"Equipped with all the requisite scholarly tools, in Part One, J. Andrew Dearman skillfully scrutinizes layer after layer of archaeological and literary evidence and examines Israelite religion in light of both the biblical storyline and extrabiblical sources. For example, whether one studies Israel's religion during premonarchic times or during the post-exilic period, issues like the origins of Yahwism or the political leadership of the day must be appreciated before the interpreter can understand the development of Israel's religion." "In Part Two, OT traditions such as the paradoxical role of the prophets and the synthesis of religion and wisdom are addressed. Readers will discover how Israel's religion interacted with cultural and political forces; some features met with defeat; still others flourished in new ways."--BOOK JACKET.