The ancient Hebrews found themselves at the crossroads of cultures, trade, and power rivalries. It is, therefore, impossible to understand Ancient Israel without considering also the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Hellenistic states, Romans, and others. Though some of the traditions in the Old Testament (Tanakh) go back to the tenth and ninth centuries BCE, the actual writing took place only after 600 BCE. The Biblical accounts record the compilers’ theological view of history and are not “history” in our sense of the word. This class will consider the creation stories in Genesis; move through the patriarchal period and the exodus; consider the monarchy of Saul, David, and Solomon and the fall of both northern and southern kingdoms; examine the Maccabees, Herod the Great, the First Jewish War (66-74), and the revolt led by Bar Kochba (132-135 CE), and yes, Noah, Jonah, and other interesting people. The class will make clear that with this material definitive answers are often not possible. Class outlines will be sent before each class to the e-mail address you provide at the time of registration. Limit 30.

John Dahmus
1:00—3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Rm. 205
3525 Bee Cave Road (78746)