The Mikado
Moderators
Atlas Star
Posts: 21,873
|
 |
« on: January 28, 2008, 04:48:50 PM » |
|
Oh, certainly the latter parts have some historical credibility. (Though God slaying the Assyrian army in II Kings is a bit of a stretch). We know that the Assyrians, Babylonians etc. came in waves that match the Biblical chronology pretty well, and we also know that there could have been a pretty good sized Hebrew empire in the 10th century BCE (though not the size Solomon's empire is described as). But yes, the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, and respective falls of each, and return to the Land, is pretty credible, and some of the prophets (Nahum, I'm looking at you) are really great views of how the society of the period viewed its neighbors. Ezekiel's rant about Tyre, Isaiah's statements to make no alliances with the Egyptians, etc.
Daniel and Esther are both historical fiction, and both are totally implausible. I reread Daniel last night, and really found myself struck. (Who the hell is this "Darius the Mede?") On the other hand, I don't have any trouble believing Ezra and Nehemiah.
|
