The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Archaeology (Oxford Encyclopedias of the Bible) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199846537 ISBN 13: 9780199846535

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2013

Synopsis

The connection between archaeology and the Bible was forged by the discoveries of the nineteenth century, and archaeological finds became the primary catalyst for changes in biblical studies throughout the twentieth century. A distinct subfield, Biblical Archaeology, as conceived by William Albright, arose in response to a wealth of information recovered from expeditions of importance for biblical studies.

For many years, under Albright's influence, the hybrid field of Biblical Archaeology had a life of its own in the United States and was considered a coherent discipline. But many outside of Albright's sphere were unsure whether this field was a division of biblical studies or part of the broader world of general archaeology and saw these two pursuits in some disciplinary tension. At the same time, biblical scholars grew increasingly skeptical that archaeology could provide context for the specific events of the biblical text. Individual excavations persisted, but work ceased to be framed by research designs derived from the questions of Biblical Archaeology.

Yet archaeologists of the last twenty years have continued to produce material for biblical studies that is too critical to be ignored: inscriptions such as the Tel Dan stele or Khirbet Qeiyafa ostracon, debates on the chronology and stratigraphy of the 10th century BCE or the stratigraphy of the Shechem temple, and publications such as those of the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem or Herodian Jericho. Shifts in archaeological theory and biblical scholarship now present new potential for rapprochement between archaeology and the Bible. Recent archaeological work has uncovered the lifeways of the biblical world and begun to suggest how understanding these lifeways transforms the reading of the biblical text.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Archaeology represents a new way of conceiving of the relationship between archaeology and biblical studies that allows the results of a wide cross-section of excavations and regional studies to contribute to the interpretation of the biblical text through an elucidation of the lifeways of the ancient world. By going beyond mere chronology and focusing on the social organization of biblical society, the Encyclopedia is an important methodological breakthrough for the study of the Bible and archaeology.

About this title

About the Author

Daniel M. Master is Associate Professor of Archaeology at Wheaton College (Il.) and research associate of the Harvard Semitic Museum. He is co-Principal Investigator and Field Director of the Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon, Israel and co-editor of the final publication reports on Ashkelon (2008) and Tell Dothan (2005). His articles focus on the role of economy in the Bronze and Iron Ages as well as the relationship of archaeology and biblical studies.

From Booklist

Most people reaching for a reference work with Bible in the title will likely be looking for help with biblical understanding. It should be made clear that this impressive set is not a Bible student’s work but an archaeologist’s. The primary focus of the work is on places—each one with some kind of tie-in with scripture (both Old and New Testaments). There are only 70 A–Z places, but each one receives a surprisingly in-depth treatment. In the 11-page entry for Galilee, for example, no fewer than 14 time periods are covered in chronological order, including several Bronze and Iron Ages, and a couple (each) of Hellenistic and Roman periods. Other obvious place entries include Corinth, Egypt, Ephesus, Jericho, Jerusalem, Rome, and Qumran. Interspersed with the places are ample topical entries, covering art, dress, gender, music, and religion in the Jewish and Roman worlds. Only a handful of scripture references are cited, potentially leaving the average Bible student wondering, What exactly should I do with this information? One thing is certain, the work provides no proof in general of such biblical events as Noah’s flood or the fall of Jericho—in fact, these issues are largely ignored. Moderate-length bibliographies accompany every article. There are few black-and-white photographs and illustrations scattered throughout.Strengths and weaknesses aside, this work should be kept in its proper context. According to the publisher, this 2-volume set is an early installment in a lengthy series (proposed 12 volumes). Each component part of the series intends to explore the Bible from a different angle. The archaeological angle is presented here in a way that is tailor-made for academic libraries. --Wade Osburn

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0199846537
• ISBN 13: 9780199846535
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 1188
• Editor: Daniel M. Master