Dust or Dew: Immortality in the Ancient Near East and in Psalm 49 - Softcover

Smith, Janet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1608996611 ISBN 13: 9781608996612

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2010

Synopsis

Dust or Dew addresses the question of Israel's unique contribution to beliefs about afterlife in the Ancient Near East as hinted at in Psalm 49. Reading this obscure psalm separately from other diverse contexts is often unrewarding. Dust or Dew shows which other readings, from the literature of both ancient Israel and its neighbors, enriches our understanding not only of the psalm and but also of Israel's developing concepts of sheol and redemption for the righteous. The Korahite clan of Israel emerges from the historical shadows. Finally, new light on Genesis 1-3 enriches understanding of the Psalm 49, while a survey of the icons of ancient goddess worship informs our understanding of Genesis 1-3.

About this title

About the Author:

Janet Smith is a former geologic draftsperson and illustrator. She holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Union Institute & University.

Review:

Dust or Dew presents a much-needed comparison of Psalm 49 and its afterlife themes with Ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.” “Smith has accomplished a great deal of work and made many timely connections between the beliefs of Israel and her neighbors. (Lindsey Arielle Askin Reviews in Religion & Theology, Volume 20, Issue 2, March 2013)

This interesting book [...] offers new insights into the somewhat elusive theology and eschatology of Ps 49. [...] this careful, comparative investigation is of high interest and suggests new paths of inquiry, especially with regard to the relation between Hebrew notions of afterlife retribution and Zoroastrianism. (Ilaria L.E. Ramelli Review of Biblical Literature)

‘[J. Smith] has achieved an impressive breadth of reading [...] She has initiated an important work on an important topic.’ (Sue Gillingham Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 64, No 2, October 2013)

‘In her free-ranging treatment of conceptions of death and the afterlife in Israel and the ancient Near East, S. pulls together a wide variety of sources.’ (Davida H. Charney Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 73, 2013)

... an original examination of how Psalm 49, when read in the context of the literature of the Ancient Middle East, reveals new insights into the development of Hebrew concepts of the afterlife. (Theological Book Review, Vol. 25, No.2, 2013)

This is an imaginative and engagingly written study that is open about its own commitments, and abreast of a wide range of literature and ideas. (Brian Kelly Evangelical Quarterly, vol 86, issue 2, April 2014)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1608996611
• ISBN 13: 9781608996612
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 286