Preface and Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Chapter 1. The Study of Ancient Near Eastern Celestial Science and Literature
1.1 Introduction
1.2. Pan-Babylonianism
1.3. Understanding Mesopotamian Astronomy
1.4. The Problem in Assyriology
1.5. The Problem in Biblical Studies
1.6. The Problem in Ugaritology
1.7. Bridging the Gap
1.8. Celestial Science in Ancient Near Eastern Literature
Appendix 1.1: Definitions of Important Terms Used in This Study
Chapter 2. Celestial Science in Mesopotamia
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Pre–Old Babylonian Celestial Sciences
2.3. Celestial Divination Material
2.4. Celestial Divination Supportive Material: Didactic and Practical Tools
2.5. Celestial Divination Interpretive Material
2.6. Miscellaneous Celestial-Science Material
2.7. Summary History of Mesopotamian Astronomy
Chapter 3. Celestial Science in Mesopotamian Literature
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Divination
3.3. Catasterisms and Other Celestial Aetia
3.4. Miscellaneous
3.5. Conclusion
Chapter 4. Celestial Science at Ugarit and in Ugaritic Literature
4.1. The Celestial Sciences at Ugarit
4.2. The Celestial Sciences in Ugaritic Literature
Appendix 4.1: Interpretations of the Baal Cycle
Appendix 4.2: Gaster’s Interpretation of the Aqhat Text
Appendix 4.3: Interpretations of KTU 1.23
Chapter 5. Celestial Science in Ancient Israel
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Celestial Terminology in the Hebrew Bible
5.3. Astral Religion
5.4. Celestial Divination
5.5. The Calendars of the Hebrew Bible
5.6. Celestial Science in Ancient Israel: Conclusion
Chapter 6. Celestial Science in Ancient Israelite Literature
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Celestial Agents, Astral Religion, and Calendar
6.3. Joshua 10
6.4. Judges 5
6.5. The Shadow on the Steps of Ahaz
6.6. Genesis 1:14–18
6.7. The Stars in Job
6.8. Conclusion
Chapter 7. Conclusion
Bibliography
Indexes
Index of Authors
Index of Scripture
Index of Ancient Near Eastern Names and Sources