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The Bible and the Ancient Near East
This up-to-date revision of a classic work draws on the latest archaeological and linguistic research to fill in the historical realities behind the great stories of the Bible. This account of the historical context for the Hebrew Bible explores the diverse origins of such stories as the creation and the flood in the cultures of the ancient Near East. The authors show the striking parallels in the foundational stories told in the Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Hebrew cultures of the time.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 18, 2014
This is a highly fascinating book that gives an alternate take on Biblical stories. How is it alternative? By stripping all vestiges of spirituality out of the Bible. Dr. Gordon believes that most of the stories in the Bible are true, but he provides rational, naturalistic explanations for miracles and belief in God. According to him, Israel's belief in Yahwe [his spelling] evolved over time from the stew of religions and gods that existed in the Ancient Near East. In an ironic twist, Dr. Gordon states that Biblical stories should be taken at face value (instead of reading them allegorically), but then goes ahead and dismisses as fanciful every time God speaks to someone.
It seems that most books about the Bible are either rabidly in support of or in denial of the Biblical claims. Dr. Gordon stands as something of an anomaly in that he supports the Bible as a historical document based on historical occurrences, but completely denies the validity of the spiritual claims of Israel. It is as if an atheist has written a book supporting the Bible: the framework is pronounced factual, but the flesh and blood, the heart of the matter, is claimed as fiction.
This book is fascinating, even if aggravating, and provides a very good analysis of the context in which the Bible was written. Many surprising facts are revealed, and the wealth of research that has gone into the book gives it an air of authority.
It seems that most books about the Bible are either rabidly in support of or in denial of the Biblical claims. Dr. Gordon stands as something of an anomaly in that he supports the Bible as a historical document based on historical occurrences, but completely denies the validity of the spiritual claims of Israel. It is as if an atheist has written a book supporting the Bible: the framework is pronounced factual, but the flesh and blood, the heart of the matter, is claimed as fiction.
This book is fascinating, even if aggravating, and provides a very good analysis of the context in which the Bible was written. Many surprising facts are revealed, and the wealth of research that has gone into the book gives it an air of authority.
January 11, 2019
Bit of a fib really, didn't finish it, but got half way through, and got the gist of it. Very interesting, putting the Bible stories and putting them in historical context. However, not really that interested in the Bible stories, so finished early.
The gist was that the Bible stories were part of the stories and customs within the Near East, often incorporating parts from nearby civilisations, mainly the dominant ones, particularly Egypt. Noah's Ark bears comparison with Gilgamesh for example
The gist was that the Bible stories were part of the stories and customs within the Near East, often incorporating parts from nearby civilisations, mainly the dominant ones, particularly Egypt. Noah's Ark bears comparison with Gilgamesh for example
December 3, 2025
A very detailed exploration of ancient near eastern history and where the bible fits in. I learned a great deal about civilizations that overlapped and predated biblical texts. I would have given it five stars, but it is so detailed that it is hard to read at times. However, it provides superb background for anyone interested in that time period for biblical studies.
October 15, 2013
I had the privilege of taking two courses with Dr. Rendsburg, and my biggest regret about college is not taking more. This book complements the courses I took (although it wasn't our textbook) and it's been a joy reading about everything discussed in class.
Dr. Rendsburg and Dr. Gordon's approach will not satisfy those who want a literal approach to the Biblical text. For anyone who wants the Biblical stories placed in a historical context, however, this work will do exactly that. By matching elements of the Biblical text to ancient near eastern documents and history, the Biblical stories are placed into the greater context of their times, which I find extremely enlightening. Find out why dream interpretation occurs in Daniel and Joseph and nowhere else; learn how the patriarchs' family structure fits exactly into the legal construction of the family and land inheritance as described in texts from Ugarit; follow the understanding of the God of Israel from the chief god among many to the only God.
The authors treat the Bible with great respect, searching out the historical facts, illuminating where epic tradition colors the text, and relating the growth of Judaism to the political, social, and literary climate of the times in which it was written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a greater appreciation of either the Bible or the ancient world.
Dr. Rendsburg and Dr. Gordon's approach will not satisfy those who want a literal approach to the Biblical text. For anyone who wants the Biblical stories placed in a historical context, however, this work will do exactly that. By matching elements of the Biblical text to ancient near eastern documents and history, the Biblical stories are placed into the greater context of their times, which I find extremely enlightening. Find out why dream interpretation occurs in Daniel and Joseph and nowhere else; learn how the patriarchs' family structure fits exactly into the legal construction of the family and land inheritance as described in texts from Ugarit; follow the understanding of the God of Israel from the chief god among many to the only God.
The authors treat the Bible with great respect, searching out the historical facts, illuminating where epic tradition colors the text, and relating the growth of Judaism to the political, social, and literary climate of the times in which it was written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a greater appreciation of either the Bible or the ancient world.
July 20, 2020
This is a Great read! The original by Gordon was very good, but this edition (4th) is even better. It lets you understand Hebrew literature in the context of similar writings of other societies. Reading the Bible as literature aids in gaining an appreciation for the historical situations. The entire corpus of the Old Testament fits between the Armana Age and the Hellenistic Age. This firmly places it within its milieu.
March 1, 2025
Fun first book about the ancient near east and the Bible. Although the scholarship is mildly biased it brings up some fun thoughts. I will be grateful it got me into deeper waters in the field of study regarding the Bible.
January 29, 2009
This book was a tough read. I found the authors to be condescending and dismissive of any ideas or theories different than their own.
July 20, 2013
As dry as any history book, but interesting and seemingly objective. Encouraging enough to consider my interest in the study.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews