When Brothers Dwell Together: The Preeminence of Younger Siblings in the Hebrew Bible

by Frederick E. Greenspahn

Although primogeniture is commonly assumed to have prevailed throughout the world and firstborns are regarded as most likely to achieve success, many of the most prominent figures in biblical literature are younger offspring, including Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, and Solomon. Adducing evidence from a wide range of disciplines, this study demonstrates that ancient Israelite fathers were free to choose their primary heirs. Rather than...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195082532
• ISBN13: 9780195082531
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.3" x 9.6"