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Summary: Bible History through the Looking Glass...
Review: This book turned my view of the Bible inside out. When my vision cleared, many things made sense for the first time. -------- The basic argument of this work is that "archeology can show that the Torah and the Deuteronomistic History bear unmistakable hallmarks of their compilation in the seventh century BCE... [and that] much of the biblical narrative is a product of the hopes, fears, and ambitions of the kingdom of Judah, culminating in the reign of King Josiah at the end of the seventh century BCE." -------- The commonsensical implications Finkelstein and Silberman draw from this are earth shattering. Did Abraham ever exist? Did the Jews live in Egypt, and follow a man called Moses into the Sinai desert? Did the invasion of The Promised Land occur - and were the battles at Jericho and Ai actual events? Was Solomon a historic figure, and if so, was he a king over a large nation - or only a minor tribal chieftain? Ditto, David? Did they build an empire - or was that just a myth? And how late was it that the Jews really became monotheists? --------If the archeological record and the biblical accounts meshed, this book could not have been written. The fact that they do NOT makes this a fascinating adventure into the past. Much of the archeological proof of the authors' thesis is of recent provenance: the last 30 years... Finkelstein and Silberman typically present the Biblical story or stories, then their critique of that narrative, and finally, their alternative explanation. They focus on (1) uncovering historical truth and attempting to distinguish it from myth; and (2) explaining the motivations of the author(s) of the Biblical narrative. I believe that they have done a scholarly job of both. One useful characteristic of this tome is that it is liberally strewn with maps (13), drawings (14) and tables (9) that definitely round out the text. -------- Despite the title, "The Bible Unearthed" is strictly a study of two-thirds of the Tanakh (or Old Testament) - specifically The Torah (aka Pentateuch), and The Prophets (Neviim). [Not included are the non-historical accounts known as The Sacred Writings (Ketuvim), which were written between the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE and the first century BCE.] -------- I find it difficult to understand how one could substantially disagree with the authors' thesis but even those who disagree with the authors' conclusions should read this enthralling book. One can learn a lot from it, no matter what one's ideological stance
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Summary: Something old, something new
Review: This book presents new discoveries and ways of looking at previous discoveries in the area of archaeological research and the origins of the Bible. This is one of the latest contributions of major scholars to the continuing quest for clarity and understanding of the development and meaning of the biblical texts. 'We believe that a reassessment of finds from earlier excavations and the continuing discoveries by new digs have made it clear that scholars must now approach the problems of biblical origins and ancient Israelite society from a completely new perspective.' The book is divided into three main sections. After a brief introduction and prologue, the three main sections are 'The Bible as History?', 'The Rise and Fall of Ancient Israel', and 'Judah and the Making of Biblical History'. There follows an epilogue and several appendices that address particular key questions. Prologue and Introduction
Finkelstein and Silberman begin with a small 'snapshot' of Jerusalem in the time of king Josiah. Josiah is a very important figure, as it is thought by many that it was during his reign (circa 639-609 B.C.E.) that much of the Torah and other major biblical texts came into the beginning forms of what we have today. Following this brief glimpse into the past, the authors explore key definitions of the Bible (what is meant in this book, for the sake of archaeological research in to ancient Israel, is the Hebrew Bible, a book that contains the same material as the Christian Old Testament, in a different order, without apocryphal or deuterocanonical additions), historical periods, archaeological and anthropological ideas, and set the stage for the authors' main thesis: Many scholars believe that elements of the Bible were written hundreds of years before this time. Thus, the authors have a task to prove their case. The Bible as History?
The modern idea of history is a foreign concept to the biblical authors. One of the major problems that arises in biblical interpretation today is the application of twentieth century standards of history, epistemology, and ethics to a set of writings whose origin is upwards of 3000 years earlier. The very ideas of individuality, family, tribal and ethnic identity, economy, justice, and good and evil have undergone major developments through time. While it is true that there are timeless elements of the Bible that continue to speak, this is not due to a parallel sense of history between biblical writers and modern readers. We must always take great care to understand that our interpretations (and yes, 'taking it literally' is an interpretation, one that was most likely never intended by the original authors) are rooted in our modern times and owe more to that culture than to biblical integrity. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Israel
In this section the authors investigate the historical record as presented both from biblical sources and archaeological data. Finkelstein and Silberman do not see a unified kingdom as a likelihood during the Davidic/Solomonic period. The archaeological record, they claim, does not support such a conclusion. While many biblical scholars and archaeologists have taken the postulated progression of the kingdom of Israel from one of tribal cooperation to royal unity to division to disintegration as a given, the authors here argue that the northern and southern split was always greater in sociological and political terms than the Bible presents. Judah and the Making of Biblical History
The key to understanding these writings in the Bible is to understand Judah, the place and people who produced it. Judah is not presented in unambiguously glowing terms, but there is a theme of faithfulness and favour that preserves the inheritance of Abraham for Judah. Judah had always been a small and isolated kingdom in relation to the northern kingdom of Israel, without its population, resources, wealth, and international contacts. However, with the fall of the northern kingdom, the importance of Judah increases, and, as it is the origin of the survivors of the tradition, those looking back on the history rate the relative importance in perhaps less than objective fashion. After examining the development under several kings, the authors come to the reign of Josiah. Josiah institutes religious reforms, based on a 'found' book in the Temple. This 'found' volume is most likely much of the book of Deuteronomy as we have it today. Many scholars believe that this 'found' volume was actually written at the request of Josiah or his advisors, to provide a standard model for history and worship that would serve as a more firm foundation for his rule. Likewise, and important from the standpoint of Finkelstein and Silberman's argument for the seventh-century origins of the biblical text, archaeological evidence shows a widespread and sudden increase in literacy throughout Judah, with extensive use of writing, signet rings, seals, and other literary pieces that speak to the ability of the people to produce an extensive literary text like various books of the Bible. Epilogue: The Future of Biblical Israel
The authors give a brief essay on the importance of the people after return from exile, the brief periods of freedom (yet always under the domination or influence of some foreign power), and the continuing importance of the Bible as formative document for Jews, then later Christians, then later other cultures that tap into the narratives as part of the collective cultural heritage of the world. The authors are Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman. Finkelstein has a position at Tel Aviv University, as director of the Sonia and Marco Nadler Archaeological Institute, and is currently working on excavations at Tel Meggido (better known to modern readers as Armageddon). Silberman is director of historical interpretation for the Ename Center for Public Archaeology and Heritage Presentation in Belgium. Both are frequent contributors to major scholarly and popular archaeology magazines and journals, and each has published a number of noted books in the field of Syro-Palestinian archaeology.
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Summary: Great findings!
Review: This book will reveal details that most other books don't dare get into... bravo!! The content is well written and precise. I would also really recommend reading "History: Fiction or Science?" by Anatoly Fomenko, who follows in the steps of Sir Isaac Newton, and fearlessly tackles the falsification of antiquity with astronomy and mathematics. There is also a great deal on archeological findings and their datings.
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Summary: Exposing the roots
Review: During the past century, archaeology's tool kit gained immensely in size and quality. New, accurate, dating systems pinpoint events. Researchers study humble pollen, weather conditions, changes in household implements along with building construction plans and methods. Even the "dismal science" of economics contributes information on trade, surpluses, products exchanged and records. Documents, always problematic, are subject to intense criticism and comparison. Inevitably, this investigative array has turned to the eastern Mediterranean and the societies flourishing there in "biblical times". During the 19th and early 20th Centuries, scholars rooted in the desert sands seeking evidence that Biblical episodes indeed occurred. The authors turn that process on its head, accepting the occurrence of events but challenging their dating. Biblical dating, they argue, is generally contrived. What would be the reason for fabricating excess longevity to the founding of the Jewish people? According to the authors, it was an attempt by priest-scribes to formulate a theologically-based ideology. The purpose of this propaganda document was to justify a forced reunification of the "dual kingdoms" of Israel and Judah, long sundered, but still related. Instead of a history written over strung out centuries, Finkelstein and Silberman say the authors of the Torah flourished during the 7th Century BCE. Their intent was to galvanise the people of Judah to participate in the reconquest of Israel.
As the biblical writers put it, David founded a glorious kingdom, further enhanced by Solomon. This empire was centred on the Temple in Jerusalem. A centralised dogma with adherence to a single deity [no matter how capricious] represented by a single building in a central city was the rallying point. The Torah, then, was little more than a manifesto for conquest and unification. Past failures and successful invasions by Egyptians, Assyrians and Persians were attributed to idolatry, intermarriage with foreign women and rejection of YHWH, the all-powerful desert god. Finkelstein and Silberman credit the biblical authors with manipulating, if not fabricating past events to build the case for Jewish unity. The book's authors bring every tool in archaeology's kit to bear in constructing their case. Each chapter opens with a "biblical account" of periods and events. The archaeological evidence is then presented for comparison. The Exodus, for example, a Jewish foundation stone of tradition and celebration, lacks all support. The Egyptians, meticulous record-keepers, say nothing of large Hebrew slave populations. Pharonic border guardians, ever alert to invasions from the east, apparently missed half a million people crossing the other way. The great infrastructure projects attributed to Solomon were more likely to have come from the despised Omride dynasty of Samaria. The evidence derives from gate construction techniques. Even business makes a contribution - it was Judah's rise in commerce that improved its level of literacy. A more learned population was more susceptible to the wave of propaganda insisting Israel and Judah should be reunited. Finkelstein and Silberman avoid sinking into the morass of "biblical minimalism" prevalent in recent years. They don't contest the "historical reality" of biblical events. They do insist on better evidence for chronology, and for realistic assessment of the power of Jewish leaders. David couldn't have ruled more than a minuscule kingdom and nobody seems to have heard of Solomon. The authors acknowledge the long-term impact of the Torah and its successors in the Christian world. The reason, they argue, is that no other theological or political documents of the time reached so many people so intimately. Greeks, Persians, Egyptians and Babylonians all produced their commentators. None of these, however, could prescribe the daily lives of their readers. The Hebrew Bible's writer's provided this and other guides with a surety of purpose other societies never matched. It proved an effective, if historically flawed, document. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
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Summary: This is an honest and a scientific job
Review: This book is very interesting. It challenges the old idea that Bible was writen by men inspired by God. It shows clearly that Bible was writen by priests that had the yahwist religious, most from Judah, against people from the old baal religious traditions, most from Israel. Everything that a baalist king did, was bad before the eyes of their god YHWH, even when an heroic king like Ahab fighted strongly against Assirian domination and improved strongly the Israel economy. Everything that a Yahvist king did was good for the eyes of god, even when he was like Jehu, very subservient to Assirian empire. The book shows clearly that the prophets from that time were men like us, with great envy, prejudices and personal interests in make money with the monopoly of sacrifices centralized in Jerusalem. Complete different of it would be expected from a God's men.
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Summary: Interesting Thoeries on Biblical Archaeology
Review: Dealing with the Sacred Scriptures from a historical point of view is a daunting task, and only those with strong hearts should ever undertake such an endeavor. People generally have opinions before a book is even read, and more often than not read the book either to support or refute a claim. Authors need to be thick skinned to say the least. My hunch is that Neil Asher Silberman and Israel Finkelstein will need thick skins. The two extensively research current biblical archeology in regard to ancient Israel and Judah and look at the scripture in light of these claims. The two challenge a popular and prevalent hypothesis that even though specific historical details may be incorrect, the Bible is basically a sound historical document. Looking not only at the history of ancient Israel and Judah, but also other ancient civilizations, the two challenge much of the historical data in the texts. They also look at small details in stories such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, ET. Al. to back up their theories. Some of their claims are that there was no large migration of people which would have made the Exodus improbable, details of nomadic times do not match the stories of the Patriarchs, and the dates of David's reign do not square with a strong and powerful Israel. While the two do not question the religious significance of the great figures of the Hebrew Bible, they do question their historical identities which puts these figures on a mythic scale, not only as larger than life figures who teach us lessons about life, but also in terms of believability. I suppose this could be troubling for some readers, but at this point in time, so many theories about scripture come and go when new finds and discoveries are made, most readers are probbaly used to new ideas that startle and challenge readers. New dicoveries and books really do not shake a person's faith. As a Christian reader, I am somewhat used to biblical scholars who question the historical accuracy of certain texts. My faith is strong enough that claims such as those in this book will not change my point of view. I will use what is helpful as I do with so many books I read. As I read the work I could not help but wonder if the authors do for the Hebrew Scriptures what authors such as Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan do for the Gospels. The book is almost guaranteed to cause controversy. Personally their findings are interesting, and deserve to be taken seriously, especially since the book is well written by two scholars who know their subject and have done ample research. Their research also helps people in exegetical work as far as dating texts would be concerned. Their work also stirs debate which means that the texts have to be examined and interpreted in order to be relevant today. This is not a bad challenge for ancient texts, especially texts that are ancient yet still are living. Now, as a person who uses scripture both personally and professionally on a daily basis, I would urge some caution when reading this book. Often when a book such as this is written, especially a book that is researched as much as this one is, it often becomes the "final word", and please pardon the pun, "biblical truth." This remains the case until the next book is published, containing all the available research that is current at the time, and often has very different conclusions. In the future another book may be published that will refute the claims of this book. Since new theories and discoveries frequently arise, these findings may not be the final word. The book is worth buying and definitely worth reading, even if you do not agree with all of its conclusions, and should provide much information that can be helpful in preaching, teaching, Bible study, and other forms of ministry.
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Summary: The "whoops" heard 'round the world
Review: This new summary of Israeli / Palestinian archeology is presented by two of the most eminent authorities in the field, both highly-esteemed scientists attached to major Israeli universities. The book is a work of popular science, and an attempt to bring the general populace up-to-date with very well-known research. The conclusions are: 1. Abraham and the other patriarchs had no historical existence. 2. Moses, the Exodus, and all the story of the wandering in the Wilderness, the Golden Calf, Mount Sinai -- none of this had any historical existence. There was no period of Egyptian bondage in Israel's history. 3. Joshua never conquered Canaan. There is no historical evidence for this at all. 4. David and Solomon existed, but they did not do any of the great deeds recounted in the Old Testament. David did not conquer Canaan, and Solomon built no mighty temple. The authors claim, naturally, that the books of the Old Testament remain majestic religious metaphors essential for civilization, and so on. But Huckleberry Finn might have a different reaction to learning that the tale of Moses and the Bulrushers was just a made-up story. "You mean it ain't true??" The plangent question is, "What does the Old Testament contain of fact?" And I am somehow only mildly surprised to see my childhood suspicion confirmed: that the epics of Homer and the legends of the Old Testament were both fictions, none of them guides to historical reality. It remains a curious fact that for a period of some thousand years or more, any refusal to believe in these romances could have cost a European his life. There was a long time when men were REQUIRED to believe this stuff.
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Summary: Intellectual honesty beyond fundamentalism and minimalism
Review: The authors are directors of Archeological institutes and are authorities concerning the archeology of the early Palestine. This book is a popular work where they make accessible to a broad public the main facts, interpretations / arguments, and their conclusions. The book is organised according to the chronology that is traditionally derived from the Old Testament, starting with the patriarchs and ending with the return out of Babylon. This field is quite controversial. On one side some (sceptical, "minimalist") authors will assert that event described in the Old Testament for which there is no archeological evidence (actually most of the Old Testament) is 100% fabrication and does not contain one shred of truth. On the other side some (fundamentalist) authors will maintain that everything contained in the Old Testament occurred exactly as described, even if it runs contrary to the archeological results. Fortunately the authors of this book seem to hold a very reasonable position. For example, concerning the story of the exodus of the Hebrews out of Egypt, the authors make clear that given that there is no trace whatsoever of the exodus in spite of the extensive high tech archeological research in the Sinai area and given that the Pentateuch (the five first books of the Old Testament) describes an exodus involving 600 000 persons for 40 years, the biblical account simply can't be true - so much for the fundamentalists. On the other hand, the authors are wise enough to avoid entirely discarding the exodus story - so much for the minimalists. The archeological finds only prove that the exodus did not happen in the manner described in the Pentateuch. It has probably a kernel of truth but was only immensely exaggerated by those who wrote the Pentateuch. An other example of the author's wise approach is the controversial issue of the existence of the Hebrew kings David and Solomon. Out of the weak evidence for the existence of David and the lack of evidence for the existence of Solomon, they do not conclude that these kings never existed, but only that the extent and splendour of their realm have been enormously exaggerated by the people who wrote the Ancient Testament. The book has hardly any footnotes but ends with a detailed bibliography. It deals with many interesting issues and arguments in a calm and serious manner, a manner that respires intellectual honesty and inspires trust. Although I have read quite more difficult (scholarly) works on these issues, the present book is the one that seems to be the most reliable and that I like most out of all of them. Greatly recommended.
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Summary: Another Gem
Review: I was not an easy convert to critical studies of the Hebrew Bible. Raised in a religious Jewish home, when I was first introduced to the topic in college, I resisted then lost faith completely. Recently, I have revisited the topic of who wrote the Bible as a matter of history, and understanding the motiviations of the ancient people who were my ancestors. The Bible Unearthed is yet another gem of current day books on this fascinating area of study. I ripped through it in less than two weeks, and was impressed not only with the archaelogical perspective set forth, but also with the candor of the authors when dead-ends or unresolved queries had been reached. Today's books on biblical authorship are much friendlier than the texts of my college days. And The Bible Unearthed is one of the finer books on the subject. However, if you are completely unfamiliar with authorship issues, particularly the P/D/E/J source theories, may I suggest that you read Richard Friedman's "Who Wrote the Bible" first (also available at Amazon) first (it is an equal gem). It will give you a good background before reading this book.
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Summary: Open your eyes to II Kings 21-26!
Review: An excellent read. Though brief on the materials that were used to create the stories of the Bible (all pre-existing in other cultures, from much earlier times) this book does a marvelous exposure of the political fiction that is commonly called the Torah - or Books of Moses. The best part of all is the book of II Kings contains nearly this very synopsis - the King Josiah recieves the hitherto unheard of books of Moses from the priests he hires to reconstruct the temple - reads it to a people which had never even heard of Moses (in fact they are worshipping the Cana'anite Gods) - and leads a huge reformation creating a thoroughly orthodox religion supporting his enlarged monarchy. It is rare to find a book that presents such controversy, yet is itself supported by the very text of the Bible itself! Kudos to the authors. 5 stars for exceptional content and thorough research and documentation! This book will be heavily disparaged by Biblical Fundamentalists - so get your copy and find out why.
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