Israel's History

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 17 (Supplement)

Israel's History

SOME years ago Messrs. Duckworth published, in their theological series, a book by Principal Wheeler Robinson, "The Religious Ideas of the Old Testament. They have now published, in the same »eries, a companion volume to it from his pen—"The History of Israel." It is a history of the Jews as given in the Scriptures and in the light of archaeological discovery and modern research from before the patriarchal age on to the time of the Koman invasion, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem, and showing the factors shaping their history. Dr. Robinson avoids discussion of the religious factor: he has discussed it in bis previous volume. He is not dogmatic in, for example, the matter of disputed dates such as that of the exodus. He gives his opinion, but with cautious reserve. He is more outspoken in what he says about leading personalities, >ueh as David. The closing chapter is devoted to a discussion on the philosophy of history as illustrated by that of the Israelites. At the end are a select bibliography, genealogical schemes, important dates and an index both of subjects and Scripture references. The book will be found most useful, especially by teachers and students.