Research Catalog
The natural history of the Bible : an environmental exploration of the Hebrew scriptures
- Title
- The natural history of the Bible : an environmental exploration of the Hebrew scriptures / Daniel Hillel.
- Author
- Hillel, Daniel.
- Publication
- New York : Columbia University Press, [2006], ©2006.
Items in the Library & Off-site
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1 Item
| Status | Format | Access | Call Number | Item Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Request in advance | BS1199.N34 H55 2006 | Off-site |
Holdings
Details
- Description
- xii, 354 pages : illustrations, maps; 24 cm
- Summary
- "In The Natural History of the Bible, Daniel Hillel shows how the eclectic experiences of the Israelites shaped their perception of the overarching unity governing nature's varied manifestations. Where other societies idolized disparate and capricious forces of nature, the Israelites discerned essential harmony and higher moral purpose. Inspired by visionary prophets, they looked to a singular, omnipresent, omnipotent force of nature mandating justice and compassion in human affairs. Monotheism was promoted as state policy and centralized in the Temple of Jerusalem. After it was destroyed and the people were exiled, a collection of scrolls distilling the nation's memories and spiritual quest served as the focus of faith in its stead."--BOOK JACKET.
- Subject
- Bibliography (note)
- Includes bibliographical references and index.
- Contents
- Prologue : a personal testament -- 1. Environment and culture : a premise and its implications -- 2. The ecological context : a region of disparate domains -- 3. The first riverine domain : influence of Mesopotamia -- 4. The pastoral domain : legacy of the Bedouin patriarchs -- 5. The second riverine domain : sojourn and slavery in Egypt -- 6. The desert domain : wanderings in Sinai and the Negev -- 7. The rainfed domain : settlement in the hill district of Canaan -- 8. The maritime domain : interactions with Philistines and Phoenicians -- 9. The urban domain : convergence of king and cult in Jerusalem -- 10. The exile domain : expulsion, survival, revival, and return -- 11. The overarching unity : culmination of ethical monotheism -- Epilogue : the lasting relevance of early ecological influences -- App. 1. On the historical validity of the Bible -- App. 2. Perceptions of humanity's role on God's earth -- App. 3. Selected passages regarding the seven domains.
- ISBN
- 0231133626
- LCCN
- 2005050740
- OCLC
- ocm60742164
- SCSB-5220803
- Owning Institutions
- Columbia University Libraries