This volume offers a collection of seminal essays by Keith Whitelam on the early history of ancient Palestine and the origins and emergence of Israel. "As an authoritative survey of trends in scholarship over recent decades, this volume should appeal to those seeking a critical and objective approach to modern engagement with ancient texts. Whitelam's work offers a refreshing counterbalance to pervasive maximalist views on the origin, reception, and ongoing social function of biblical text. The insightful essays contained in this volume represent a perspective on the past built on sound evidence and methodological rigour." - Robert Homsher, Harvard University, USA