{"product_id":"the-natural-history-of-the-bible-an-environmental-exploration-of-the-hebrew-scriptures-9780231133630","title":"The Natural History of the Bible: An Environmental Exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures","description":"\u003cp\u003eTraversing river valleys  steppes  deserts  rain-fed forests  farmlands  and seacoasts  the early Israelites experienced all the contrasting ecological domains of the ancient Near East. As they grew from a nomadic clan to become a nation-state in Canaan  they interacted with indigenous societies of the region  absorbed selective elements of their cultures  and integrated them into a radically new culture of their own. Daniel Hillel reveals the interplay between the culture of the Israelites and the environments within which it evolved. More than just affecting their material existence  the regions ecology influenced their views of creation and the creator  their conception of humanitys role on Earth  their own distinctive identity and destiny  and their ethics.  In The Natural History of the Bible  Hillel shows how the eclectic experiences of the Israelites shaped their perception of the overarching unity governing natures varied manifestations. Where other societies idolized disparate and capricious forces of nature  the Israelites discerned essential harmony and higher moral purpose. Inspired by visionary prophets  they looked to a singular  omnipresent  omnipotent force of nature mandating justice and compassion in human affairs. Monotheism was promoted as state policy and centralized in the Temple of Jerusalem. After it was destroyed and the people were exiled  a collection of scrolls distilling the nations memories and spiritual quest served as the focus of faith in its stead.  A prominent environmental scientist who surveyed Israels land and water resources and has worked on agricultural development projects throughout the region  Daniel Hillel is a uniquely qualified expert on the natural history of the lands of the Bible. Combining his scientific work with a passionate  life-long study of the Bible  Hillel offers new perspectives on biblical views of the environment and the origin of ethical monotheism as an outgrowth of the Israelites internalized experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45648218161205,"sku":"ByrdShop_0231133634","price":29.73,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780231133630.jpg?v=1781713110","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/the-natural-history-of-the-bible-an-environmental-exploration-of-the-hebrew-scriptures-9780231133630","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}