In this examination of Zion theology and how it arises in the book of Psalms Antti Laato's starting-point is that the Hebrew Bible is the product of the exilic and postexilic times, which nonetheless contains older traditions that have played a significant role in the development of the text. Laato seeks out these older mythical traditions related to Zion using a comparative methodology and looking at Biblical traditions alongside Ugaritic texts and other ancient Near Eastern material. As such Laato provides a historical background for Zion theology which he can apply more broadly to the Psalms. In addition, Laato argues that Zion-related theology in the Psalms is closely related to two events recounted in the Hebrew Bible. First, the architectural details of the Temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6-7), which can be compared with older mythical Zion-related traditions. Second, the religious traditions related to the reigns of David and Solomon such as the Ark Narrative, which ends with David's transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6). From this Laato builds an argument for a possible setting in Jerusalem at the time of David and Solomon for the Zion theology that emerges in the Psalms.

A treasury of religious thought and faith--places the symbolic world of the Bible in its original context.

'Miller and Hayes has long been my number one recommended textbook for classes on the history of ancient Israel and Judah. While I may not agree with every word, I know of nothing like it for the systematic way in which it sets out the whole range of evidence, discusses it critically, and bases its historical reconstruction on the results. The field has been moving so rapidly, however, with new discoveries and radically different interpretations of familiar material, that it was reaching the point where this book would need to be replaced. This new edition represents such a significant revision, with account taken of all the most recent main discussions, that it will again immediately resume its premier position in the field.' --II. G. M. WILLIANISC)N, REGIUS PROFESSOR OF HEBREW, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD 'More than two decades have passed since Miller and Hayes's History helped us absorb the lessons learned when a regnant synthesis that largely authenticated Israel's version of its past had shattered. As presented in its pages, Israel's history was far more complicated (and exhilarating) than the one presented in Scripture, and its people proved concerned with much more than just communion with God. In this completely rewritten edition, the frame is basically the same but the details are richer and more absorbing, if only because archaeological discoveries and scholarly debates since then have multiplied the questions. Writing a limpid prose, shaping a story that is neither bland nor boring, Miller and Hayes continue to guide us reliably through thorny issues." -JACK M. SASSON, MARY JANE WERTI-JAN PROFESSOR OF JUDAIC AND BIBLICAL STUDIES, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY 'Miller and Hayes's comprehensive work has clearly and superbly represented an important scholarly tradition in the study of the history of ancient Israel. This revision, with substantial bibliographic updating and increase in illustrations and visuals, will preserve its status as a standard in the field.' -K. LAWSON YOUNGER JR., PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT, SEMITIC LANGUAGES; AND ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN HISTORY; TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL ' In a time of polarization over the veracity and usefulness of various forms of data, this volume is a welcome addition, both for its level-headed and even-handed treatment of all relevant materials and the sheer volume of material presented. The authors respect the intelligence of their readers and supply them with the data, the range of scholarly debate on the topic, and their own analysis, allowing both beginning students and seasoned scholars to soundly evaluate the situation." -TAMMI J. SCHNEIDER, PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF RELIGION, CLAREMONT GRADUATE UNIVERSITY

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence with an insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.

"The Late Second Temple Period (c. 200 BC to 70 AD) was a period of intense social changes for the Jewish people. During this period, the Jewish people experienced a Syrian king defiling the Jerusalem Temple, the Maccabean Revolt, the celebration of Hanukkah, the establishment of a competing Jewish temple in Egypt, and the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. During this time, Jews spread out all over the Diaspora. The turmoil and the lack of visible cohesion have led many scholars to argue that there was no Jewish unity and no distinguishable Jewish identity in this time period. This book argues against this trend in academia, and posits that a strong Jerusalem tradition unified the Jewish people."--BOOK JACKET.