Inscriptions from the World of the Bible: A Reader and Introduction to Old Northwest Semitic
Overview
Inscriptions from the World of the Bible guides readers through the most significant Northwest Semitic inscriptions from the early first millennium BCE. These texts—most of which are written in Hebrew, Aramaic, Phoenician, or Moabite—are contemporary with the period of the Israelite and Judean monarchies and provide valuable historical and literary context for the Hebrew Bible.
The book begins with an overview of the Northwest Semitic languages, an explanation of the methods of historical linguistics, and a brief comparative grammar. The explanations are geared toward readers with some prior knowledge of Biblical Hebrew, and special emphasis is placed on historical Hebrew grammar. The text selections are grouped by language, and each section includes a brief overview of the distinctive features of the language as well as a glossary. Texts are presented in a “reader” format with commentary on significant lexical, grammatical, and literary features.
- Showcases texts from the first millennium BCE that provide valuable and historical context for the Hebrew Bible
- Includes text selections, commentary, and glossaries
- Provides an overview of the Northwest Semitic languages
- Preface
- Introduction
Part I: Grammar
- Languages and Writing System
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Syntax
Part II: Readings
- Old Phoenician
- Old Hebrew
- Moabite
- Deir Alla
- Samalian
- Old Aramaic
Teachers and students of Biblical Hebrew will love this book. Bekins has compiled in one convenient volume a large amount of information typically found only in diverse resources. By presenting a brief comparative grammar of the four Northwest Semitic languages he treats (Phoenician, Hebrew, Moabite, and Aramaic), together with an anthology of the pertinent texts that includes learned commentary on each one, Bekins has produced a volume that will quickly become indispensable for scholars and students alike.
—Bill T. Arnold, Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, Asbury Theological Seminary
An exemplary, wide-ranging, yet succinct handbook that presents in one volume all the philological information needed to study and understand the major Northwest Semitic texts from biblical times. Addressed to students of the Hebrew Bible and Biblical Hebrew, Inscriptions from the World of the Bible considerably eases the entrée into the study of Northwest Semitic by presenting salient grammatical issues, the important texts accompanied by a philological commentary, and useful glossaries. It packages a diffuse field into one up-to-date tool for students as well as teachers.
—W. Randall Garr, Professor of Religious Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
What a wonderful idea for a book! All of us who have taught Northwest Semitic inscriptions throughout the years have needed to piece together texts, readings, grammars, and lexicons to present to our students. Here, between the covers of a single book, is all of that and more. Peter Bekins has created an exceedingly clear textbook, to guide both the novice and the advanced student through the arcane world of Hebrew, Phoenician, Moabite, and Aramaic inscriptions. There is something to learn literally on every page.
—Gary A. Rendsburg, Blanche and Irving Laurie Professor of Jewish History, Rutgers University
- Title: Inscriptions from the World of the Bible: A Reader and Introduction to Old Northwest Semitic
- Author: Peter Bekins
- Publisher: Hendrickson
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Pages: 261
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Semitic languages, Northwest; Inscriptions, Semitic; Middle Eastern literature › Relation to the O.T
- ISBNs: 9781683072096, 168307209X
- Resource ID: LLS:INSCRPTNSWRLSMTC
- Resource Type: Grammar
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-03-02T21:15:53Z
