Overview

This study explores the impact of Egyptian culture on the Israelites during the exodus, attempting to answer questions of why certain laws exist and why actions that are prescribed by the law are ignored, such as the need to circumcise grown men in Josh 5:2-9. By exploring the role of circumcision in the exodus narrative, the book examines how Egyptian cultural and religious customs influenced Israelite practices, the characterization of Moses, and Joshua's act of circumcising the Israelites as a final step in forging their national identity. The study concludes that the Israelites adopted various cultural and religious norms from their Egyptian context that impacted how they behaved during the exodus.

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Reviews

""Circumcision is a significant biblical subject yet seldom examined in detail. Even less discussed is the recircumcising of the Israelites in Josh 5:2-9, as well as Zipporah circumcising her son in Exod 4:1-26 to save his and Moses's life. Relying upon the biblical data, archaeological findings, and scholarly material related to the mid-to-late bronze age, Joshua Houston presents a convincing explanation for the passages. Shedding Egypt, Becoming Israel is an exceptional work."" --David W. Hester, Professor of New Testament, Faulkner University ""Dr. Joshua Houston has written a compelling and intriguing study of one of the most significant topics relating to the formation of Israel's nationalism: circumcision. Joshua explores the key issues and ambiguities in Exodus that relate to circumcision and uncovers connections to Egyptian rites. The ramifications of this study will have an impact beyond Exodus alone, extending even to the New Testament. Joshua is to be commended for the breadth, the depth, and the precision of his book, Shedding Egypt, Becoming Israel."" --G. Scott Gleaves, Dean, Kearley Graduate School of Theology, Faulkner University

Author Information

Joshua Seth Houston is Professor of Christian doctrine and Old Testament at McGarvey College of the Bible and teaches regularly for the V. P. Black College of Biblical Studies at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama.

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