Persian Period Finds from Jerusalem: Facts and Interpretations

Journal of Hebrew Scriptures (Vol. 9 - 2009)

Oded Lipschits: Persian Period Finds from Jerusalem: Facts and Interpretations: The Babylonian, Persian and early Hellenistic periods are unique in the history of Judah. They represent a kind of "interlude" between two periods of greatness and political independence. This article discusses the archaeological finds from Jerusalem in the Persian and Early Hellenistic periods. It includes an assessment of the scope of the built-up area of the city, and an estimate of the city's population, on the basis of the archaeological data. This article's emphasis on the importance of the Ophel hill as the main built-up area in the Persian and Early Hellenistic period is unique in present archaeological and historical research of ancient Jerusalem. >>> click here for the pdf version of the article

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• The Persian Period and the Origins of Israel: Beyond the "Myths"

The Persian Period and the Origins of Israel: Beyond the "Myths"

The Bible and Interpretation: The Persian Period and the Origins of Israel: Beyond the "Myths". By Efraín Velázquez II Universidad Adventista de las Antillas, Puerto Rico, July 2009. Abstract: The issues of settlement and the origin of Israel are commonly associated with the Late Bronze and Iron Ages. These periods have been considered the loci of the early biblical materials. However, more recently, these assumptions about the origin of the biblical texts and even the factuality of the events presented in them have been questioned. The discussion of the origins of Israel is now focused on the Persian period. Whereas this newer emphasis is somewhat strained and tends to repeat some of the unfortunate mistakes made by earlier interpreters, the debate over Israel in the Persian period nevertheless illuminates the discussion of Israel’s origin in earlier periods.

Approaching Yehud: New Approaches to the Study of the Persian Period

Approaching Yehud: New Approaches to the Study of the Persian Period
Jon L. Berquist, ed.
Reviewed by Armin Siedlecki.

Description: The long-held view that the Persian period in Israel (known as Yehud) was a historically derivative era that engendered little theological or literary innovation has been replaced in recent decades by an appreciation for the importance of the Persian period for understanding Israel´s literature, religion, and sense of identity. A new image of Yehud is emerging that has shifted the focus from viewing the postexilic period as a staging ground for early Judaism or Christianity to dealing with Yehud on its own terms, as a Persian colony with a diverse population. Taken together, the thirteen chapters in this volume represent a range of studies that touch on a variety of textual and historical problems to advance the conversation about the significance of the Persian period and especially its formative influence on biblical literature.
Subjects: Methods, Historical Approaches, History, Persian Period

Review by Armin Siedlecki
Read the Review
Published 7/12/2008
Citation: Armin Siedlecki, review of Jon L. Berquist, ed., Approaching Yehud: New Approaches to the Study of the Persian Period, Review of Biblical Literature [http://www.bookreviews.org] (2008).