Reconstructing the Society of Ancient Israel (Library of Ancient Israel)

The historical and literary questions about ancient Israel that traditionally have preoccupied biblical scholars often have overlooked the social realities of life experienced by the vast majority of the population of ancient Israel. Volumes in the Library of Ancient Israel draw on multiple disciplines -- such as archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and literary criticism -- to illumine the everyday realities and social subtleties these ancient cultures experienced. This series employs sophisticated methods resulting in original contributions that depict the reality of the people behind the Hebrew Bible and interprets these scholarly insights for a wide variety of readers. Individually and collectively, these books will expand our vision of the culture and society of ancient Israel, thereby generating new appreciation for its impact up to the present.

Paula M. McNutt is Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean of Carroll College in Helena, Montana.