deepen our understanding of the Scriptures.
In Ancient Israel and Judah, Beth Tanner takes readers on a compelling journey through the historical and cultural landscapes of ancient Israel and Judah, bringing the Hebrew Bible to life in an approachable manner yet to be achieved.
An essential guide for anyone new to biblical study, this book bridges the divide between traditional religious interpretations and academic study, empowering readers to grasp the Bible’s theological themes in their full historical richness. From the origins of the Genesis narratives to the dramatic period of the Maccabees, Tanner skillfully distills centuries of history and complex concepts into an accessible and engaging narrative with relatable insights, offering clarity and context without overwhelming detail.
Through an introduction to historical criticism and literary paradigms, readers learn to navigate the Bible’s poetic verses, sagas, and narratives with fresh eyes. Addressing modern misconceptions about biblical history, Tanner reveals how understanding the ancient world enhances both critical and faith-based readings of Scripture. With newfound insight, readers of this book will:
- learn why history and context are essential to any interpretation; how historical events are part of the Bible but why history is not its primary purpose, thus alleviating perceived conflicts within the text
- develop an understanding of the story of the Israelites within the history of the ancient world as well as the other groups the people of the Bible encountered
- read the biblical texts with knowledge about the life and worship practices of the people for whom the biblical texts were intended
Moreover, the book’s unique inclusion of the often-overlooked late historical period (1000–33 BCE) sets the stage for the New Testament, offering vital context for students of all levels. Complete with charts, maps, and a glossary, Ancient Israel and Judah is more than a history book—it’s a road map to deeper biblical understanding.
Reviews
"In Ancient Israel and Judah, Tanner expertly guides the reader through complex issues in biblical scholarship while thoughtfully and conscientiously bridging the gap between faith-based, application-oriented approaches that tend to center the contemporary reader and contextualizing methods that biblical scholars use. The result is an accessible introduction to the history and culture of the Hebrew Bible that is both rich and engaging! Maps, charts, and images significantly enhance the presentation and clarity of the book."
—Rebecca Harris, Associate Professor of Bible, Messiah University
"It's often said that 'a text without a context is a pretext.' Finally, we have a book that presents the historical and cultural contexts of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible with sensitivity, clarity, and expertise. Students and teachers alike will welcome this volume, and I predict that pretexts will become less common as a result."
—Carol M. Bechtel, retired Professor of Old Testament, Western Theological Seminary
"Providing a succinct outline of the major historical events and cultural issues that undergird the Hebrew Bible, Tanner's compact and readable book brings to life the stories in the Hebrew text. As such, Tanner's work offers an accessible and engaging introduction to the study of the Hebrew Scriptures."
—Song-Mi Suzie Park, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
"Tanner's work fills a need for an introduction to the critical study of the Hebrew Bible for undergraduates and seminary students by focusing on the political, social, and material cultures that helped to shape these texts. Her prose reflects an engaging style, deals with foundational issues honestly, and reflects an erudite synthesis of the cultural milieus of the ancient world."
—James Nogalski, W. Marshall and Lulie Craig Professor of Hebrew Bible, Baylor University
"Finally, a handy, accessible history book written for students encountering the academic study of the Bible for the first time! Beth LaNeel Tanner's textbook is more than a primer; it is a rich and thought-provoking review of the historical and cultural issues that any seminary student must face in an introductory course. Developed and refined from her many years of teaching, Tanner proves to be an eminently reliable guide, both sensitive and challenging. Her textbook serves as the ideal invitation to delve deeply into the world behind the biblical text with an eye toward what lies beyond."
—William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary
"Studying the history behind the Bible can be perplexing, unsettling, and theologically challenging, especially for new students. With more than two decades of experience teaching, Tanner knows the most pressing questions, concerns, misconceptions, and biases that readers are sure to bring. More importantly, she knows how to address them. In this book, Tanner brings together established scholarship, new discoveries, her awareness of the limits of historical inquiry, and the contentions in charged debates about the history behind the Old Testament. Thankfully, she packages it in a way that is sensitive to students and to the real people who lived in the ancient world. One could not hope for a better balance of critical investigation and compassion."
—Justin Michael Reed, Associate Professor of Old Testament, Louisville Seminary