The history of the Israelite-Jewish religion, from the earliest stages to the Hellenistic period, is thoroughly described in this book, not only with constant reference to the religions of the surrounding Near East but also with extensive discussion of the social history of Israel.

The history of the religion is depicted as a variation of historical challenges, religious experiences, and the responses of theologians and those engaged in theology, as a continuous struggle of various groups for the correct religious answer to the question of God and the corresponding way of life within society.

The analytical method, which combines data from archaeology, history, literary studies, and the history of religion, to create a vivid scenario, makes this work a teaching book that provides the reader with an exciting overview of the entire field of Old Testament research.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]