Ancient Near East

This indispensable introduction clearly addresses the important and complex questions concerning Israel and the Old Testament’s relationship to the ancient Near East.

The cultures of the great empires of the ancient Near East from Egypt to Mesopotamia had a considerable influence on Israel’s religion, literature, and laws due to Israel’s geographic location and political situation.

Anyone who wishes to understand the Old Testament texts and the history of ancient Israel must become familiar with the history, literature, and society of the surrounding kingdoms that controlled the region at various times. Brief in presentation yet broad in scope, this book introduces students to the information and ideas essential to understanding the texts of the Old Testament while clarifying difficult issues concerning the relationship between Israel and its neighbors.