Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible: Exploring the Cultural Context That Formed Ancient Israel - Paperback

by Elizabeth Backfish (Author), Cynthia Shafer-Elliott (Author)

Many books focus on either the cultural contexts of ancient Israel or the theology of the Hebrew Scriptures. This unique and insightful work, coauthored by a biblical scholar with expertise in archaeology and a biblical theologian, bridges the gap between these two disciplines. This book shows readers how the everyday life of ancient Israelites shaped their relationship with God and how understanding their cultural context illuminates the profound connections between their world and their faith.

Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible explores topics such as households, food, marriage negotiations, covenants, warfare, and more. Each chapter begins by examining archaeological insights into the everyday practices and beliefs of ancient Israelites, shedding light on how these inform the theology that develops throughout Scripture. This approach enhances our understanding of ancient Israel's theologies.

For the Bible student, pastor, or serious lay reader, this volume is an invitation to dig deeper into the cultural background and theology of the Hebrew Bible. The book includes suggestions for further reading, images, figures, and discussion questions.

Back Jacket

"Bridges the gap between cultural-historical context and theological reflection"

This book helps us discover how the everyday life of ancient Israelites--from their meals and marriages to their battles and beliefs--shaped their relationship with God and how understanding their cultural context illuminates the profound connections between their world and their faith.

"Reading the Bible is a cross-cultural experience. Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible makes the ancient context accessible and understandable, helping students and adult learners understand what they are reading and why it matters. My own students will benefit from the book's clear organization and orientation to key aspects of culture on display in the Hebrew Bible. Bravo!"
--Carmen Joy Imes, Talbot School of Theology

"Grounded Theology in the Hebrew Bible bridges the gap between cultural-historical context and theological reflection, showing how ancient Israel's everyday life shaped its theology--and how that theology can still shape modern faith. It is spiritually formative, blending thoughtful scholarship, engaging writing, and modern illustrations to bring the ancient world and its theological insights to life."
--Roger S. Nam, Emory University

"Reading the Old Testament can be confusing if we don't understand the various contexts in which the people in Israel lived, ate, married, worshiped, engaged in warfare, and viewed kingship, etc. This helpful volume examines how Israel's cultural contexts can enrich our understanding of Israel's theologies. A valuable resource for those interested in a deeper understanding of the Old Testament."
--May Young, Taylor University

"Backfish and Shafer-Elliott offer readers a rare gift: the ability to see. They serve as interpretive optometrists, helping us to perceive how various aspects of Israel's cultural and material context illuminate the theology of the Hebrew Bible. From households and covenant to worship and warfare, they connect the ground to God."
--Christopher Ansberry, Grove City College

"Backfish and Shafer-Elliott bring their respective expertise in biblical theology and archaeology complemented by years of classroom teaching experience to this one-of-a-kind resource that, quite literally, 'grounds' theological inquiry in the Hebrew Bible. An eminently readable introduction that will serve students for years to come."
--Jonathan S. Greer, Grand Valley State University

Author Biography

Elizabeth Backfish (PhD, Trinity International University) is associate professor of biblical studies at William Jessup University. She is the author of Hebrew Wordplay and Septuagint Translation Technique in the Fourth Book of the Psalter and serves as theologian in residence at Granite Springs Church in Lincoln, California.

Cynthia Shafer-Elliott (PhD, University of Sheffield) is associate professor of Hebrew Bible / Old Testament at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and an experienced field archaeologist in Israel. She is the author of numerous publications, including Food in Ancient Judah.