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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page research paper that focuses on the various theories and models to explain the formation of the early Israelite state. The writer argues in favor of the position that the first Israelites were native Canaanites. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khforis.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
of the Bible, plus the Book of Joshua, tell the traditional story of the formation of Israel, but scholars have come to recognize that the principal focus of these narratives
is on theological interests, not historical accuracy. Once a model of the Old Testament as history was questioned, scholars began to look for alternative explanations. The three classic models for
the formation of the Israelite state are conquest, peaceful infiltration and social revolution. The most recent models include migration and infiltration, symbiosis and that the first Israelite were native Canaanites
(McDermott, 1998). While all of these theories have points to recommend them, as well as arguments against them, as McDermott (1998) points out, the "most likely process responsible for the
emergence of the Israelite was a gradual Canaanite Ressettlement similar to the views of William Dever, Niels Peter Lemche and Gosta Ahlstrom," who are all scholars supporting the "First Israelites
were Canaanites" position (p. 89). While the books of the Old Testament are not regarded as literal history by biblical scholars, many theorists nevertheless turn to the scriptures and
other ancient records for indications of the historical record. There is a broad consensus among scholars that the Book of Joshua is part of a larger work that consists
of the books of Judges, First and Second Samuel and First and Second Kings, along with the Book of Deuteronomy as a form of theological preface (Joshua introduction, 1993). The
details given in stories and archival materials in the Book of Joshua have varying degree of historicity (Joshua introduction, 1993). Scholars feel that they are designed to serve the "pedagogical
interest of earlier Levitcal teachers and later editors" (Joshua introduction, 1993, p. 328). One of the principal themes of the Book of Joshua is developed by having Joshua repeat many
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