The God of Israel: Studies of an Inimitable Deity (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications)

£37.29
Save £49

Cambridge University Press, 4/19/2007
EAN 9780521873659, ISBN10: 0521873657

Hardcover, 326 pages, 23.6 x 16 x 2.5 cm
Language: English

In the ancient Near East the God of Israel stands unique; he is the central character of the Old Testament. The collection of essays in this volume presents the historical background against which belief in him developed and discusses aspects of the topic that remain unresolved or largely unaddressed. What was he like? How does he differ from other gods of the ancient world? And what difference does the worship of this god make, both in the world of the Bible and now? The papers presented contribute to the continuing discussion about the God of Israel and other deities in the ancient Near East, and the emergence of monotheistic belief and worship. A multifaceted approach is adopted in which comparative, theological, historical, literary-critical, cultural, narratological, canonical, exegetical and ethical issues feature prominently.

Part I. General Perspectives
1. Introducing the God of Israel Robert P. Gordon
2. Aniconism in the Old Testament Nathan MacDonald
3. Imitation of God in the Old Testament John Barton
4. Monotheism and the God of many names Ronald E. Clements
5. God, creation and the contribution of wisdom Katharine J. Dell
6. By royal appointment
God's influence on influencing God Diana Lipton
7. Is monotheism bad for you?
some reflections on God, the Bible, and life in the light of Regina Schwartz's The Curse of Cain R. W. L. Moberly
8. Old Testament monotheism and Zoroastrianian influence Simon J. Sherwin
Part II. Texts and Themes
9. God, women and children Janet E. Tollington
10. The exegesis of the divine name in Exodus Graham I. Davies
11. The de-deification of deities in Deuteronomy Judith M. Hadley
12. Is God moral?
on the Saul narratives as tragedy Peter J. Williams
13. Standing in the council
when prophets encounter God Robert P. Gordon
14. Ugaritic polytheism and Hebrew monotheism in Isaiah 40-55 Klaus Koch
15. Interpreting Jonah's God
canon and criticism Philip P. Jenson
16. The God of the pre-Maccabees
designations of the divine in the early Hellenistic period James K. Aitken
17. Deity on Ecclesiasticus William Horbury.