The Israelites

Who were the Israelites? Many people\'s image of them is shaped by the Bible, and in this way ancient Israel seems far more familiar to a wider public than most other nations of antiquity. But what do we actually know about the lives and beliefs of the Israelites? Why was Israel so influential, even though its territory was small - rich in neither agricultural land nor natural resources? Was there really a single entity, consisting of Israel in the north and Judah in the south, united under David? And how far does the story told by the Bible match the historical and archaeological record?

Dr Isserlin combines the latest biblical research with archaeological and epigraphic evidence to answer these and other questions. In his wide-ranging and authoritative survey, beginning in the late thirteenth century BC and ending with the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, he looks at all aspects of Israelite culture - both material and intellectual - and places it within the context of the contemporary Near Eastern world. The book first sets the scene with the geography and history of Israel, its origins and its social structure, and then surveys towns and villages, agriculture, industry and trade, as well as the spiritual world of religion, literature, art and music. What emerges is an impressive picture of Israelite achievements, which were the equal of the far larger and richer surrounding empires.

Meticulously researched, this detailed and informative study will be invaluable to both general and specialist readers, as well as anyone interested in the Bible and its world.

Hardcover with Dustcover with 304 pages text with maps and illustrations.Fine.