The history of Ancient Israel as a modern problem

Abstract

Abstract: reconstructing the actual history of Ancient Israel is not an easy task. The Biblical texts, which remain the primary source for these studies are also Sacred Books at least for two World religions. Therefore, any kind of textual criticism, which offers their different interpretation is inevitably connected with sensitive issues regarding modern politics and ideology. As a matter of fact, the discussions regarding these issues always remain particularly acute. The article offers a survey of the discussions regarding the pre-history of Israelites as an ethnic group and the creation of the monarchy governed by the Davidic kings (the very existence of whom is also arguable as it comes out of some modern research). The author suggests that as a method can be applied a critical approach to the narrative itself. This approach is hoped will facilitate the distinction between the eyewitness reports (or stories written after them) and idealistic reflections on the past times (such as Solomon’s golden age, which do not possess any sources to build upon). The identification of the different strata within the Biblical narrative and juxtaposing them to the archeological findings from the same chronological period allows a reconstruction of a coherent and convincing historical picture of the Ancient Israel. This method also sets the limits for our knowledge with regard to this subject.