In light of these concerns, we must recognize that the rise of ancient Israel was complex, not comprehensible in terms of simply one factor. While looking at the process through Braudelian time scales is helpful, one should not slight the important political and individualistic ingredients. It was a long process of infiltration, transformation, and realignment. The biblical text indicates the inclusion of different groups (e.g., Josh. 9; Judg. 4:11). In addition, the lack of conquest accounts