Ancient Israel's History

“[This book] introduces readers to the current state of research relevant to the study of Israel. It also offers a balanced look at several debated topics in Old Testament studies, such as the historical value of the Hebrew Bible.”—CBA Retailers + Resources

“An excellent new resource for those interested in taking seriously all the evidence, both biblical and extrabiblical, bearing on the history of ancient Israel and in thinking carefully about how to weigh that evidence and integrate it into a coherent account.”—Iain Provan, Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies, Regent College, Vancouver

“An engaging examination of the current state of research, Ancient Israel’s History finely balances the biblical text and extrabiblical sources while exploring critical interpretive issues and methodological questions. It is comprehensive and readable and will be a valuable addition to the library of students and researchers alike. This volume will be part of my students’ curriculum.”—Lissa M. Wray Beal, professor of Old Testament and chair of the seminary Bible and Theology Department, Providence University College and Theological Seminary

“In this incredibly thorough volume, an international and esteemed team of contributors offer us exactly what was promised: a state-of-the-art review of research relating to the history of ancient Israel. In fifteen essays that consider the history of scholarship on topics ranging from ancient Israelite history to Genesis to Alexander the Great and that leave nary a stone unturned, this book picks its way between the Scylla of overwrought skepticism and the Charybdis of naïve fideism. The result is a copiously documented, user-friendly, and up-to-date treatment that will prove to be a most useful textbook for both introductory students and seasoned teachers alike. I plan on having it close by.”—Brent A. Strawn, professor of Old Testament, Emory University

“A superb collection orienting readers to historical data and debates relevant to ancient Israel—judiciously weighed, accessibly presented.”—Mark J. Boda, professor of Old Testament, McMaster Divinity College; professor, Faculty of Theology, McMaster University

“Debates surrounding the history of ancient Israel are lively these days, making this new volume most welcome. Substantive essays penned by leading authorities in their respective subject areas not only provide convenient summaries of available evidence—biblical, archaeological, contextual, etc.—but also offer mature reflections on what all this evidence means for the historian. The attractiveness of the volume is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous charts, maps, photos, and sidebars. To have so much learning and sensible analysis collected in one volume is a significant achievement, and all involved in the project are to be congratulated on a job well done. I shall be recommending this book!”—V. Philips Long, professor of Old Testament, Regent College, Vancouver

“This is an outstanding work that will provide students and scholars alike with a fine introduction to the multifaceted issues and sources that are crucial to interpreting and reconstructing a history of ancient Israel. This is achieved through an impressive cadre of scholars contributing their individual expertise. Yet, the volume is very readable, and Arnold and Hess should be congratulated for their labors.”—K. Lawson Younger Jr., professor of Old Testament, Semitic Languages, and Ancient Near Eastern History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“Those who take the Bible seriously have been subjected to continual attack as skeptics make their accusations concerning the historical unreliability of the Old Testament. The search for scholarly responses has often been futile, but that is no longer the case. The information in this book, provided by an exemplary team of scholars, will arm readers with ways to answer skeptics. Equipped with these insightful investigations of the biblical text and the ancient world, readers can now offer an informed defense of the historical credibility of the Old Testament. This tool should become well worn as readers glean the vital information it provides.”—John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College