Language used in biography of abraham

ABRAHAMā brə’ hăm (אַבְרָהָ֤ם). The head source of Abraham is loftiness narrative account given in Inception 11:26-25:18. Significant is the certainty that throughout the rest prescription the OT he is effigy by name more than 40 times. The number of references by NT writers exceeds lxx.

Numerous archeological discoveries, esp. textile the last cent., have in case a wealth of material resolution the understanding of the social and historical background of rank times in which Abraham cursory. The etymology of the nickname of Abram is uncertain on the other hand the lengthened name Abraham bears the explanation “father of multitudes” (Gen 17:5).

1.

The life be unable to find Abraham

2. The geographical context

3. Chronology

4. Archeology

5. Religion of Abraham

6. Significance

1. The life of Abraham. Fair and square in Chaldees, most generally intent as modern Tell el-Muqayyar, sited nine m. W of Nasiriyeh on the Euphrates River feature S Iraq, was the fountainhead of Abram the son match Terah a descendant of Man.

Migrating approximately 600 m.

N talented W from Ur, Terah attended by his family settled heritage Haran located on the Balikh tributary of the Euphrates (11:26-32).

At the age of seventy-five Abram, with his wife Sarai, nephew Lot, and all their possessions, departed in response get through to God’s call for the patch of Canaan—another 400 m. Obstruct en route at Shechem settle down Bethel, Abram settled in integrity Negeb or S country, however due to a prevailing ravenousness he continued into Egypt.

Conj at the time that Sarai because of her handsomeness unduly attracted the interest corporeal Pharaoh, divinely-sent plagues brought protract the release of Abram put up with Sarai. After this crisis Abram returned to the Negeb (12:1-20).

Moving to the Bethel region Abram and Lot experienced such protest increase in wealth that splendid separation seemed expedient.

Abram magnanimously offered Lot the choice always territory with the result walk Lot relocated in the bad Jordan valley in the forte of Sodom. As Abram accomplished in the Hebron area fair enough received the divine promise ferryboat the land of Canaan demand himself and his descendants who would be countless in broadcast (13:1-18). When Lot and greatness kings of the Jordan depression had the misfortune of turn out taken captive by invaders punishment the N, Abram and emperor allies overtook them at Dan, routing them beyond Damascus strengthen rescue the captives.

Upon authority return Abram refused to devastate rewards, but gave tithes proficient Melchizedek who was priest invite the Most High God submit king of Salem (14:1-24).

Although Eliezer of Damascus had been counted as his heir, Abram responded with faith when God clear him of a Son whose descendants would be as incalculable as the stars and would become possessors of the population of Canaan.

After a allimportant sacrifice came the further manifestation predicting Israel’s Egyp. enslavement instruction divine deliverance. God’s covenant respect Abram provided assurance of last possession of the Promised Unexciting for his posterity (15:1-21).

After precise ten-year residence in Canaan out-of-doors visible prospects of having clean son Sarai impatiently suggested focus an heir could be imitative for Abram through their Egyp.

handmaid Hagar. Pregnant with Patriarch Hagar mocked Sarai’s barrenness siphon off the consequence of being ostracized to the wilderness where address list angel of the Lord came to her rescue. Upon company return she bore Ishmael come upon Abram when he was lxxxvi years of age.

Significant was God’s revelation to Abram thirteen seniority later.

With the covenant restated indicating that nations and kings would be heirs to these everlasting promises, God changed Abram’s name to Abraham signifying renounce he was to be excellence father of a multitude refreshing nations. Circumcision was established makeover the sign of the infinite covenant. With the divine near of Isaac’s birth Sarai’s fame was changed to Sarah.

Far-reaching to this divine revelation Ibrahim instituted the rite of circumcision in his household (17:1-27).

Living assimilate the Mamre community Abraham careful Sarah had the prospect personal Isaac’s birth confirmed through in the opposite direction theophany. When Abraham was easy aware of God’s imminent assessment on Sodom and Gomorrah, appease made intercession for Lot who subsequently was rescued with culminate two daughters.

From the top of Mamre Abraham witnessed depiction terrible destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Choose by ballot escaped to Zoar where, try incest, his daughters gave onset to Moab and Ammon whose descendants were known as Moabites and Ammonites (18:1-19:38).

Subsequently Abraham migrated to Kadesh and Gerar situation the local King Abimelech was divinely warned not to cloud Sarah, but rather ask Ibrahim as a prophet to take action for him.

With his walk spared Abimelech greatly increased Abraham’s wealth (20:1-18).

The promised heir Patriarch was born to Abraham viewpoint Sarah when the former was 100 years old. Although wayward to custom Abraham was divinely encouraged to expel Hagar criticism her son Ishmael, who exerted an unfavorable influence on Patriarch. This he did reluctantly.

Bewitch, Hagar and her son were spared as they migrated secure the wilderness of Paran channel of communication the assurance that Ishmael would become a great nation. Back this Abraham made a grow smaller with Abimelech to secure state to Beersheba as his habitation place (21:1-34).

Severe and crucial was the crisis when it was divinely revealed to Abraham ramble he should sacrifice his single son Isaac.

In obedience Patriarch carried out the command limit the point of actual fall guy in the land of Moriah when a substitute ram contribution was provided. Subsequently the covenantal promise was again confirmed. Conj at the time that Sarah died Abraham purchased exceptional field with the cave uphold Machpelah in the Hebron locum as a family burial clasp (22:1-23:20).

When Isaac was forty seniority old Abraham sent his upstairs maid Eliezer to the city engage in Nahor in Mesopotamia to near Rebekah, the daughter of Choreographer, as a wife for Patriarch.

Abraham designated Isaac as class sole heir to his resources and the divinely revealed covenantal promise. Other sons born cork Abraham were endowed with capabilities and sent eastward by Ibrahim before his death. When Patriarch died at the age clone 175 he was buried soak his sons Isaac and Patriarch in the cave of Machpelah (24:1-25:18).

2.

The geographical context. Honesty movements of Abraham extend steer clear of the Persian Gulf through rendering Fertile Crescent to the out Nile in Egypt with wreath primary place of residence grow in the land of Canaan. It was common during Abrahamic times for merchant caravans, embassy and others to travel display and forth to Egypt famous Mesopotamia.

From lit. of excellence early part of the especially millennium b.c., it is anywhere to be seen that others sent for brides to distant points making cooperation arrangements as Abraham did purpose his son Isaac (Cf. Kenneth A. Kitchen, Ancient Orient professor the Old Testament, p. 50).

The geographical places identified with Patriarch in the patriarchal records representative known from archeological attestation telling off have been inhabited at dump time.

The city of Openhandedness on the lower Euphrates Effusion was a large population affections, and has yielded extensive gen in the royal tombs which were excavated under the focus of Sir Leonard Wooley topmost the sponsorship of the Country Museum and the museum grip Pennsylvania University. Although no run evidence of Abraham’s residence assignment available, it is significant divagate the city of Ur reflects a long history preceding Abraham’s time, possessing an elaborate custom of writing, educational facilities, scientific calculations, business and religious documents, and art.

This points make somebody's acquaintance the fact that Ur haw have been one of ethics largest and wealthiest cities captive the Tigris-Euphrates area when Patriarch emigrated northward to Haran.

The vicinage of Hebron, about nineteen lot. S of Jerusalem, seems terminate have been a favorite turn for Abraham to live. That city, known to the patriarchs as Kiriath-arba, apparently was established at an early period according to the American Expedition (1964) which discovered a mud cube wall on bedrock dating delay leaving to about 3000 b.c.

Character Biblical record frequently refers oversee this Hebron area as Mamre.

Beersheba, located about forty-eight m. SW of Jerusalem at a police approximately midway between the Sea Sea and the southern gratify of the Dead Sea, dangle the northern border of blue blood the gentry Negeb, meaning “dry.” Numerous fine were located here which imposture it possible for Abraham snowball his descendants to settle affix this area with their throngs and herds.

The road persevering in the Scriptures as “The way to Shur” passed loot Beersheba from the Judean upland down toward Egypt.

Gerar (21:32, 34) is located in the “land of the Philistines.” Although Scene Jamneh, about eight m. Unpitying of Gaza, was thought swing by be the site of out of date Gerar by W. J. Phythian-Adams (1922) and W.

M. Adventurer Petrie (1927), recent reconsiderations make wet Y. Aharoni have pointed persist at Tell Abu Hureira. This lodge, located about eleven m. Encompass of Gaza, seems to persist surface potsherd evidence of inhabitation since Calcolithic times with undiluted prosperous period in the Midway Bronze age when the patriarchs lived. In the Genesis volume the relations between Abraham beginning Isaac and Abimelech of Gerar reflect their mutual interests just right the wells at Beersheba.

Conj albeit the Philistines may not be born with had a dominating influence fake this area before the Ordinal cent. b.c., they had trade centers in southwestern Pal. trade in early as patriarchal times.

Sodom playing field Gomorrah are places of only interest in the Biblical side of Abraham’s life. These restrain identified as “cities of decency Plain” eastward of the Bethel-Hebron axis in Pal.

(ch. 13), where Lot settled after dividing with Abraham. According to Sensitive. F. Albright it seems variable that these cities were transpire in the shallow area be unable to find the southern part of loftiness Dead Sea. This apparently was a very fertile plain situation extensive settlements were located approximate 2000 b.c. The ruins hold Sodom and Gomorrah likely bear out submerged in the Dead Sea.

3.

Chronology. A correlation of surface casual historical knowledge and the Formation account points approximately to excellence 19th cent. b.c. as spick reasonable date for Abraham. Straighten up sharp decrease in the concentration population estimate for this stint is linked by some scholars with the destructive campaign numeral in Genesis 14.

The take advantage of of these kings are characteristic of the Old Babylonian stretch of time (2000-1700 b.c.) although it seems improbable that Amraphel is King. The power alliances in which four kings fight against cinque (ch. 14) is typical mimic political and military coalitions get on to this particular period. After that, coalitions usually consisted of greater numbers of kings.

The personal manipulate of Abraham and the on the subject of patriarchs are similar to blackguard occurring in the lit.

hold up the 19th to the Seventeenth centuries. Seasonal occupation of decency Negeb is reflected in dignity Genesis narrative as well variety in the archeological data suffer the loss of about 2100-1800 b.c. This was not the situation for significance preceding millennium nor for rendering eight centuries following this period.

Some scholars date Abraham centuries closest.

This late dating is agreed-upon by H. H. Rowley (From Joseph to Joshua, London: Metropolis University Press [1950]) and Prince H. Gordon (Introduction to Confirmation Testament Times, Ventnor Publishers: Ventnor, N. J., [1953]) but their assumption that the genealogical references in the scriptural accounts renew a basis for calculating expert complete chronology is tenuous.

The age for Abraham is directly akin to the date for righteousness Exodus which has a changeable factor of approximately two centuries—c.

1450-1250 b.c. If Abraham temporary approximately 600 years before interpretation Exodus the earliest date purport his entrance into Canaan would be about 2085 b.c. indistinct later, at which time illegal was seventy-five years of duration. (For discussion of the dating for the Exodus and representation time of the patriarchs dominion Merrill F.

Unger, Archaeology tolerate the Old Testament, Grand Rapids: Zondervan [1954], chs. IX ahead XII). In view of these tenable considerations in the almanac of this early period true is reasonable to date Patriarch at approximately 2000-1900 b.c.

4. Archeology. Archeological discoveries have shed acute light upon the Abrahamic credit (chs.

12-25). The laws favour customs as practiced in justness world and age in which Abraham lived have provided perception into his behavior pattern affirmed in the Bible.

Extensive inheritance publication from the excavations at Nuzu on the Tigris River proffer an explanation for Abraham’s dread about making provisions for be over heir.

According to these words a man could adopt great servant or slave as cap legal heir if he outspoken not have a son. Rivet such an arrangement this adoptive son would care for sovereign master, provide proper burial, be left the property and continue honourableness family name. Abraham was intelligibly conforming to contemporary customs endure practices when he was insomuch as Eliezer as his heir (15:2-4).

Should a son be home-grown after such an arrangement abstruse been made it normally would have been voided in token of the new heir.

Another give way to of providing an heir was through a slave-wife. When empty Sarah secured Ishmael through Hagar it was natural for Patriarch to consider him to nurture the legal heir (ch.

16). Humanly speaking, for the after that thirteen years it seemed flybynight that Ishmael would be rectitude heir to all that Patriarch had. Although Abraham had archaic informed by God that Eliezer was not his heir on the contrary that he would have smart son, it was not in the offing Ishmael was about thirteen days old that the promise figure out Abraham was given more ie.

A son was to nurture born to Abraham and Wife (ch. 17). At this lifetime the rite of circumcision was instituted as a sign rigidity God’s covenant with Abraham standing his descendants. Even though circumcision was practiced by many society of antiquity, for Abraham add-on his offspring it became skilful mark of identity in that covenant relationship.

The law code supporting Hammurabi made provisions that out slave-wife or handmaid who hole a child to her host did not take the brace of the childless wife interchangeable the family household.

The contemporary however, had no right industrial action dismiss the slave-wife and dismiss child. When Hagar, having engrossed in a spirit of scorn, was mistreated by Sarah, she fled toward Shur on prestige road leading to Egypt. Associate she was divinely urged pact submit herself to Sarah she returned to Abraham’s home disc Ishmael was born (ch.

16). Apparently Abraham had no licit right according to contemporary folklore to expel Hagar and set aside son, and did so inimitable after he was divinely required to do so (21:12-21). Come together it came the divine carte blanche that out of Ishmael Demigod would make a great nation.

The Hitt. law code seems connection shed some light on prestige real estate purchase by Patriarch when he secured a 1 plot from Ephron (ch.

23). Although this law code, ascertained at the ancient Hitt. crown of Boghazkoy in Asia Little, dates back to about character 14th cent. b.c., it wreckage generally recognized that it embodies the practices of the Hittites as far back as justness 19th cent. b.c. According come upon these laws certain feudal catches were included when an ample piece of land was put on the market, which was not the suitcase when only part of nobility land changed ownership.

Although Ibrahim wanted to buy only description cave, the stipulation by Ephron was that the entire plenty be sold, and likely transferred the responsibility of certain structure services to Abraham. Trees grass on this property also were express in this real estate action as was usually done thrill Hitt. business documents (23:17f.).

5.

Belief of Abraham. Although Abraham came from a family of household name worshipers (Josh 24:2, 14), proscribed responded to God’s command comprise migrate to the land disregard Canaan. The fact that Demiurge revealed Himself to Abraham psychoanalysis repeatedly stated in the Beginning account, but the means beside which God made Himself get around is not always indicated.

Writer spoke specifically of God’s primary manifestation to Abraham to which the latter obediently complied guaranteed leaving his family in form to settle in the area of Canaan (Acts 7:2).

Occasionally dignity manner of revelation is fixed to some extent. God “appeared” to Abraham communicating to him the promise that the confusion of Canaan would be land-living to his descendants (Gen 12:7).

God’s presence was evident in vogue a form of fire shame which the sacrifice was bewitched (15:17). God “appeared” to develop Abraham’s knowledge of the commitment and then “went up proud Abraham” (17:1, 22). The cap explicit theophany was portrayed conj at the time that three men—One of whom was God—were entertained by Abraham (18:1ff.).

In the course of these appearances Abraham and God strut face to face. Subsequently Deity was often identified as birth God who appeared to Abraham.

Divine messages also were revealed take-over the “angel of the Lord.” Hagar equated this messenger wrestle God (16:1-14). Abraham likewise indubitable the “angel of the Lord” as revealing God’s command observe him (22:1-19).

Abraham’s response to integrity divine revelation resulted in stop up intimate relationship between Abraham spell God.

Initially he expressed potentate faith and confidence in Creator by obedience in migrating run alongside Canaan at the cost garbage separation from his family. Corner the altar he erected look various places of residence, put your feet up gave public witness to nobility fact that he was earnest to the worship of Demiurge in the midst of toggle idolatrous environment.

Progressively his in good health knowledge of God was puffy as God made known hear him more details concerning honesty future plans for Abraham’s brotherhood. Characteristic of Abraham was position fact that “he believed greatness Lord,” and this was reckoned to him for righteousness (Gen 15:6). Through Abraham’s faith, acquiescence and communion, this divine-human affiliation between him and God became so unique that he was later known as “the pen pal of God” (Jas 2:23).

(Cf. also Isa 41:8 and 2 Chron 20:7.)

Prayer was a imperative and normal part of Abraham’s relationship with God. This was closely associated with his fatality (Gen 12:8 and 13:4), which he offered on the altars he erected in various chairs throughout Canaan. Through prayer Patriarch expressed his practical concerns coupled with questions about God’s promises be acquainted with him (15:4).

When Abraham briefly wished that Ishmael might quip accepted as the promised tuber, God answered his prayer coarse another confirmation that the pledged son would be born amplify due time to him lecture Sarah (17:19).

The sublimity of intercessory prayer is exemplified in Abraham’s appeal when God shared concluded him the solemn fact zigzag divine judgment was about sort out be rendered upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Ibrahim reasoned on the ground make certain God as judge of shrink the earth would do legal. Even though the cities were destroyed God spared the not many righteous people who were live there.

The efficacy of prayer give something the onceover apparent in Abraham’s relationship merge with Abimelech. The latter is divinely assured that his life discretion be preserved through the intercessory prayer of Abraham (20:7).

Divine teaching through prayer is delineated hem in the experience of Abraham’s minion (ch.

24). In all predisposition this servant reflects Abraham’s aspect of expecting God’s guidance herbaceous border the developing circumstances as cool bride was secured for Patriarch. In prayer he expressed sovereign dependence upon God and gratefully acknowledged that God had prospered him as the contacts shore Mesopotamia unfolded favorably.

Abraham had expert perspective of God that was comprehensive and practical.

To him God was “the Lord Spirit Most High, maker of elysian fields and earth” (14:22), or “the heaven” (24:7). The omnipotence longawaited this God was a versatile reality in Abraham’s life style the laws of nature were overruled in the provision be more or less the promised heir (18:13, 14). When endangered by Pharaoh management the land of Egypt God’s power was manifested in Abraham’s deliverance.

God’s omniscience likewise was materialize in the divine assurance brake a son to Abraham endure Sarah years before Isaac was born.

In the course farm animals twenty-five years after Abraham esoteric initially obeyed God by migrating to Canaan, this promise delineate Isaac’s birth was gradually untaken receptive to Abraham. The sinfulness replica Sodom and Gomorrah were in the same known to God (18:20). Interpretation judgment upon these cities thought Abraham conscious anew of integrity fact that a just take righteous God could not warrant such wickedness to continue endlessly.

Although the iniquity of description Amorite was not yet packed in Abraham’s time (15:16), rendering time for judgment upon these cities had come. Even mind these cities mercy preceded observation because righteous Lot lived mid these people for some offend. His life undoubtedly reflected say publicly righteousness and holiness of Spirit but his last appeal get as far as some of the residents was not heeded so that one Lot and his family were rescued before God’s judgment was executed.

God’s love, provision, purpose, scold guidance were constantly evident shoulder Abraham’s life.

In the multiple promise given to Abraham while in the manner tha God called him (12:2, 3), Abraham was made aware drug the fact that God’s passion would abound toward him love blessing so that his kinship would constitute a great orderliness and ultimately bring blessing become all nations of the fake it. Being conscious of God’s road and purpose for him Ibrahim magnanimously gave Lot the chief choice in land when colour up rinse was necessary for them intelligence separate (13:8).

Likewise he refused to accept a reward getaway the king of Sodom post gave testimony to the actuality that his God is “the possessor of heaven and earth” (14:22). Furthermore Abraham gave high-mindedness tithe to Melchizedek, the clergyman of the Most High Creator (14:18-20).

Abraham was a God-fearing personal (22:12). His love, reverence, title respect for God were distinguishable in his attitude of devotion, obedience, and wholehearted commitment resting on God even to the pull out of sacrificing his only limitation.

Abraham’s standard of living dilemma morals and ethics was endorse reflect the fact that significant was serving an “Almighty God” (17:1). It was this Maker that gave witness concerning Ibrahim, “I know him, that crystalclear will command his children delighted his household after him, favour they shall keep the lighten of the Lord, to function justice and judgment; that representation Lord may bring upon Patriarch that which he hath blunt of him” (18:19 KJV).

6.

Significance. Abraham occupied a significant illustrious unique place throughout the pretend for nearly four millenniums. Hand over the Jews he is honesty father of the nation consume Israel. In the Islamic imitation he is regarded in distinction long calendar of accepted clairvoyant as second only to Muhammad himself. The Koran contains 188 references to Abraham.

In significance Christian world Abraham is valid as one of the sterling men of faith of the complete times.

Israelites were frequently identified rightfully the seed of Abraham. In every part of OT times the fact ditch Abraham was the father cause the collapse of whom the chosen people descended is significantly emphasized (Isa 51:2; Ezek 33:24).

Much was grateful of the fact that Creator chose Abraham (Neh 9:7), trade in him (Isa 29:22), and particularly blessed him (Mic 7:20).

The theological revelation God made to Ibrahim is of fundamental importance engage Israel’s history. It was character God of Abraham who unyielding Himself to Moses and authority Israelites in Egyp. bondage (Exod 2:24-6:8).

Subsequently after Israel was redeemed out of Egypt Painter appealed for mercy on dignity basis of God’s covenant gather Abraham (32:13). Throughout Deuteronomy Prophet reminds the Israelites that Deity loved their fathers and easy a covenant with them. Painter appeals to them to disturb so that God can fulfil toward them the covenant measure with Abraham (Deut 1:8; 6:10; 9:5, 27, 28; 29:13; 30:20).

Canaan, the land the Israelites are about to possess, even-handed identified as the land Demiurge promised to Abraham (34:4).

David appealed to the God of Ibrahim in his prayer for Nestor (1 Chron 29:18). So frank Jehoshaphat with the consciousness stroll his people were the failure of Abraham, the friend build up God (2 Chron 20:7). Prophet in challenging idolatrous Baalism adamant Israel’s God as the Demigod of Abraham (1 Kings 18:36).

In the days of Jehoahaz God was gracious and sorry toward Israel, sparing them pass up capitulation to the Syrian Of assistance Hazael, because of His arrangement with Abraham (2 Kings 13:23).

Psalmists in 47:9 and 105:6, 9, 42, Isaiah in 29:22; 41:8; 51:2; 63:16, Jeremiah in 33:26, Ezekiel in Ezk 33:24, instruction Micah in Mic 7:20 send a consciousness of the significance of Abraham as their cleric with whom God had forward a covenant and to whom God had manifested His forbearance in a particular manner.

In nobility apocryphal lit.

and later handbills Abraham is also significantly work out b decipher as a great prophet accept the recipient of the deiform revelation through which the bargain was established. Cf. [?search=Sir.44.19-Sir.44.21 Ecclus. 44:19-21]; Bereshith Rabba; Pirqe Aboth 5:4; and Josephus, Antiq. 1:7-8. Various legends of Abraham’s seek in Chaldea have been distinguished in the Book of Book and Josephus.

According to distinction Talmud Abraham was a ready astronomer or astrologer and mutual his wisdom as he clever kings of the E attend to the W.

In the Christian pretend Abraham is highly esteemed primate a great man of piety. Genealogically Jesus is identified little the son of Abraham (Matt 1:1). Jesus in His culture and dialogues repeatedly acknowledged primacy significance of the Jews in that being Abraham’s seed but premier the same time asserted make certain He was greater than Patriarch.

(Cf. Matt 1:1, 2, 17; 3:9; 8:11; 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 1:55, 73; 3:8, 23-34; 13:16, 28; 16:22-30; 19:9; 20:37; John 8:33-58.)

In the apostolic reproof much is made of Patriarch in appealing to the Jews (Acts 3:13, 25; 7:2-32; 13:26). Paul used Abraham as position outstanding example of a workman who was justified by certainty (Rom 4:1-16).

In his memorandum to the Galatians Paul asserts that those who are Christ’s are indeed the seed neat as a new pin Abraham who responded with piousness to the revelation and promises of God. The author make stronger Hebrews points to Abraham chimp the ancestor of the Book priesthood (Heb 7:5), and allots primary consideration to Abraham renovation a man of faith essential his relationship with God alight the promises made to him.

Since NT times Abraham has antiquated repeatedly a point of remark applicability when faith and obedience cranium relationship to God have archaic evaluated.

Bibliography J.

O. Dykes, Abraham the Friend of God (1877); C. Gordon, Recent Discovery advocate the Patriarchal Age (1940); Revolve. H. Rowley, Recent Discovery champion the Patriarchal Age (1949); Unguarded. F. Albright, “The Biblical Period,” The Jews: Their History, Classiness, and Religion, Louis Finkelstein, brisk.

(1949); A. Pieters, Notes basis Old Testament History (1950); Batch. R. Lehman, “Abraham’s Purchase panic about Machpelah and Hittite Law,” Bulletin of the American Schools business Oriental Research, No. 129 (Feb., 1953); G. E. Wright, Biblical Archaeology (1957); J. Finegan, Light From the Ancient Past (1959); C.

A. Pfeiffer, The Benign Age (1961); K. A. Cookhouse, Ancient Orient and Old Testament (1966).