In the ancient Near East the God of Israel stands unique; he is the central character of the Old Testament. The collection of essays in this volume presents the historical background against which belief in him developed and discusses aspects of the topic that remain unresolved or largely unaddressed. What was he like? How does he differ from other gods of the ancient world? And what difference does the worship of this god make, both in the world of the Bible and now? The papers presented contribute to the continuing discussion about the God of Israel and other deities in the ancient Near East, and the emergence of monotheistic belief and worship. A multifaceted approach is adopted in which comparative, theological, historical, literary-critical, cultural, narratological, canonical, exegetical and ethical issues feature prominently.

Part I. General Perspectives: 1. Introducing the God of Israel Robert P. Gordon; 2. Aniconism in the Old Testament Nathan MacDonald; 3. Imitation of God in the Old Testament John Barton; 4. Monotheism and the God of many names Ronald E. Clements; 5. God, creation and the contribution of wisdom Katharine J. Dell; 6. By royal appointment: God's influence on influencing God Diana Lipton; 7. Is monotheism bad for you?: some reflections on God, the Bible, and life in the light of Regina Schwartz's The Curse of Cain R. W. L. Moberly; 8. Old Testament monotheism and Zoroastrianian influence Simon J. Sherwin; Part II. Texts and Themes: 9. God, women and children Janet E. Tollington; 10. The exegesis of the divine name in Exodus Graham I. Davies; 11. The de-deification of deities in Deuteronomy Judith M. Hadley; 12. Is God moral?: on the Saul narratives as tragedy Peter J. Williams; 13. Standing in the council: when prophets encounter God Robert P. Gordon; 14. Ugaritic polytheism and Hebrew monotheism in Isaiah 40-55 Klaus Koch; 15. Interpreting Jonah's God: canon and criticism Philip P. Jenson; 16. The God of the pre-Maccabees: designations of the divine in the early Hellenistic period James K. Aitken; 17. Deity on Ecclesiasticus William Horbury.