Jeremiah: An Archaeological Companion (review)

Hebrew Studies 36 (1995) 181 Reviews JEREMIAH: AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPANION. By Philip J. King. Pp. xxv + 204. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1993. Cloth, $27.00. In this volume, Professor King offers a wonderful potpourri on the environment of the book of Jeremiah including everything from a discussion of the prophet himself to an outline of Judahite metallurgic skills of the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.E. Superbly illustrated, King's work introduces the fields where archaeology enhances an understanding of the book . of Jeremiah and beyond. After a cursory review of the literary aspects of the book of Jeremiah in the first chapter, King addresses the historical and geographical settings in the next two chapters. Chapter two is a basic survey of the historical events from Assurbanipal through Nebuchadrezzar. Supplementary to King's discussion in this chapter is the work of D. J. Wiseman, Nebuchadrezzar and Babylon (The Schweich Lectures 1983; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1985). Chapter three is a perusal of the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Jeremiah 46-51); it is primarily concerned with site identifications. Chapter four is an especially helpful essay on Edom and its relationship to Judah. King divides the discussion into excavated sites that give information about the Edomites in Jordan (Umm el-Biyara, Tawilan, Buseirah, Dedan, and Tell el-Kheleifeh) and in Israel (Arad, I:Iorvat 'Uza, I:Iorvat Qitmit, and 'Aroer). For more on Edom, see now P. Bienkowski, ed. Early Edom and Moab. The Beginning of the Iron Age in Southern Jordan. (Sheffield Archaeological Monographs 7; Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1992). An investigation of the cities of Judah (namely Jerusalem-a most helpful overview-Lachish, and Azekah) makes up the fifth chapter. This is followed by a chapter on epigraphic matters in which issues surrounding writing and literacy are investigated. The discussion of seals and bullae relevant to Jeremiah's age is especially useful and beneficial (due in no small measure to the excellent illustrations). This chapter alone should help enliven the book of Jeremiah for many readers. Chapter seven is a medley examining issues of Israelite deities, cult, and architecture (religious and royal). It covers subjects like the identification of the Queen of Heaven (Astarte?), high places, incense, Solomon's temple and royal palace, and window balustrades! Chapter eight analyzes ancient Israelite funerary practices. These include discussions of Israelite tombs (especially in the Jerusalem area), the tophet and the marzealJ.. Hebrew Studies 36 (1995) 182 Reviews The last two chapters investigate Israelite agriculture and crafts. These cover issues such as the crops of ancient Israel, agricultural techniques, pottery, wine making, oil lamps, and metallurgy. Notes, glossary and selected bibliography round out the volume. Naturally, in the presentation of such a wide range of topics King is only able to introduce an area where archaeology enlightens the text. Thus. in a number of instances varying opinions are not fully developed or in some cases, mentioned. For example, while acknowledging the different views on the tophet in ancient Israel, King does not discuss these in great detail. Along this same line, this reviewer wishes that King had given more extensive bibliography. Professors will need to alert their students to additional articles and books on given subjects. In all fairness. however, it is obvious that the book is not intended to be the final word on every subject that it addresses. Only a scholar of King's experience could adequately cover, as he has done, all of these wideranging subjects in such an informative and up-to-date manner. King has produced an exceptional volume. Scholars as well as lay persons will appreciate this volume's readability and its fine illustrations. In this, it serves as a model that should be more frequently emulated. King is to be heartily commended for giving us such an outstanding work that so clearly demonstrates how archaeology and the biblical text interrelate. K. Lawson Younger, Jr. LeTourneau University Longview. TX 75607-7001 THE ORACLES AGAINST BABYLON IN JEREMIAH 50·51: A HORROR AMONG THE NATIONS. By David J. Reimer. Pp. xi + 317. San Francisco: Edwin Mellen Press, 1993. Cloth, $79.95. Study of the oracles against the nations. including those against Babylon, has been sporadic in Jeremiah...