Hebrew Scriptures Research Paper

Nicole Korn

Professor Ara Sanjian

Hist 101

10/31/2017

Hebrew Scriptures

This paper will discuss the ancient Hebrew Scriptures as a primary source. It will discuss a brief history of the scriptures while providing analysis of the history and culture of the world in which these texts were produced. Much of the information in the books of the Hebrew Scriptures can lend a hand in understanding much of the ancient culture throughout the years Before Common Era.

The Hebrew Scriptures are a cornerstone of the religion of Judaism. While they are also quite influential in other religions such as Christianity, the importance of the Hebrew Scriptures in Judaism is emphasized throughout the practices and rituals displayed within the religion that use

Through the Hebrew language and the stories that were told, ancient Hebrew culture has begun to be depicted through the Old Testament (Sharpe). Like some of the tribes in the Middle East of present day, much of the villages and groups of people in ancient Hebrew culture were nomadic and lived in the wilderness, revolving their lives around the herds and flocks they tended to which were always in need of new green pastures. This lifestyle is depicted throughout the Hebrew Scriptures yet an excellent example of this is shown early in the scriptures through the book of Genesis, “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold (Bamonte). And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth’el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between beth’el and Ha’i” (Genesis 13:2-3). This passage discusses a lifestyle of movement that, in modern culture can be associated with poverty and homelessness, yet in ancient Hebrew culture with wealth and prosperity. Furthermore, the original texts were in ancient Hebrew which is a language unlike others of that time period such as Greek. While Greek describes objects in relation to their appearance, Hebrew describes them in relation to their function. This is important when considering the impact of language on the meaning of these religious texts. The relation

Therefore, while many believe in the importance of these texts, it is important to keep in mind some of the shortcomings that come along with them (Bamonte). For instance, much of the language and actions taken by characters in the scripture describe violent scenes that promote the use of force against other. If taken with literal intent, these descriptions could place modern readers in the wake of trouble and violence. While these texts can promote ethical guidelines, it is important to understand and interpret them with a grain of salt leaving room for modern day adaptations and