In his pathbreaking Israel in Egypt James K. Hoffmeier sought to refute the claims of scholars who doubt the historical accuracy of the biblical account of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. Analyzing a wealth of textual; archaeological; and geographical evidence; he put forth a thorough defense of the biblical tradition. Hoffmeier now turns his attention to the Wilderness narratives of Exodus; Leviticus; and Numbers. As director of the North Sinai Archaeological Project; Hoffmeier has led several excavations that have uncovered important new evidence supporting the Wilderness narratives; including a major New Kingdom fort at Tell el-Borg that was occupied during the Israelite exodus. Hoffmeier employs these archaeological findings to shed new light on the route of the exodus from Egypt. He also investigates the location of Mount Sinai; and offers a rebuttal to those who have sought to locate it in northern Arabia and not in the Sinai peninsula as traditionally thought. Hoffmeier addresses how and when the Israelites could have lived in Sinai; as well as whether it would have been possible for Moses to write down the law received at Mount Sinai. Building on the new evidence for the Israelite sojourn in Egypt; Hoffmeier explores the Egyptian influence on the Wilderness tradition. For example; he finds Egyptian elements in Israelite religious practices; including the use of the tabernacle; and points to a significant number of Egyptian personal names among the generation of the exodus. The origin of Israel is a subject of much debate and the wilderness tradition has been marginalized by those who challenge its credibility. In Ancient Israel in Sinai; Hoffmeier brings the Wilderness tradition to the forefront and makes a case for its authenticity based on solid evidence and intelligent analysis.
#49937 in Books Malise Ruthven 2012-03-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.40 x .60 x 6.80l; .44 #File Name: 0199642877200 pagesIslam
Review
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful. thought provoking view about Islam todayBy Francis MaesThis is an excellent introduction to an understanding of the position and the role of Islam in the contemporary world. The author does not evade the difficult debate about the relationship between the West and the Islamic world; but succeeds in creating a broader perspective on this controversial issue. One can only regret that this is not the most accessible volume in the "Very Short Introduction" series. It requires substantial background knowledge to follow the author in his argumentation. A little more basic information about the facts of Islamic religion and its history would have helped considerably.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Read this and the one on the Koran together.By G. H. GoodwinThis and the introduction to the Koran should be read together. Combined they give a fair and impartial treatment of these two intertwined subjects. I like this series of books and have over a dozen of them.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not his best; but still helpful...By Brendan J. McsherryDisappointing in comparison to Ruthven's other work -- he is perhaps the best English-speaking "interpreter" if of Islam.
