Contents

List of Illustrations -- pg. 7

Acknowledgments -- pg. 9

Abbreviations -- pg. 10

Part 1: Comparative Studies
1. History and Methods -- pg. 15
2. Comparative Studies, Scholarship, and Theology -- pg. 29

Part 2: Literature of the Ancient Near East
3. Summary of the Literature of the Ancient Near East -- pg. 43

Part 3: Religion
4. The Gods -- pg. 87
5. Temples and Rituals -- pg.113
6. State and Family Religion -- pg. 135

Part 4: Cosmos
7. Cosmic Geography -- pg. 165
8. Cosmology and Cosmogony -- pg. 179

Part 5: People
9. Understanding the Past: Human Origins and Role -- pg. 203
10. Understanding the Past: Historiography -- pg. 217
11. Encountering the Present: Guidance for Life—Divination and Omens -- pg. 239

12. Encountering the Present: Context of Life—Cities and Kingship -- pg. 275
13. Encountering the Present: Guidelines for Life—Law and Wisdom -- pg. 287
14. Pondering the Future on Earth and after Death -- pg. 313 Postscript -- pg. 331

Appendix -- pg. 335

Bibliography -- pg. 343

Scripture Index -- pg. 351

Foreign Words Index -- pg. 354

Modem Author Index -- pg. 356

Ancient Literature Index -- pg. 361

Subject Index -- pg. 364

Much of the Old Testament can seem strange to contemporary readers. However, as we begin to understand how ancient people viewed the world, the Old Testament becomes more clearly a book that stands within its ancient context, while also speaking against it.
John Walton offers a thoughtful introduction to ancient Near Eastern literature and the ‘common cognitive environment’ that it provides for understanding the world of ancient Israel. After surveying types of literature, he considers the perspectives they offer on beliefs about gods, religion, the cosmos, people and history. Throughout, helpful sidebars focus on Old Testament interpretation to illuminate the continuities and discontinuities between the Israelites and their neighbours.
Walton suggests that there are three important roles that comparative studies can play in biblical interpretation: critical analysis, defence of the biblical text, and exegesis. He focuses particularly on the third aspect and its importance for preventing misinterpretation through the imposition of modern world-views.
This volume provides an excellent introduction to the field of comparative studies, and will be an important guide for all those who want to make use of extrabiblical resources to enrich their understanding of ancient Israel and its Scriptures.