On the Origins of Judaism

by Philip R. Davies

Overview

On the Origins of Judaism examines the formation of one of the oldest monotheistic religions. The book covers a diverse range of themes: the identity of those who produced and canonized the Hebrew Bible and subsequently shaped its interpretation; the significance and impact of Second Isaiah and the books of Ezra and Nehemiah; the roots of Jewish apocalyptic literature, and the possible origins of the Exodus story; the ethical systems of the Hebrew Bible and the Athenian tragedians; and the place of food and drink in the Qumran community. On the Origins of Judaism is the most comprehensive exploration of the roots of the Jewish faith and will be invaluable to students and scholars of biblical and religious studies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845533267
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/01/2011
Series:	BibleWorld
Edition description:	Student
Pages:	183
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Philip R. Davies is Research Professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield, and the author of several books on topics ranging from ancient Israel, the Hebrew canon and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Table of Contents

Preface viii

1 Introduction 1

2 Early Judaism(s) 6

3 Scripture and Early Judaism(s) 35

4 "Law" and Early Judaism(s) 54

5 Deuteronomy and the Origin of Judaism 72

6 The God of Cyrus and the God of Israel 85

7 Jewish Apocalyptic 100

8 Enoch and Genesis 120

9 Eating and Drinking in the Qumran Texts 130

10 Eating and Drinking in the Roman Empire 141

Bibliography 154

Index of References 167

Index of Authors 171