Alfred Edersheim was a Jewish convert to Christianity who wrote a massive multi-volume tome on the history of the Bible. From the preface: "THE history of Israel as a nation may be said to commence with their entrance into their own land. All previous to this - from the Paschal night on which Israel was born as a people to the overthrow of Sihon and of Og, the last who would have barred Israel's way to their home - had been only preparatory. During...