The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel: New Identities Across Time and Space

The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel is the first study to treat the history of claims to an Israelite identity as an ongoing historical phenomenon from biblical times to the present, shedding new light on how the structure of the twelve tribes tradition enables the creation of different visions of Israel and generates new questions about its enduring power and changing shape.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel is a groundbreaking exploration of the historical claims to an Israelite identity, spanning from biblical times to the present. In his book, Andrew Tobolowsky challenges the traditional view of the Hebrew Bible as a source material for later legends and instead treats it as one among many attempts to construct an Israelite history. By adopting a long-term comparative approach, Tobolowsky sheds new light on the structure of the twelve tribes tradition and its ability to generate diverse visions of Israel. He raises thought-provoking questions about the enduring power of this myth, the mechanisms behind its popularity, and how it has evolved over time. Furthermore, Tobolowsky delves into the changing shape of Israel itself, revealing insights into the individuals and groups who claimed it throughout history. This comprehensive study offers a fresh perspective on the complex and evolving narrative of Israelite identity, providing valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped this myth throughout the ages.
The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel is a groundbreaking exploration of the historical claims to an Israelite identity, spanning from biblical times to the present. In his book, Andrew Tobolowsky challenges the traditional view of the Hebrew Bible as a source material for later legends and instead treats it as one among many attempts to construct an Israelite history. By adopting a long-term comparative approach, Tobolowsky sheds new light on the structure of the twelve tribes tradition and its ability to generate diverse visions of Israel. He raises thought-provoking questions about the enduring power of this myth, the mechanisms behind its popularity, and how it has evolved over time. Furthermore, Tobolowsky delves into the changing shape of Israel itself, revealing insights into the individuals and groups who claimed it throughout history. This comprehensive study offers a fresh perspective on the complex and evolving narrative of Israelite identity, providing valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped the myth throughout the ages.

The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel is a groundbreaking exploration of the historical claims to an Israelite identity, spanning from biblical times to the present. In his book, Andrew Tobolowsky challenges the traditional view of the Hebrew Bible as a source material for later legends and instead treats it as one among many attempts to construct an Israelite history. By adopting a long-term comparative approach, Tobolowsky sheds new light on the structure of the twelve tribes tradition and its ability to generate diverse visions of Israel. He raises thought-provoking questions about the enduring power of this myth, the mechanisms behind its popularity, and how it has evolved over time. Furthermore, Tobolowsky delves into the changing shape of Israel itself. itself, revealing insights into the individuals and groups who claimed it throughout history. This comprehensive study offers a fresh perspective on the complex and evolving narrative of Israelite identity, providing valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social factors. factors that have shaped history. This comprehensive study offers a fresh perspective on the complex and evolving narrative of Israelite identity, providing valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped the myth throughout the ages.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316514948
Edition number: New ed