In the Wilderness: The Doctrine of Defilement in the Book of Numbers (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. Supplement Series, 158)

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In the Wilderness is a classic work on the anthropology of the Book of Numbers. Up to now Bible scholars have tended to dismiss Numbers - Wellhausen called it the junk room of the Bible, and most contemporary commentaries feel called upon to say something about its apparent lack of coherence. In this book Mary Douglas argues that Numbers is composed of 12 alternating sections of law and narrative arranged in a ring, with each law and narrative section corresponding to its pair on the other side. Notes from a Hebrew scholar confirm the pattern by identifying objectively the beginnings and endings of law and narrative. On this showing Numbers turns out to be an extremely coherent example of a well-known antique rhetorical system. The meaning of the book comes out very differently according to whether it is read linearly or as written, synoptically. Professor Douglas shows that Numbers is not heavy or obscure but reads like a detective story. WITH REGARD TO LEVITICUS AS LITERATURE The books of Numbers and Leviticus stand at the centre of the Pentateuch and are revered as the basis of biblical Judaism. In her two books Mary Douglas argues that neither has been read in its own terms. Oxford University Press have brought together Professor Douglas's two ground-breaking works because the process of discovery is continuous, the work on Leviticus builds on the work for Numbers. The second book is the fruit of the first. They each make more sense together than apart.

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Stunning Insight and Smooth, Lucid Prose.......2004-06-12

Mary Douglas is very simply brilliant. That she's chosen to shine her unique light on the Book of Numbers is great good fortune for anyone who dives into this book. I wish I'd discovered her earlier on in my biblical research, but no matter. Perhaps I had to be ready for the insights she reveals into the reasoning that might lie beyond the rules pertaining to corpse impurity and the associations that might connect the ashes of the red heifer (used in ritual cleansing) to another obscure rite involving a woman accused of adultery. She mines the Bible for incalculable riches where others might shake their heads in confusion. Metaphor is alive to her. She feels the heartbeat behind the words. Her conclusions are undeniably brilliant, and she is compulsively readable and enjoyable at the same time. That this book is currently "not available" is dreadfully unfortunate. I was able to get a hardcover fairly easily however, and I urge others to track down the text even if it takes time. Meanwhile I'm on to more of Mary Douglas, of course.

The Legends of the Jews: Moses in the Wilderness (Legends of the Jews)

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Wilderness trials

The Legends of the Jews: Moses in the Wilderness (Legends of the Jews)
Louis Ginzberg
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801858925

Book Description

Forty years in the wilderness transformed Hebrew slaves into the Jewish people. In the long wandering to the promised land, much happened that the Bible did not record. Volume Three collects the legends about events that occurred during the exodus, events of struggle and anger, and of wonder and awe.

Customer Reviews:

Wilderness trials.......2002-02-23

Does anybody really know what mana is? This book confused me about a couple of things but again another well put together bokk.

In the Wilderness: The Doctrine in the Book of Numbers (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament)

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In the Wilderness: The Doctrine in the Book of Numbers (Journal for the Study of the Old Testament)
Mary Douglas
Manufacturer: Sheffield
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1850754446

Numbers: God's Presence in the Wilderness (Preaching the Word)

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Numbers: God's Presence in the Wilderness (Preaching the Word)
Iain M. Duguid
Manufacturer: Crossway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1581343639

Book Description

The book of Numbers tells the story of the events occurring in the years between the nation of Israel’s exodus from Egypt and their entrance into the Promised Land. The lives of two generations are recorded: the first lacking in faith and receiving their just punishment from God and the second believing the Word of God and so entering into their inheritance as his children.

Like those generations of Israelites, Christians today are in the midst of a journey between events of deepest significance—the death of Christ that was the exodus from bondage to sin and death and Jesus’ second coming to usher his children into the true and final promised land as a glorious destination to the journey. Author Iain Duguid seeks to aid both pastors and laypeople on this journey by explaining the profundities of the biblical text, especially its less transparent portions, and communicating the lasting message of God’s devotion to those who follow him in faith.

Ancient Israel in Sinai: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Wilderness Tradition

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An Excellent Study on an Important Topic
Bible background support
Excellent scholarship, not a travel guide

Ancient Israel in Sinai: The Evidence for the Authenticity of the Wilderness Tradition
James K. Hoffmeier
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0195155467

Book Description

In his pathbreaking Israel in Egypt James K. Hoffmeier sought to refute the claims of scholars who doubt the historical accuracy of the biblical account of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt. Analyzing a wealth of textual, archaeological, and geographical evidence, he put forth a thorough defense of the biblical tradition. Hoffmeier now turns his attention to the Wilderness narratives of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. As director of the North Sinai Archaeological Project, Hoffmeier has led several excavations that have uncovered important new evidence supporting the Wilderness narratives, including a major New Kingdom fort at Tell el-Borg that was occupied during the Israelite exodus. Hoffmeier employs these archaeological findings to shed new light on the route of the exodus from Egypt. He also investigates the location of Mount Sinai, and offers a rebuttal to those who have sought to locate it in northern Arabia and not in the Sinai peninsula as traditionally thought. Hoffmeier addresses how and when the Israelites could have lived in Sinai, as well as whether it would have been possible for Moses to write down the law received at Mount Sinai. Building on the new evidence for the Israelite sojourn in Egypt, Hoffmeier explores the Egyptian influence on the Wilderness tradition. For example, he finds Egyptian elements in Israelite religious practices, including the use of the tabernacle, and points to a significant number of Egyptian personal names among the generation of the exodus. The origin of Israel is a subject of much debate and the wilderness tradition has been marginalized by those who challenge its credibility. In Ancient Israel in Sinai, Hoffmeier brings the Wilderness tradition to the forefront and makes a case for its authenticity based on solid evidence and intelligent analysis.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Study on an Important Topic.......2007-08-09

Required reading for anyone within, influenced by, or wishing to respond to the historical "minimalist" tradition. Hoffmeier attempts to demonstrate the historical plausibility of the wilderness tradition of Exodus - Numbers by arguing for a second millennium setting, based on evidence such as the geographical knowledge that the writer possessed. Yet that is not all he does. This volume is less of an "apologetic" than his "Israel in Egypt," focusing much more on questions of geography (i.e. the identification of sites listed in the Exodus and Numbers "itineraries."). Particularly helpful are his treatment on the "number of Israelites" problem, his proposals for the locations of places like the Reed Sea and Mt. Sinai/Horeb, his "excursuses" on historical methodology, and the sections in which he details the ways in which the physical geography of northern Sinai differed from that of today (and the first century, for that matter).

Hoffmeier is a top-rank egyptologist, and interacts with the very best scholarly literature. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars out of 5 is because, in a work that concentrates so strongly on geographical issues, there aren't really many good maps to aid the reader in the volume itself. No doubt, there are a few helpful ones, such as the one dealing with his proposed route of the exodus, but I often found myself wishing there was a bit more on that end. Nevertheless, this is an excellent book. Now, if only the cable TV channels would air specials on this!

Bible background support.......2006-03-15

Extremely helpful to place the Exodus events in context. Hoffmeier does not try to "prove" the Bible, but instead assumes the historicity of the Exodus narrative. Bible scholars will find this helpful for interpretation and explanation of the OT narrative. Plus it offers support for the historicity of the biblical narrative without being sensationalist.

Excellent scholarship, not a travel guide.......2005-12-21

If you're looking for evidence that Israel really did make the wilderness journey described in Exodus, Ancient Israel in Sinai is the best scholarly case to be found anywhere, including the best collection I've seen of Egyptian linguistic evidence found in ancient Israel's cultic apparatus. But if you're looking for an examination of the wilderness route, not only from the Nile to Mt Sinai, but also from Mt Sinai all the way to Transjordan (as I was hoping to find), you may be disappointed. Hoffmaier does a wonderful job examining the first half of the journey, but devotes little attention to the second half. He does do a good job refuting the theory that Mt Sinai is in modern Saudi Arabia. I give it 5 stars for its scholarship, and 3 stars for the in-depth travel guide I was also hoping for.

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Be certain to purchase the excellent New Directions Classic reprint edition
Psalms as Spiritual Bread
Among Merton's Finest Books!
This is a book that every serious student should read.

Bread in the Wilderness
Thomas Merton
Manufacturer: Liturgical Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0814604064

Book Description

The Psalms, which Thomas Merton called "one of the most valid forms of prayer for men of all time," are the most significant and influential collection of religious poems ever written, summing up the theology of the Old Testament and serving as daily nourishment for the devout. Bread in the Wilderness sets forth Merton's belief that "the Psalms acquire, for those who know how to enter into them, a surprising depth, a marvelous and inexhaustible actuality. They are bread, miraculously provided by Christ, to feed those who have followed Him into the wilderness." Merton's goal in this moving book is to help the reader enter into the Psalms: "The secret is placed in the hands of each Christian. It only needs to be discovered and fulfilled in our own lives." The new ND Classic edition of Bread in the Wilderness faithfully reproduces the beautiful, large-format original 1953 New Directions books, created by the celebrated designer Alvin Lustig and lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs of a remarkable medieval crucifix at Perpignan, France.

Customer Reviews:

Be certain to purchase the excellent New Directions Classic reprint edition.......2007-03-13

New Directions was Father Merton,s first publisher and always produced art house quality books meant to last. This tradition only improves with age as this New DIrections reprint issue continues the tradition of high quality books which are a joy to handle and to hold.

I find the Liturgical Press reprint of this monumental work of Psalm theology to be hard to read and easily broken, like a small trade paperback. This New Directions reprint on the other hand has a generous size and a beautiful lay out with generous margins for your own meditations. I especially appreciate the illustrations of various aspects of the ancient French Catalan Devot Christ which I have not seen in many decades, and am deeply moved to contemplate once more within these pages.

Any spiritual library requires this volume of Father Mertons meditations and teachings of the Psalms, the cornerstone of any monastic prayer life, the cornerstone of the Rule and life of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict, who requires their full reading weekly and regularly. And this beautiful and merciful reprint by New Directions fills their contemplation with a great and gentle joy.

This volume of Father Mertons early writings also still comes with Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat, etc., for those who require such things.

Psalms as Spiritual Bread.......2006-10-19

Who better then Thomas Merton, a poet and a monk, to share his feelings on the most significant and influential collection of religious poems ever written? In this book Merton teaches us that the Psalms not only sum up the teachings of the Old Testament, but they can serve as actual nourishment for those whose vocation is the life of prayer. This book offers inspiration on the Psalms and shows us how they can lead us become closer to God.

I highly recommend this book to all. And especially to those who seek to come closer to God daily in their contemplative life. Thomas Merton was Father Louis of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance and lived daily with the Psalms.

Among Merton's Finest Books!.......2000-09-06

I commend New Directions for issuing a facsimile reprint of the original of this valuable book. Who would not say that here is a publishing company of enduring and impeccable taste? I have a copy of the original cloth bound book- it is beautiful, and easily one of my top twenty favorite books. I believe this is the book that comes most surely from Merton the poet. His consideration of the Psalms is inspired; the language in this book is as severe and ecstatic as are the Psalms themselves, and his insight into their relevance is without peer. The brevity of Merton's exposition is part of its potency. Nothing is wasted. Like the Psalms themselves, the veins of this book run deep in kingly rivers, announcing the heart of God like a morning song. Merton's interior acquisition of that song is of epic intensity, yet simple as clean water. I believe "Bread in the Wilderness" surpasses even "Seeds of Contemplation" in directness, common heart, and indeed artistic beauty. It's an indescribably beautiful book that moves, aches and rocks, and leads one, ultimately, to the inmost core of revelation, which is, after all, believability. Merton's references to the Psalms can be traced like a monk's thread throughout all of his writing, from the earliest books up through the posthumously published Journals. This book gives us a clear understanding of how constantly faithful Thomas Merton remained not only to the brilliant song of the Psalms themselves, but to the music of his own exceeding heart. And the woodcut Christ on the cover is so unfailingly Cistercian! This is a book that will live forever.

This is a book that every serious student should read........1999-04-09

When Thomas Merton, a Trappist Monk, wrote BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS, he had fallen in love with the Psalms of the Old Testament. As a monk, he had chanted the Psalms every day of the week. The monks still do this today. This book is certaily about the Psalms as it relates to people seeking to understand God and Christ. In only the way Thomas Merton can write, one will discover many practical truths about the Psalms. As Merton writes, "The Psalms are theolgy. That means that they place us in direct contact with God, through the assent of faith in His revelation." Even though this is a brief book, it contains large amount of material for thought and study. There are five divisions in the book, and each division highlights how God speaks through the Psalms. To the poet, there are many Psalms of importance. As Merton writes, "The Psalms are poems, and poems have a meanng, although the poet has no obligation to make his meaning immediately clear to anyone who does not want to make an effort to discover it." One of the most ineresting things about the book is how Merton sees Jesus Christ throughout the Psalms. Maybe Merton says it best whe he writes, "The Psalms are more that language. They contain within themselves the silence of high mountains and the silence of heaven. It is only when we stand at the bottom of the mountain that it is hard for us to distinguish the language of the Psalter from the tongues of the earth..." In this book, Merton makes the Psalms come alive. This is a book worth reading.

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A Testament to the Wilderness
C. A. Meier
Manufacturer: Daimon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

In 1983, Swiss psychiatrist C.A. Meier delivered a fascinating paper at the 3rd World Wilderness Congress in Inverness, Scotland. "Wilderness and the Search for the Soul of Modern Man" addressed not only the tragedy of our vanishing natural wilderness and the need to preserve it, but also the necessity of preserving man's 'inner wilderness.' A Testament to the Wilderness consists of Meier's original address and thoughtful and provocative responses by nine concerned writers from around the world. (Laurens van der Post, Henderson, Wheelwright ...)

Tabernacle in the Wilderness: A Study of Christ in the Tabernacle, the Offerings, and the Priesthood (John Ritchie Memorial Library)

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Tabernacle in the Wilderness: A Study of Christ in the Tabernacle, the Offerings, and the Priesthood (John Ritchie Memorial Library)
John Ritchie
Manufacturer: Kregel Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0825436168

Book Description

A concise, practical study of the tabernacle, the offerings, and the priesthood in which every major facet of the tabernacle is discussed.

The garden and the wilderness (Literature: uses of the imagination)

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The garden and the wilderness (Literature: uses of the imagination)
Alvin A Lee
Manufacturer: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Product Description

Textbook with religious based literature, mostly old testament stories, Psalms, etc.

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Hope in the Wilderness
David Winter
Manufacturer: BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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