Exploring the Religion of Ancient Israel: Prophet, Priest, Sage and People (Exploring Christianity) - Softcover

Chalmers, Aaron

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0281064814 ISBN 13: 9780281064816

Publisher: SPCK, 2012

Synopsis

This book aims to give students an introduction to the religious and social world of ancient Israel. It consists of two parts. The first explores the major religious offices mentioned in the Old Testament, including prophets, priests, sages and kings. As well as considering what these key people said and did, the author traces the process someone might have gone through to become recognised as a prophet, priest or sage, and where you would have had to go in ancient Israel if you wanted to locate someone who held one of these offices. In the second part the focus is on the religious beliefs and practices of the "common" people as this was the group that made up the vast majority of ancient Israel's population.

About this title

Review

'Chalmers has provided students with a solid first step for navigating the complexities of the religion of ancient Israel. His sensitive distinctions between state religion (involving the experts) and family religion (as practiced by the common people) evidence his awareness of the current conversations and will be particularly helpful for those desiring to read the Old Testament in more informed ways.' --John Walton, author of The Lost World of Genesis One

'What did people such as priests and prophets do in Israel? How were they chosen and trained? How did ordinary people s relationship with God work out? This volume is a fine user-friendly guide to what we can learn about such questions from the Bible, from archaeology and from current scholarly theory.' --John Goldingay, Professor of Old Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California

'In Exploring the Religion of Ancient Israel, Aaron Chalmers offers an insightful and engaging study of Israelite religion. His attention to groundedness supports his analysis of the Hebrew Bible and his integration of relevant Near Eastern texts. Chalmers book is enriched by his judicious use of critically important material from Israel s rich archaeological heritage. The many illustrations, useful panels and more are valuable additions to this well-argued book, which answers critical questions both about what we know and about how we know it.' --Beth Alpert Nakhai, Associate Professor, Arizona Center for Judaic Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

From the Author

Aaron Chalmers is Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Tabor Adelaide - a multi-denominational, evangelical college located in Adelaide, South Australia.

About this edition

• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0281064814
• ISBN 13: 9780281064816
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176