The Culture of Ancient Israel #249757

NY one wishing to speak upon the history of the people of Israel must regard himself as particularly favored, from the very nature of the subject itself. To all of us Abraham and Moses, Saul and David, and the others of whatever name, are like dear old acquaintances. These, in fact, are among the first impressions which the susceptible minds of children receive, and the unique magic of religious poetry that clings to these legends always deeply and ineffaceably impresses itself upon their youthful hearts; and even he who has long since forgotten to look upon the Bible with the eyes of faith, nevertheless will not be able to wipe out alto gether those tender youthful memories. Accordingly, I may anticipate a general interest in and, at least in its broad outlines, assume a certain general knowledge of the subject to be treated. Still, on the other hand, this knowledge is not so complete that I may not hope to be able to show those old and well-known forms in a new light. And through the accumulation of various details and the revelation of a grand historical inward connection.