Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible

Leading evangelical scholar John Walton surveys the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bringing insight to the interpretation of specific Old Testament passages. This new edition of a top-selling textbook has been thoroughly updated and revised throughout to reflect the refined thinking of a mature scholar. It includes over 30 illustrations. Students and pastors who want to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament will find this a helpful and instructive study.

• Contents
• Part 1: Comparative Studies
  • 1. History and Methods
  • 2. Comparative Studies, Scholarship, and Theology
• Part 2: Literature of the Ancient Near East
  • 3. Summary of the Literature of the Ancient Near East
• Part 3: Religion
  • 4. The Gods
  • 5. Temples and Rituals
  • 6. State and Family Religion
• Part 4: Cosmos
  • 7. Cosmic Geography
  • 8. Cosmology and Cosmogony
• Part 5: People
  • 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
• Concluding Remarks
• Appendix: Individual Gods
• Indexes