Through the swirling smoke of Aaron’s incense, and of scholarly theories, the present volume steps toward the meaning enacted on “the Day of Purgation,” commonly known as Yom Kippur or “the Day of Atonement.” By treating moral evil both as relational/legal breach and as pollution, the Israelite system of “purification offerings” = so-called “sin offerings” addresses both the standing and state of YHWH’s people. This system shows the way not only to freedom from condemnation but also to healing of character, which is defined in terms of loyalty to YHWH. Freedom and healing c...

This book is the recipient of the 2006 R.B.Y. Scott Award, which is awarded annually by the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies ‘in recognition of an outstanding book in the areas of Hebrew Bible and/or the Ancient Near East....

This volume seeks to make a modest contribution to the intellectual and social history of Israel and the ancient Near East. As the title of the volume suggests, the focus is upon those wise men and women in ancient Israel who composed Israel’s wisdom literature, counseled her kings, and consoled—and sought to guide—her people on the basis of Israel’s sapiential tradition” (from the Preface). With 37 contributions from an international pool of authors, each of whom is known for his/her contributions in the area assigned, the volume is intended to provide comprehensive coverage of t...

Taking advantage of the increasing investigation and analysis of archaeological field data relating to agriculture and food production, author Borowski integrates the latest results with the related textual evidence both from the Bible and outside the Bible. The four major areas investigated are (1) the land, (2) field work and grain production, (3) cultigens and cultivars, and (4) factors in soil fertility and crop yield. Borowski's efforts have resulted in a standard reference both for those wanting to understand biblical texts relating to agriculture and those interested in the scientific/a...