Historical dictionary of ancient Israel

"Of the many early civilizations of which we are aware, few are smaller than the ancient kingdom of Israel. Small both in geographical area and population, it was barely noticed by the major civilizations of the time. The great states that arose in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and elsewhere either ignored or crushed it. Yet, several millenia later, Israel is the civilization we remember most acutely and that we know - or think we know - the most about. What is known about Israel comes partly from the Old Testament and partly from fragmentary and problematic bits of historical evidence." "Because ancient Israel intrigues us and because we have so few reliable sources about it, Historical Dictionary of Ancient Israel is particularly important. It examines the usual sources in the Old Testament and surveys the findings of more recent archaeological research to help us determine just what happened and when - a far-from-simple task. This resource includes not only entries on the persons, places, and events of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, but it also defines their roles in the ancient world as closely as possible according to the latest available data and their interpretation. Although the results might differ from traditional views, they are essential correctives."--Jacket.