Religions of Ancient Israel: A Synthesis of Parallactic Approaches [Paperback]

Ziony Zevit (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0826463398 | ISBN-13: 978-0826463395

This is the most far-reaching interdisciplinary investigation into the religion of ancient Israel ever attempted. The author draws on textual readings, archaeological and historical data and epigraphy to determine what is known about the Israelite religions during the Iron Age (1200-586 BCE). The evidence is synthesized within the structure of an Israelite worldview and ethos involving kin, tribes, land, traditional ways and places of worship, and a national deity. Professor Zevit has originated this interpretive matrix through insights, ideas, and models developed in the academic study of religion and history within the context of the humanities. He is strikingly original, for instance, in his contention that much of the Psalter was composed in praise of deities other than Yahweh. Through his book, the author has set a precedent which should encourage dialogue and cooperative study between all ancient historians and archaeologists, but particularly between Iron Age archaeologists and biblical scholars. The work challenges many conclusions of previous scholarship about the nature of the Israelites' religion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The most ambitious, the most sophisticated, the most important study of ancient Israelite religions ever undertaken. . . . The standard by which all works for a generation to come will be judged, and even then it may not be surpassed."--William G. Dever, University of Arizona

"Aimed at both scholar and layperson, [the book] is clearly written, and rich with illustration and example."
- Professor Bill Propp, UC San Diego

"This is by far the most comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the subject of religion in Iron Age Israel ever undertaken. It is deep, synthetic, even-handed, often provocative, and at ever turn of the page, appropriately self-conscious with respect to the author's perspectives, biases, and methodologies. Throughout Zevit combines a close study of biblical texts, epigraphic remains, and archaeological data, and configures all of the evidence within a conceptual matrix that draws heavily upon methodological advances and models more commonly known to scholars at home in the comparative study of religions, and in the humanities generally. Its exhaustiveness and methodological sophistication make it an important reference work and its timeliness marks it as representing a turning point in biblical scholarship. One of the most appealing aspects of this book is its accessibility. Zevit has intended it for a diverse, but informed, audience. This book is written for the undergraduate and graduate students studying Bible, archaeology, and history, for seminary graduates, and for scholars. All students. In sum, this book is a formidable tour de force, a magnum opus. It rewards the interested reader with a wealth of information, new insights, and a number of directions for future research. It clarifies in many definitive ways the complexities involved with studying the religions of ancient Israel and provides a greater appreciation for the sheer diversity of forms of Israelite devotion and rituals. Its numerous charts, diagrams, maps, drawings, photos, tables, and copious footnotes, as well as its exhaustive indices and bibliography only add to its value. Doubtless, it will be a valuable scholarly resource for years to come, one that also will be the focus of much discussion and debate in a number of disciplines."--Scott B. Noegel, Journal of Hebrew Scriptures

"Zevit weighs in as a heavyweight, disclosing what can and cannot be said from archaeological, epigraphic, and literary data about the nature of Israelite religiosity in the ancient Near East. The chief value of this work for classroom instruction is its judicious survey of many articles, books, monographs, and aide-memoire biblical passages written on the religion of ancient Israel. This tome is packed with information and innovative interpretation. [Zevit's] hypothesis is persuasive and sound. All academic levels." --Z. Garber, Choice, June 2002


"Zevit's work is learned and suggestive, often brilliant…The breadth of Zevit's vision and his grasp of detail are outstanding." Times Literary Supplement, 31 May 2002

"This volume is a well-researched and referenced account of aspects of Israelite religion which is prefaced with a useful survey of the current methods of reading the Old Testament historically." --Theological Book Review Feed the Minds

"The evidence is superbly presented. The sheer volume of material that Zevit presents makes this book a valuable monograph. The clear arrangement of the material makes the book useful as a reference tool, and the analyses are always judicious."--Corrine

'a huge book by all standards...In conception and coverage, it is as complete a treatment of its subject as possible for one scholar, and results in an encyclopaedic work..will be an important reference point for many years to come'

(Philip Johnston Themelios )

Title mention, 2007 edition

(Theologische Rundschau )

'a huge book by all standards...In conception and coverage, it is as complete a treatment of its subject as possible for one scholar, and results in an encyclopaedic work..will be an important reference point for many years to come'

(, Themelios )

From the Inside Flap

"Zevit’s tome brings the material and textual study of OT religious belief and praxis into a single work. Zevit speaks authoritatively and with a command of both the textual and archaeological data….is the most comprehensive synthesis to date of the archaeological and textual data….will be the reference book for the next decade in biblical studies and will provide dialogue and theory building for the next generation." –Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, September 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 848 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (June 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826463398
• ISBN-13: 978-0826463395
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > History of Religion

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zevit's Magnum Opus, February 26, 2002

By 

Proctor S. Burress (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Religions of Ancient Israel: A Synthesis of Parallactic Approaches (Hardcover)

Zevit has written his magnum opus. His avowed thesis is to establish the ethnic "particularity"(a new ethnic group in Canaan) of a people. He views the conclusions of some archaeologists such as Broshi, Finklestein and others as being inadequate. The central issue being: are there "ethnic markers" clearly present, as revealed in the work of Syro-palestinian archaeologists, demonstrating the distinctiveness of the tribes of Israel.

Zevit claims his method surpasses the work of those who affirm there are no ethnic markers...those scholars who say these people were Canaanites. Zevit is clear on his point of departure. He says"...this study proceeds from the premise...that the dominant ethnic group in Cisjordanian, Iron Age Palestine was not descended from its late Bronze inhabitants."

Using the notably awkward term "parallactic" to describe his method he offers detailed analysis of cult objects/places and texts which to his mind reveal the sure distinctiveness of the worshipers of Yahweh. He does not hestitate to provide clear opinions. For example, he describes Donald Redford's work and concludes, "Barring some significant new discovery, his book closes the door on those seeking to find evidence of Israel in Egypt...". Dr. J. K. Hoffmeier please note! Even so, and I think curiously, he refers to "...Israelites, those who underwent the Egyptian experience...". Maybe I am missing something here.

Who were they if not Canaanites? Here Zevit is a bit vague seeming to group Shasu, Habiru and others as the coterie of Yahwists. My continued study of this significant work may prove me to be wrong on this point.

The Religions of Ancient Israel, A Synthesis of Parallactic Approaches is encylopedic in scope. It strikes this writer as a most useful, even necessary, complement to David Noel Freedman's, Anchor Bible Dictionary which is, of course an encylopedia not a dictionary. Lastly, the reader of this review must ask, "Yes...but did Zevit make his case? Do the cult artifacts sustain the idea of "ethnic particularity" and are they sufficient
in their totality?

Good people can disagree. Zevit is a careful and meticulous scholar. Given his thesis, much, much more needs to be added to his discussion of worldview and ethnicity. As William Dever announced
two years ago in a BAS meeting this study " is monumental." Zevit maintains his major thesis
while noting additional work needs to be done!

Rev 2-26-2002 psb

11 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly written, and incredibly informative, May 8, 2002

By 

T. Perlman "tper" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Religions of Ancient Israel: A Synthesis of Parallactic Approaches (Hardcover)

Recently taking a biblical archaeology course with Dr. Zevit, and referring frequenlty to this book for further understanding, I found this book easy to read, well organized and insightful. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in learning more about ancient Israel.