Preface; Contributors; Abbreviations; Part I. Introductory Perspectives: 1. Israel in its historical and cultural setting R. E. Clements; 2. Anthropology and the Old Testament J. W. Rogerson; 3. Sociology and the Old Testament A. D. H. Mayes; Part II. Israel: 4. Agriculture and patterns of settlement F. S. Frick; 5. Israel as a tribal society J. D. Martin; 6. Israelite kinship: the royal ideology and its opponents K. W. Whitelam; 7. The concept of Israel in transition H. G. M. Williamson; 8. The origins of the Jewish diaspora R. J. Coggins; Part III. Fundamental Institutions: 9. Ideas of law and legal administration: a semiotic approach B. S. Jackson; 10. Prophecy and society R. P. Carroll; 11. The social world of the Apocalyptic writers R. N. Whybray; 12. The social world of the Apocalyptic writings P. R. Davies; Part IV. Ideas and Ideals: 13. Holiness and cult P. J. Budd; 14. The concept of Holy War G. H. Jones; 15. Covenant ideology in ancient Israel R. Davidson; 16. Land, its rights and privileges E. W. Davies; 17. Women in ancient Israel G. I. Emmerson; 18. Life and death in the Old Testament M. A. Knibb.