Education in Ancient Israel : Across the Deadening Silence Review

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(More customer reviews)I read this book as part of a masters research project on the development of early Christian scripture and worship practices. The author does an outstanding job presenting the development of literacy and education in the ancient Near East. I found the book not only a valuable resource, but Dr. Crenshaw's writing style also makes it a pleasure to read. This volume has found a permanent place in my library and I am sure it will serve as a reference for future projects.

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In this groundbreaking new book, distinguished biblical scholar James L. Crenshaw investigates both the pragmatic hows and the philosophical whys of education in ancient Israel and its surroundings. Asking questions as basic as "Who were the teachers and students and from what segment of Israelite society did they come?" and "How did instructors interest young people in the things they had to say?" Crenshaw explores the institutions and practices of education in ancient Israel. The results are often surprising and more complicated than one would expect.Education, for the people who lived in the biblical world, was more than a simple matter of memorizing information and taking tests. It was a search for the hidden plan and presence of God. Knowledge was gained, according to biblical texts such as Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, not only by means of patient observation and listening, but through communication with Wisdom, the feminine incarnation of the Divine. Drawing upon a broad range of ancient sources, Crenshaw examines this religious dimension of education in ancient Israel, demonstrating how the practice of teaching and learning was transformed into the supreme act of worship.