What do you think?
Rate this book
Ancient Israel
This revised edition, published in 1960, brings up to date a book first published in 1954―a concisely organized, simply written account of the society that produced the Bible. As the author traces the fluctuating fortunes of the Hebrews and Israelites between about 2000 and 300 B.C.E., the reader can see how Jewish religious concepts developed in the context of actual historical situations.
164 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1960
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 8, 2021
Originally published in 1954, Ancient Israel reflects the author’s masterful knowledge and his ability to summarize and add insight in a straightforward and enjoyable style.
Orlinsky’s chronological narrative is divided into extremely clear bite-sized sections. Early on, the author introduces two main themes. The first is the Covenant between the Israelites and God, through which their obedience and loyalty earn His protection of them in their promised land of Israel. This contract defined their place in the world both morally and geographically.
In counterpoint, the second theme is a cultural trait of the Hebrews from earliest times: “the characteristic and persistent feature of questioning authority.” This included expressing opposition to any one man’s absolute rule, as well as raising objections even towards God, who (in Orlinsky’s humorous words) remained “near at hand… and available for extended question-and-answer periods.”
The Biblical prophets sustained this questioning spirit over the centuries, taking great personal risks to challenge their kings as well as their society for neglecting the moral obligations of the Covenant.
Unfortunately, this book is weakened by two editorial decisions, possibly made by the series editor. One is to limit the text to fewer than 150 pages. This prevents Orlinsky from elaborating on subjects he is well-prepared to discuss. He has a section on the personality of Kind David, but not that of Solomon. He devotes attention to some of the prophets, but neglects the Hebrew wisdom literature (e.g. psalms and proverbs). He has little space for the kings of the important Divided Kingdom period.
An even more serious shortcoming is that the book ends around 400 BC, shortly before Alexander the Great’s conquests spread Hellenism throughout the Near East. As a result, the book omits the Maccabean Revolt, the reestablishment of independent Israel around 165 BC, its conquest by the Romans in 63 BC and destruction by them in 70 AD, not to mention epochal social and religious developments during these years.
Because it is so well-written, Orlinsky’s book is a valuable though incomplete introduction to Biblical Israel. For a much more detailed and complete but still readable account, the reader should turn to Michael Grant’s History of Ancient Israel.
Orlinsky’s chronological narrative is divided into extremely clear bite-sized sections. Early on, the author introduces two main themes. The first is the Covenant between the Israelites and God, through which their obedience and loyalty earn His protection of them in their promised land of Israel. This contract defined their place in the world both morally and geographically.
In counterpoint, the second theme is a cultural trait of the Hebrews from earliest times: “the characteristic and persistent feature of questioning authority.” This included expressing opposition to any one man’s absolute rule, as well as raising objections even towards God, who (in Orlinsky’s humorous words) remained “near at hand… and available for extended question-and-answer periods.”
The Biblical prophets sustained this questioning spirit over the centuries, taking great personal risks to challenge their kings as well as their society for neglecting the moral obligations of the Covenant.
Unfortunately, this book is weakened by two editorial decisions, possibly made by the series editor. One is to limit the text to fewer than 150 pages. This prevents Orlinsky from elaborating on subjects he is well-prepared to discuss. He has a section on the personality of Kind David, but not that of Solomon. He devotes attention to some of the prophets, but neglects the Hebrew wisdom literature (e.g. psalms and proverbs). He has little space for the kings of the important Divided Kingdom period.
An even more serious shortcoming is that the book ends around 400 BC, shortly before Alexander the Great’s conquests spread Hellenism throughout the Near East. As a result, the book omits the Maccabean Revolt, the reestablishment of independent Israel around 165 BC, its conquest by the Romans in 63 BC and destruction by them in 70 AD, not to mention epochal social and religious developments during these years.
Because it is so well-written, Orlinsky’s book is a valuable though incomplete introduction to Biblical Israel. For a much more detailed and complete but still readable account, the reader should turn to Michael Grant’s History of Ancient Israel.
October 5, 2025
Good history lesson but the author had a twisted agenda of glorifying the prophets and pointing at modern Jews being descendants of these genius and morally superior human beings (prophets).
I read this and wrote a book report about it for my history class while at APSU.
I read this and wrote a book report about it for my history class while at APSU.
June 27, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this book. I did learn a little bit about the history of Israel, but I don't think there is much in here that you couldn't find on the internet. Nothing special.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews