Description
Book SynopsisWho is Israel? Who were the priestly authors of the Pentateuch? This anthropological reading of the Bible, by a world-renowned scholar, starts by asking why the Book of Numbers lists the twelve tribes of Israel seven times. Mary Douglas argues that the editors, far from being a separate elite unconcerned with their congregation''s troubles, cherished a political agenda, a religious protest against the government of Judah''s exclusionary policies. The priestly theology depends on God''s Covenant with all the descendants of Jacob, including the sons of Joseph. It would have been unpatriotic, even subversive, to speak against the wars with Samaria. This book suggest an explanation of the editors'' disappearance from the history of Israel.
Trade Reviewa brilliant synthesis of literary, historical and anthropological perspectives in understanding the priestly contribution ... a stimulating hypothesis and an insightful engagement with the particular emphases of the priestly work. * Bernon Lee, Journal of Hebrew Scriptures *
a brilliant and compelling thesis...this is an excellent and thought provoking book. * Evangelical Quarterly *
Table of ContentsI. THE LEGACY OF JACOB'S SONS ; 1. Counting Jacob's twelve sons ; 2. Jacob weeping for Joseph ; II. WHO IS 'ALL ISRAEL'? ; 3. Ezra redefines all Israel as Judah ; 4. Balaam delivers God's blessings on all Israel ; III. BEFORE AND AFTER EXILE: THE GAP IN LEARNING ; 5. Problems in reading the priestly books ; 6. The body/house cosmogram ; IV. MAGIC AND MONOTHEISM ; 7. Uncleanness and taboo draw the lines of the world ; 8. One God, no ancestors, in a world renewed
