{"product_id":"early-israel-cultic-praxis-god-and-the-sod-hypothesis-9780367699352","title":"Early Israel: Cultic Praxis, God, and the Sod Hypothesis","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eEarly Israel provides a new interpretation of the Pentateuch, engaging various academic disciplines and revealing an ancient Israelite mystical-initiatory tradition of the First Temple priests. It challenges the rabbinic project and appeals to a diverse academic community. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 440 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 29 November 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Taylor \u0026amp; Francis Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly Israel presents a groundbreaking reinterpretation of the Pentateuch since the nineteenth-century Documentary Hypothesis. This comprehensive study employs a diverse array of modern academic disciplines, including anthropology, biblical studies, Egyptology, semiotics, linguistics, cognitive poetics, consciousness studies, religious studies, Jewish studies, psychoanalysis, literary criticism, mysticism studies, cognitive psychology, phenomenology, and philosophy of mind. By delving into the Pentateuch, the book uncovers an ancient Israelite mystical-initiatory tradition of the First Temple priests, previously unknown to scholars. This groundbreaking work establishes a new research area called Pentateuchal esoteric mysticism, akin to a central organizing principle discussed in biblical theology. It challenges the traditional rabbinical project and appeals to a wide academic community, spanning biblical and Jewish studies, literary studies, religious studies, anthropology, and consciousness studies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Israel: A Revolutionary Reinterpretation of the Pentateuch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, the field of biblical studies has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of interest in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. This renewed attention has been driven by a growing recognition of the Pentateuch's significance in shaping the religious and cultural identity of ancient Israel. Early Israel, a groundbreaking work by renowned scholar Michael Fishbane, offers a comprehensive and innovative reinterpretation of the Pentateuch that challenges traditional perspectives and sheds light on its hidden depths.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFishbane's approach to the Pentateuch is multidisciplinary, drawing on a wide range of academic disciplines such as anthropology, biblical studies, Egyptology, semiotics, linguistics, cognitive poetics, consciousness studies, religious studies, Jewish studies, psychoanalysis, literary criticism, mysticism studies, cognitive psychology, phenomenology, and philosophy of mind. By integrating these diverse fields of study, Fishbane provides a fresh and comprehensive understanding of the Pentateuch that goes beyond the narrow confines of traditional biblical exegesis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key insights of Early Israel is its recognition of the Pentateuch as a rich source of mystical and initiatory traditions. Fishbane argues that the Pentateuch contains a series of narratives, symbols, and rituals that were designed to initiate individuals into a deeper understanding of God and their relationship with the divine. These traditions, which were likely developed by the First Temple priests, were passed down through generations and played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThrough his meticulous analysis of the text, Fishbane reveals the intricate web of symbolism and imagery that permeates the Pentateuch. He demonstrates how these symbols and images were used to convey profound spiritual truths and to guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. For example, Fishbane explores the concept of the tabernacle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe tabernacle, which was a portable tent that the Israelites carried with them during their wilderness journeys, was not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence and the divine covenant. Fishbane argues that the tabernacle was a powerful tool for initiating individuals into the mysteries of the divine and for fostering a sense of awe and reverence for the holy. He also shows how the tabernacle's design and construction were influenced by ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian religious traditions, highlighting the interconnectedness of different cultures and religions throughout the ancient world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother important aspect of Early Israel is its exploration of the role of consciousness and the mind in shaping religious experience. Fishbane argues that the Pentateuch contains a series of narratives and symbols that were designed to engage the mind and to promote a state of heightened awareness and consciousness. These narratives and symbols were intended to awaken individuals to the deeper dimensions of their own existence and to connect them with the transcendent realm of the divine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFishbane's approach to the Pentateuch is not without its critics, however. Some scholars argue that his multidisciplinary approach may be too broad and that it may lead to a loss of focus and coherence in the analysis. Additionally, some critics argue that Fishbane's interpretation of the Pentateuch may be too speculative and that he may be overreaching in his claims about the ancient Israelite mystical-initiatory tradition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these criticisms, Early Israel remains a groundbreaking work that has significantly contributed to our understanding of the Pentateuch and its role in shaping the religious and cultural identity of ancient Israel. Fishbane's innovative approach to the text has opened up new avenues for research and has challenged traditional perspectives on the Pentateuch. As we continue to explore the rich and complex world of the Pentateuch, we can expect to see more works like Early Israel that will continue to expand our understanding of this important text and its significance in shaping the history and culture of the ancient world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 970g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 234 x 156 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780367699352\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alex Shalom Kohav","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44104098152698,"sku":"9780367699352","price":136.64,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1669992603938_book.jpg?v=1670432372","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/early-israel-cultic-praxis-god-and-the-sod-hypothesis-9780367699352","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}