Author Description

An internationally known scholar in Old Testament and comparative religion, Professor Ringgren stands within the tradition of the Uppsala school of exegesis. He shows great balance and wide learning, however, in presenting clearly and fairly the viewpoints of other schools as well. Theologians who may miss here the perspective of "salvation history" - because of the author's intentional departure from a theological orientation - will learn much from the comparative approach he has used to underscore the uniqueness of Old Testament religion. Plentiful use is made of both biblical and extrabiblical citations by way of implementing the descriptive method. The book is intended in the first instance not for the theologians but for all who are seriously interested in the religion of Israel as it appears within the context of the culture of the ancient Near East.