The Cultural World of the Bible: An Illustrated Guide to Manners and Customs

by Victor H. Matthews

Overview

In this new edition of a successful book (over 120,000 copies sold), now updated throughout, a leading expert on the social world of the Bible offers students a reliable guide to the manners and customs of the ancient world. From what people wore, ate, and built to how they exercised justice, mourned, and viewed family and legal customs, this illustrated introduction helps readers gain valuable cultural background on the biblical world. The attractive, full-color, user-friendly design will appeal to students, while numerous pedagogical features—including fifty photos, sidebars, callouts, maps, charts, a glossary of key terms, chapter outlines, and discussion questions—increase classroom utility. Previously published as Manners and Customs in the Bible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801049736
Publisher:	Baker Publishing Group
Publication date:	07/21/2015
Edition description:	4th Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Victor H. Matthews (PhD, Brandeis University) is dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs and professor of religious studies at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri, where he has taught for thirty years. He is the author of numerous books, including The Hebrew Prophets and Their Social World.

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction
Reconstructing Israel's Social World from Context
Development of Biblical Literature
Historical Geography of Bible Lands
Approach of This Book
Discussing Aspects of Everyday Life in Ancient Israel
1. Ancestral Period
Historical Introduction
Physical Appearance and Fashion
Cultural Issues Faced by Immigrants
Herding Practices
Food Preparation and Diet
Marriage Customs
Religious Practices
Legal Customs
Weapons and Warfare
2. Exodus-Settlement Period
Historical Introduction
Village Life
Agricultural Methods and Tools
Weapons and Warfare
Social Organization and Administration of Law
Family Life
Religious Practices
3. Monarchic Period
Historical Introduction
The Israelite City
Social Life
Health Issues
Law
Religious Practices
Weapons and Warfare
4. Exile and Return
Historical Introduction
Life in the Diaspora
Life after the Return from Exile
Religious Life in the Diaspora, Yehud, and Samaria
5. Intertestamental and New Testament Periods
Historical Introduction
Background to Hellenism: The Persian Period
The Rise of Hellenism: Alexander and the Diadochoi
Temporary Independence: The Hasmonean Kingdom
Last Glimpses of Power: The Herods
Roman Rule and Jewish Protest: The First Jewish Revolt
A Final Chapter: Bar Kochba and Diasporic Judaism
Social Life
Economic Life
Religious Life
Glossary
Indexes