The Vitality of the Individual in the Thought of Ancient Israel

In this classic treatment, Johnson provides an in-depth analysis of human existence as presented in the Old Testament. He examines the broad range of Hebrew terms and metaphors pertaining to life, body, blood, spirit, etc., which give insight into ancient Israelites' conceptions of personhood, sickness, health, joy, loss, and more. The normal Israelite view, which dominates the conception of man in the Old Testament, is that to be in sickness of body or weakness of circumstance is to experience the disintegrating power of death, and to be brough by Yahweh to the gates of Sheol; but to enjoy good health and material prosperity is to be allowed to walk with Him in fullness of life. Aubrey R. Johnson (1901-1985) studied with such greats as Theodore H. Robinson and Otto Eissfeldt. He is the author of numerous works, including 'The Cultic Prophet and Israel's Psalmody, ' 'Sacral Kingship in Ancient Israel, ' and 'The One and the Many in the Israelite Conception of God.'