The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life is a key feature in the Genesis stories. So why are there so few references in later ancient Near Eastern and in Biblical texts and imagery?
Israelite and Judahite Ambassadors to Assyria
In antiquity as today, ambassadors were the representatives of their states in foreign lands. But whose interests did ambassadors from small states to terrifying empires really rep
Judeans and Goddesses at Elephantine
The Judean colony on the Egyptian island of Elephantine is well known for its temple. But did they also worship deities besides YHW?
Writing and Rewriting the Story of Solomon in Ancient Israel
The Bible regards Solomon as the greatest and wisest of kings. But which Solomon are we talking about, that of Samuel-Kings or Chronicles? And which is closer to ‘history’?
Translating the Bible Against the Ancient Near Eastern Background
Translators try to understand the language of ancient texts and the world view of the writers. Doing so requires going beyond the literal text to try and capture the poetic meaning