Canaan previous to Israel - Central Plateau, a rebel territory?

• Grant number: 18/09520-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2019
• End date: September 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Theology
• Principal Investigator: José Ademar Kaefer
• Grantee: José Ademar Kaefer
• Host Institution: Diretoria de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa. Universidade Metodista de São Paulo (UMESP). Instituto Metodista de Ensino Superior (IMS). São Bernardo do Campo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The present research project aims to study Canaan of the Central Plateau region prior to Israel, with the objective to find out the peculiarities of its habitants in the period between Late Bronze and Iron I. The project plans to construct its research from three sources: the Tell el-Amarna letters, the archeology and the biblical literature. The Amarna letters to be studied are those sent by the vassals of the city-states located in the region of the Central Plateau or those that make references to it. About the archeology sources, there will be studied specific archaeological sites of the region in question, with special attention to iconography. And about biblical literature, the intent is to privilege specific literary units, such as: 1Sm 1; 9- (13) 14; 31; 2Sm 2; Gn 49 (49.13- (18) 24a); Jgs 3 3.7-12.15 (4-5). It is believed that these units contain old memories and traditions remaining from the beginnings of biblical Israel. Can be make out that the mentioned region may be historically characterized as a rebellious region, with successive resistance movements, throughout the Egyptian long domination, which culminated in the emergence of Israel North. (AU)