The Book of Esther Between Judaism and Christianity
Through the ages, the Book of Esther has been one of the most beloved biblical books across Jewish communities. Why has it been neglected by Christians?
Moses’ Other Names: A Clue to the Biblical Exodus During Egypt’s Civil War?
Did an historical event give rise to the story of the Exodus? A story told by the ancient historian Josephus may provide some clues.
From Monolatry to Monotheism: The Changing Face of the Biblical Pantheon
Exclusive worship of a single god defied the religious norms of the ancient world. So how did Yahweh’s followers push their deity to the top of the divine hierarchy?
What is a God in the Hebrew Bible? Part 2: Characteristics and Hierarchy
Multiple characters in the bible can be classified as gods. What characteristics make them gods, and what is the relationship between them?
What is a God in the Hebrew Bible? Part I: The Divine Cast of Characters
Many people assume there is only one god in the Old Testament—one who is both omniscient and omnipotent. However, a closer look reveals many other gods who differ from the stereo
The Hebrew Bible and the Meanings Ruins Hold
MAY 2024 | Vol. 12.5 By Daniel Pioske On April 28, 1462 CE, Pope Pius II issued a bull (Cum almam nostram Urbem) prohibiting the destruction of Roman ruins on penalty of excommunic
Moses in Josephus’ Antiquities: Between Jewish and Greek Traditions
November 2023 | Vol. 11.11 By Ursula Westwood In the Greek and Latin literature of the Roman Empire, Moses occasionally turns up as a wise but sacrilegious Egyptian priest (Strabo)
“Sin”: The Hidden History
September 2023 | Vol. 11.9 By David Konstan Sin is a religious concept. In civil law, one is accused of committing a crime, not a sin. But sin is often still more narrowly understo
The Book of Esther as a Source for Achaemenian History
June 2023 | Vol. 11.6 By Morteza Arabzadeh Sarbanani The Book of Esther (Fig. 1) is set in the Persian capital of Susa during the reign of Xerxes (Ahasuerus in Hebrew) and tells th
The Myth of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
april 2023 | Vol. 11.4 By Andrew Tobolowsky The twelve tribes of Israel are, in a nutshell, how the Hebrew Bible’s historical narratives define Israel. Even today, the tribes are