Abstract
This chapter discusses the ‘reception history’, a method of reading the text beyond its biblical setting and assessing its influence and impact throughout cultural history, has made a seminal difference to the way we understand the relationship of the Bible and the Arts. Excavations at royal palaces have revealed the extent of monumental art within the ancient Near East. Whether on reliefs, ivory carvings, victory steles, sculptures or official seals, figurative art is a predominant feature. Turning to the period from the first century bce to the first century ce, we have more archaeological evidence of borrowing and adapting the artwork of other cultures. The most convincing example of the influence of Canaanite and multicultural art in Israel is found in the descriptions of the iconography of the early Solomonic Temple, dating from the tenth century bce. One quite early text gives us a clue about the importance of music in the life of ancient Israel.
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