Economics and Empire in the Ancient Near East

“A first-rate volume examining how the empires of Southwest Asia exerted their power and influence on the economics of ancient Israel. Highly recommended for both students and scholars of the Bible and its history.”


—Gale A. Yee, Episcopal Divinity School, emerita





“The opening dedication to Norman Gottwald is appropriate as this volume is an outstanding tribute to his own intellectual legacy, as taken up by each contributor. Collectively, these articles present a balanced and diverse perspective on the phenomenon of empire as a totalizing force in the ancient world.”


—Roger S. Nam, Candler School of Theology





“This volume brings together substantial articles by scholars who have critically explored the economic dimension of biblical texts and the historical contexts they reflect and address. The articles cover several of the aspects that are necessary as the basis for a comprehensive critical exploration of ‘biblical economics’ that has been missing in ‘biblical’ scholarship and interpretation. . . . These articles form the basis for ever more comprehensive and precise understanding of political-economic-religious contexts that biblical texts address.”


—Richard A. Horsley, author of You Shall Not Bow Down and Serve Them: The Political Economic Projects of Jesus and Paul