The ten commandments : a short history of an ancient text /

Coogan, Michael David,

The ten commandments : a short history of an ancient text / [print] Michael Coogan. - New Haven : Yale University Press, (c)2014. - xiii, 176 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Includes bibliographies and index.

The three biblical versions of the Ten Commandments -- Idols and images -- A contract sealed with blood -- Which version of the Ten Commandments? -- How old are the Ten Commandments? -- Original meanings -- Which laws are binding? -- Up for grabs? The selective observance of the Ten Commandments -- Honoring the Ten Commandments -- An ancient treaty.

"In this lively and provocative book, Michael Coogan guides readers into the ancient past to examine the iconic Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue. How, among all the laws reportedly given on Mount Sinai, did the Ten Commandments become "the" Ten Commandments? When did that happen? There are several versions of the Decalogue in the Old Testament, so how have different groups determined which is the most authoritative? Why were different versions created?"--Jacket.



9780300178715 9780300212501

2013046737

016688395 Uk


Ten commandments--Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Ten commandments.

BS1285.C769.C664 2014 BS1285