Readings from the Ancient Near East – Primary Sources for Old Testament Study

This insightful collection of primary sources enhances the study of the Old Testament, making it an essential resource for students and scholars alike. Readings from the Ancient Near East provides a foundational understanding of the ancient context.

This book serves as a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of primary source documents, including creation accounts and epic literature, providing valuable insights into the Ancient Near East and the Old Testament. To fully grasp the Old Testament, it is crucial to understand the political, historical, and theological context of the ancient Near East. While many resources explain this environment, primary source texts are often difficult to access for those new to Old Testament studies. This volume in the Encountering Biblical Studies series addresses that gap.

Readings from the Ancient Near East guides students through a diverse range of primary source texts that illuminate the themes and narratives found in every book of the Old Testament. It is designed as a companion to Encountering the Old Testament, coauthored by Bill Arnold and Bryan Beyer. The editors have thoughtfully curated this collection with the beginner in mind, ensuring that selections are accessible and informative for those with little or no prior knowledge of the ancient Near East.

Spanning over two thousand years, the texts included range from Sumerian creation accounts and Mesopotamian epic literature to cultic ritual texts from Egypt and prophetic references from Syria. Readings from the Ancient Near East is poised to become an essential resource for professors, students, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and dedicated lay readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the Old Testament's rich historical backdrop.