Israel's Story: Part Two

By Dianne Bergant

In the first volume of this work, Dianne Bergant leads readers in an exploration of the earliest years of Israelite history, from the accounts of creation in Genesis through the divided Kingdom of David. Already drawn into the drama of Israel's beginnings, readers of Israel's Story, Part One will be eager to pick up this second volume and continue the journey. Those who have not read the first volume can easily enter Part Two and save Part One for a later time. From the theological significance of the Davidic monarchy to the prophetic call to covenant faithfulness, from the Babylonian exile to the influence of Greek culture on Jewish thought and practices, from the oral culture to the written word that is now the Old Testament 'Israel's Story, Part Two allows readers to delight in and appreciate more fully both the depth and diversity of our ancestors in faith. Bergant, in these two volumes, stands before readers as the teacher who makes history come alive, in this case helping us discover that Israel's story is our Christian story as well. Includes a glossary and timeline. Dianne Bergant, CSA, PhD, is professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She has published numerous works, including Song of Songs in the Berit Olam series and Preaching the New Lectionary , both published by Liturgical Press.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814630472
• ISBN13: 9780814630471
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Good Framework for Understanding the Old Testament

The cultural differences between our world and the world of the Israelites in the Old Testament are substantial. As a result, reading the books of the Old Testament can be extremely confusing. Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D., a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, attempts to alleviate some of that confusion for those who are studying the Old Testament for the first time and for those who are interested in digging deeper into the texts. Bergant begins by examining some of the source material for the scriptures. She identifies the four major traditions that influenced the final written product. She also discusses the different literary styles that are used in the Bible as well as the special meaning of "myth" as it relates to the Old Testament. "Israel's Story" offers an overview of all of the major characters as well as many of the minor ones, who helped to shape the history of the Jews. Bergant also includes historical evidence that may or may not coincide with the Biblical text. While the Bible is not a purely historical document, history still does provide a framework for some of the events that are retold in its pages. She also tries to place the Bible in its appropriate cultural context. Part one covers the Book of Genesis through the time in which Israel was split into two kingdoms. Bergant concludes this first installment by reflecting that "Regardless of the changes that took place in the lives of the Israelites, the one constant remained: God was there for them, to protect them, and to provide for them." Bergant promises to continue the story of the Israelites changing relationship with God in the second part. "Israel's Story" would be a useful text in college-level introductory courses on the Old Testament. It is also useful for those who simply want to learn more about that section of the Bible. It provides a good framework for understanding the main themes and characters.

Serious Study/Engaging Style

Dianne Bergant, a professor of Old Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, believes that familiarity with the people in the bible and the events of their lives is essential to understanding the religious meaning of the message. In "Israel's Story" she guides readers to this understanding by casting the stories in the light of literary and historical background, Church teaching, and modern theological thinking. The special grace here is the combination of serious minded study with a readable, engaging style.