The Land Before The Kingdom Of Israel

In The “God of Israel” in History and Tradition, Michael Stahl examines the historical and ideological significances of the formulaic title “god of Israel” (’elohe yisra’el) in the Hebrew Bible using critical theory on social power and identity.

A significant achievement, this book moves our understanding of the history of Israel forward as dramatically as John Bright's A History of Israel, Martin Noth's History of Israel, and William F. Albright's From the Stone Age ot Cristianity did at an earlier period.

This groundbreaking volume presents a new translation of the text and detailed interpretation of almost every word or phrase in the book of Judges, drawing from archaeology and iconography, textual versions, biblical parallels, and extrabiblical texts, many never noted before. Archaeology also serves to show how a story of the Iron II period employed visible ruins to narrate supposedly early events from the so-called "period of the Judges." The synchronic analysis for each unit sketches its characters and main themes, as well as other literary dynamics. The diachronic, redactional analysis shows the shifting settings of units as well as their development, commonly due to their inner-textual reception and reinterpretation. The result is a remarkably fresh historical-critical treatment of 1:1-10:5.--Publisher's description.

This book provides a roadmap within which one may find a deeper understanding of God''s grand plan for mankind. It describes His creation schemes, and the majesty of man - reflecting on his direction, history, and responsibilities. It defines in an understanding way the selection and plan for the family God chose to represent Him here on earth, delineatiing their sojourn history, their development, accomplishments, perils, downfall, and resurection to current day status, . It describes the chosen family''s decision process within which their sinful ways and activities led to varying degrees of punishment. But yet, it gives them renewed hope for achieving God''s plan for mankind through the reiterating process of God''s word. It gives a description of the Holy land, its boundaries, and tribal allocations, describing what it was in Joshua''s time and what it is yet to be. Delineating that parcel of land which is yet to be totally set aside and allocated for the sole purpose and use by The Lord God in support of the holy city of Jerusalem (The Lord Is There) and Holy Temple where He will reign here on earth for 1,000 years. It speaks of the first resurrection and the second coming of The Lord Jesus Christ, His reign on earth, the second resurrection after the 1,000 year reign of The Lord, and final judgment of mankind by Him. A Chronology of events relating to Israel''s wellbeing is provided, and a Time Table delineating dates of specific events is also attached. It is with prayer and hope that all readers will find this book of special value, educational, and of profound benifit for all.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1883.