John H. Walton
American Old Testament scholar and professor known for research on the Ancient Near Eastern context of the Hebrew Bible and for works such as the Lost World series and Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Ancient Near Eastern Thought And The Old Testament
Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible
A concise exploration of the ancient Near Eastern cultural and intellectual world that illuminates the Hebrew Bible by comparing concepts of deity, cosmos, humanity, kingship, law, wisdom, divination, ritual, and sacred space from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan. It outlines a careful comparative method that avoids simplistic claims of borrowing while using parallels to clarify worldview categories and key texts on creation, covenant, and worship. Emphasizing function-focused views of origins and the significance of sacred space, it helps readers interpret biblical passages within their original context and appreciate Israel’s distinctive theological claims.
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2. The Ivp Bible Background Commentary
Old Testament
A concise, verse-by-verse reference to the Old Testament that illuminates the cultural, historical, and literary world of the ancient Near East to clarify difficult passages and everyday customs. Drawing on archaeology and comparative texts, it explains social structures, legal practices, religious rituals, and idioms that informed the original audience, helping modern readers bridge the gap to the biblical setting. Designed for quick consultation, it supplements study, teaching, and preaching with accessible, reliable background insights.
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