National ideals in the Old Testament

National ideals in the Old Testament – is a book written by Henry Joel Cadbury, an American biblical scholar. As a background for the study, the author took that reconstruction of the history of Israel, which seems to be the most widely accepted historical criticism, although he is fully aware of the objections that this reconstruction is open from several sides. Perhaps two more criticisms will occur to the reader: the failure to emphasize the development of the Jewish religion in the usual way and the omission of the New Testament. Both relate to the limited purpose of the book, which is to focus on one stage in important national history. The religious significance of the Bible has obscured its social and political significance in our minds for so long that it may be worth leaving theology in the background for clarity. It cannot be completely separated even from politics and patriotism. The influence of early Christianity on national ideals is also an important complement to the study of these ideals in Jewish history.