Creation of History in Ancient Israel

'Brettler's study is very clever. The layout of his presentation is certainly seductive, and he has without doubt opened the eyes of many readers to the methods of the historians of ancient times ... a diligent description of biblical history-makers at work.' - Journal of Semitic Studies'Brettler argues that history is constructed rather than recounted. He is less concerned with what transpired than with what was remembered, how it was remembered, and why ... This is an interesting and well-written book.' - The Bible Today'The author should be congratulated on his systematic and penetrating source-critical analysis of several Biblical texts. His study is an important contribution to scholars and students.' - Jewish History'Brettler's readings are filled with both insight and learning.' - Regent's Review'At the level of the specific analysis of texts, there is much here which commands assent, and even admiration. Brettler has not only read widely in the secondary literature, but he has a sharp eye for what is going on in the primary sources and is full of valuable sugestions about literary analysis, allusions to other texts, the direction of dependence, and so on.' - H. G. M. Williamson, Journal of Jewish Studies

• Preface, List of abbreviations, INTRODUCTION: THE NEW BIBLICAL HISTORIOGRAPHY, 1 DEFINING HISTORY, IDEOLOGY AND LITERATURE, 2 CHRONICLES AS A MODEL FOR BIBLICAL HISTORY, 3 THE TYPOLOGIES OF GENESIS, 4 DEUTERONOMY AS INTERPRETATION, 5 THE EHUD STORY AS SATIRE, 6 IDEOLOGY IN THE BOOK OF SAMUEL, 7 TEXT IN A TEL: 2 KINGS 17 AS HISTORY, CONCLUSION: THE CREATION OF BIBLICAL HISTORY, Notes, Select bibliography, Index of subjects, Index of modern authors, Index of citations from the Hebrew bible