Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament
Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
John H. Walton
Baker Academic
Grand Rapids, Michigan
I would like to acknowledge the important roles played by my student assistants over the years that this book was in process: Caryn Reeder, Liz Klassen, Melissa Moore, and Alyssa Walker. This book would have been poorer without their able assistance in editing at various levels.
© 2006 by John H. Walton
Published by Baker Academic
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Walton, John H., 1952–
Ancient Near Eastern thought and the Old Testament: introducing the conceptual world of the Hebrew Bible / John H. Walton.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
ISBN 10: 0-8010-2750-0 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-0-8010-2750-5 (pbk.)
1. Middle Eastern literature—Relation to the Old Testament. 2. Bible. O.T.—Criticism, interpretation, etc. 3. Bible. O.T.—Comparative studies. 4. Bible. O.T.—Extra-canonical parallels. I. Title.
BS1171.3.W35 2006
221.6′7—dc22
2006022891
Photos supplied by Zev Radovan, Land of the Bible Photo Archive, Jerusalem.
2 Comparative Studies, Scholarship, and Theology
Part 2 Literature of the Ancient Near East
3 Summary of the Literature of the Ancient Near East
9 Understanding the Past: Human Origins and Role
10 Understanding the Past: Historiography
11 Encountering the Present: Guidance for Life—Divination and Omens
12 Encountering the Present: Context of Life—Cities and Kingship
13 Encountering the Present: Guidelines for Life—Law and Wisdom
14 Pondering the Future on Earth and after Death
Photos
2 Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III
7 Mesopotamian Relief: Worshiper in Presence of Deity
14 Babylonian Map of the World
17 Thutmose III—List of Defeated Kings
19 Lachish Letter Referring to a Prophet
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About Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew BibleThis volume provides a thoughtful introduction to the literature of the ancient Near East and a well-considered apology for its importance to exegetical work. John Walton suggests that there are three important roles comparative studies can play in biblical interpretation: critical analysis, defense of the biblical text, and exegesis. He focuses particularly on the third aspect and its importance for preventing misinterpretation through the imposition of modern worldviews. In the main body of the text, Walton offers a thoughtful introduction to ancient Near Eastern literature and the “common cognitive environment” that it provides for understanding the world of ancient Israel. After surveying types of literature, he considers the perspectives they offer on beliefs about gods, religion, the cosmos, people, and history. Throughout his study, helpful comparative sidebars focus on Old Testament interpretation to illumine the continuities and discontinuities between the Israelites and their neighbors. This study provides an excellent introduction to the field of comparative studies and will be an important guide for students, scholars, and clergy who want to make use of extrabiblical resources to enrich their understanding of ancient Israel and its scriptures. |
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