This course introduces the ancient history of the region known as the Levant (roughly from the Sinai Peninsula to Syria). Of the many periods and peoples of the ancient Levant, besides Israel, we focus on the Phoenicians, as a representative of Canaanite culture, along with the ancient city of Ugarit, and the Arameans to the north, and the Moabites, as a people close the Israelites. Some time is also spent examining the languages of these cultures, particularly Phoenician, Ugaritic, and Moabite. There are manifold connections between the Levantine cultures and the Old Testament. Students gain an understanding of the context of Israel and the Old Testament among the nearby peoples of this region.
This course orients students in the ancient history of the Levant, particularly in relation to the Bible. This provides students with knowledge of some of the many historical connections between these peoples and ancient Israel, including differences and the distinctiveness of Israel.
The ancient Levant represented a major crossroads of the ancient Near Easter—a primary avenue of cultures, peoples, and communication throughout the period of the ancient Near East. Geographically it was close to ancient Israel and therefore included numerous connections and relationships with Israel. It stands as the closest external background for understanding the context of the Old Testament. Today it is impossible to appreciate the place of Israel and the Old Testament without adequate awareness of the history of the Levantine cultures.
Some of the main peoples relevant to understanding ancient Israel are studied, particularly to shed light on the Bible. Historical references are considered as well as possibly indirect means of influence or relationship, such as language or literature.
The Levantine peoples were direct neighbors of ancient Israel. Knowledge of their cultures helps us consider Israel’s interaction with those most available to them.
As with other areas of the ancient Near East, knowledge of the ancient Levant provides insight into the cultural context of the Bible, assisting us in the interpretation of the Old Testament. This course provides an awareness of the broader history of the peoples closest to Israel, enhancing our appreciation of the Old Testament.
The ancient Levant is part of background of the Old Testament. Studying its history and the cultural artifacts expands our conception of Israel among its neighbors.
As with other ancient Near Eastern cultures, knowledge of this ancient history illustrates that human nature continues unchanged over the millennia. The interaction of the peoples of the Levant reflects this as well. There are lessons from this ancient world that we can apply even in our lives today.
Knowledge of history generally can alter our perspective on the present, including the nature of mankind. Seeing similarities between the moral and conceptual outlook of first-millennium Persian and our present age can alter our views of who we are.
