Unit 2
The Ancient Worlds of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Learning Objectives

After completing Unit 2 you should be able to

1. provide an account of how we read texts and explain how competence in the language of the text and the social class, literacy and experience of the reader may influence readings.
2. use the distinction between narrative time and time of composition to interpret a text.
3. discuss how the historical context in which the texts of the Hebrew Bible were composed relates to the task of interpreting them.
4. describe the physical structure of the land of Israel.
5. describe the workings of family, clan and tribal relationships in ancient Israel.

Introduction

In Unit 1 we discussed how several religious and scholarly communities view the Hebrew Bible and how it is studied in various circles. Like Unit 1, this unit is divided into two parts. Part 1 examines the nature of reading as a process and explores the fascinating challenges that can arise when we read ancient texts such as the Hebrew Bible. Our discussion of the reading process lays the groundwork for critically reading and comprehending the Hebrew Bible. Part 2 provides an introduction to the history, geography and culture of ancient Israel, the nation that produced the Hebrew Bible. We discuss the origins of the nation, Israel, and the gradual transformation that resulted in its distinctive monotheistic culture and religion. Various historical periods are identified, which provides a historical framework for understanding the setting of the various compositions of the Hebrew Bible. Important events, themes and ideas from the history, culture, art, language and religious practices of Israel and Judaism are also sketched. As you read, think about the differences that separate the culture of ancient Israel from the world of the twenty-first century.

You may approach the two parts of the unit differently. With respect to Part 1, it is more important to think about how we interpret the Hebrew Bible than to remember the details of particular interpretations. Thus, you should understand the discussions of interpreting Psalm 23 and the story of David, but there is no need to memorize the details. With respect to “The Land and People of the Hebrew Bible” by Frank Frick, which you will read in Part 2 of the unit, you should commit the key ideas to memory. Use the headings and italicized terms to identify the most important ideas. These terms are listed in Question 1 of the Study Questions for Part 2.