DESCRIPTION

Victor Matthews, a veteran teacher and expert on the world of ancient Israel, believes that an enormous cultural gap exists between modern students and the ancient world. To cross this gap, he believes that we need to understand that the original authors cannot be ripped out of their context, but neither can we transport them to ours. Rather, we must enter their world on their terms. 

Drawing on archaeology and ancient Near Eastern texts, Matthews examines each of the prophets chronologically, placing them and their message into historical context. He explores pertinent aspects of historical geography, economic conditions, and social forces that influenced a prophet's life and message and explains why prophets served an integral purpose in the development of ancient Israelite religion. 

Furthermore, Matthews also explores how prophets addressed their audience and employed rhetorical methods, images, and metaphors to communicate effectively. Logically organized, clearly written, and classroom friendly, this book meets the needs of beginning as well as advanced students. It is a substantially revised and expanded edition of the successful text Social World of the Hebrew Prophets.