Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 06:18 (Aug 2002)
Article: Book Notice
Author: Anonymous

---

CTJ 6:18 (August 2002) p. 270

Book Notice

Mesopotamia and the Bible by Mark W. Chavalas and K. Lawson Younger, Jr. (eds.), Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002, cloth, 400 pp., $29.99

This scholarly work compiles fascinating material about the ancient world of the Middle East that throws light on the Bible and classical history. It especially looks at the ancient Mesopotamian region, the lands of Babylon, Assyria, and Persia.

CTJ 6:18 (August 2002) p. 271

There are ample Bible verse references so that the student can make relevant this historical material as it casts a shadow onto the pages of Scripture. Thirteen contributing scholars do their best to make meaningful connections, with research articles about: slavery, warfare, ancient contracts, the laws of the kings, marriage issues, economics, religious matters, etc. The volume also reviews some of the major tenants of the Code of Hammurabi.

The book is not aimed at the faint of heart scholastically, or for those looking for bedtime reading. While some of the chapters are complicated to process, all of the material is valuable for those truly wanting to study Old Testament biblical backgrounds. One negative: sometimes it is difficult to know the contributors true feelings about critical, or textual criticism issues.

Again, for the serious Bible scholar, this book will make a contribution and be an added text for his library.

Mal Couch,
President,
Tyndale Seminary

...
visitor : : uid: ()