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Ann Jeffers
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Magic and Divination in Ancient Palestine and Syria (Studies in the History of the Ancient Near East, V. 8) First Edition

by Ann Jeffers (Author)
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Beginning with Deut. 18:9ff and its condemnation of magicians and diviners, this book explores the window that this text gives us into magic and divination in Ancient Palestine and Syria. Investigating the wealth of language combined with the archaeological and historical evidence, it seeks to place the influence of these factors in the emerging Israelite religion. An integral part of Ancient Near Eastern cosmology and culture, magic and divination are never completely eradicated despite the ideological warfare led by the Old Testament writers.
The first part examines the function of various magicians and diviners. This is followed by a chapter on dreams and visions. The third chapter looks at the techniques and devices used by the oracular practitioners. Other subjects covered include magic in warfare, in the treatment of diseases, and blessing and cursing.
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  1. ISBN-10
    9004105131
  2. ISBN-13
    978-9004105133
  3. Edition
    First Edition
  4. Publisher
    Brill Academic Pub
  5. Publication date
    June 1, 1996
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    6.75 x 1 x 10 inches
  8. Print length
    296 pages
  9. See all details
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About the Author

Ann Jeffers, Ph.D. (1989), University College Dublin, is currently Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Heythrop College, University of London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Brill Academic Pub; First Edition (June 1, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9004105131
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9004105133
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.47 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 1 x 10 inches

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Ann Jeffers

Ann Jeffers

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5 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

  • JB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly informative. Very Scholarly.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    An unbiased look into the most intricate details about magic and divination, and how it relates to ancient Israel’s prohibitions of such. A must read for anyone who is serious about understanding Ancient Israel and the Tanakh (aka the Old Testament), with the caveat that, due to it’s subject matter, it is not for the weak in faith.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Dr. Barton
    5.0 out of 5 stars I haven't seen an overall better overview of classes of magicians and diviners of the biblical world
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2016
    If, like myself, you're trying to penetrate the complexities of magical professions in the biblical world, this is proving to be a great book. It contains a nice exploration of 18 classes of "positive" magicians (as opposed to out-and-out witches) and 9 maybe classes. It also examines 4 divinatory techniques and 5 divinatory tools. It is well-referenced and remarkably easy for the layman reader (in my opinion). It isn't as detailed as some other books but that is it's charm. It gives a great overview of the area and it looks like it's going to be a big help to me in trying to define some of the classes in my own book.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • michael g
    5.0 out of 5 stars an out of print classic
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    great tome on how magic/divination was prevalent in old testament times levant area. well researched but an easy reading style with ample bibliography. great for the casual student, higher college/professor or researcher. had to pay a higher price since it's out of print but I can hardly recommend anything better in the easy to read format this is written. highly recommended.
    3 people found this helpful
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