a history of israel Author:john bright HISTORY MATTERS! This motto captures well the sum and substance of John Bright?s — textbook. For at least twenty-seven years, A History of Israel was a standard text among mainline — theological schools and seminaries across the country. Its influence on previous and present — generations of theology students is inestimable. Translated into German,... more » Spanish, Korean, and
Indonesian, Bright?s magisterial work continues to be widely used, having achieved a total sale of
over 100,000 copies since the publication of its first edition in 1959.
The reasons for the textbook?s success are clear. The facility with which Bright engaged
scripture, archaeology, and ancient Near Eastern history remains unsurpassed within the genre.
Bright?s critical confidence in the historical texture of biblical tradition made his work useful not
only for the study of ancient history but also for the study of Old Testament literature. Most
significantly, Bright took seriously Israel?s theological formation; he regarded Israel?s faith as a
determinative factor in shaping its identity in history. Bright?s focus on Israel?s faith, more
broadly, indicated his conviction that history constitutes the arena of revelation and theology.
Finally, Bright?s lively writing style makes for stimulating reading.« less