Ancient Israel's Neighbors

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This book aims to explore the story of Israel's closest neighbors, examining both biblical accounts and insights from archaeology, ancient inscriptions, and other sources. The Bible portrays these neighbors in complex and sometimes contradictory ways; they can be depicted as friends or even family, yet at other times as enemies who threaten Israel's existence. This duality raises questions about how these portrayals may have influenced our understanding of these historical groups. For instance, how would an Aramaean describe her religion or an Edomite discuss conflicts with Israel? The exploration will delve into the biblical depictions of the smaller groups surrounding Israel while also considering their own literature and archaeological evidence. Gaining insight into these peoples in their own right will enhance our understanding of Israel's immediate neighbors. By revealing the identity of the Philistines as coastal settlers during the emergence of early Israel, the narrative uncovers the social and political dynamics underlying the biblical text. This examination allows us to see how the authors of the Bible perceived themselves in relation to others, deepening our awareness of the historical context surrounding Israel.