Biblical studies according to Israel studies. some critical reflections and inconsistencies

Suriano, Ambra (2025) Biblical studies according to Israel studies. some critical reflections and inconsistencies. Politics, Religion and Ideology, 26 (2). pp. 178-194. ISSN 2156-7689

Abstract

In the intricate framework of Israeli society, interwoven connections emerge linking the Bible, the Jewish claim to the land, and the government’s political and military strategies. Still, an in-depth analysis reveals a gap in integrating Biblical Studies’ acquisitions within the studies of Israel’s history, politics, and society. This paper aims to remark on the need for an interdisciplinary approach within academic debate involving Biblical and Israel Studies. Two case studies will provide insight into understanding the role of Biblical Studies in the research concerning contemporary Israel. The first, on the notion of Eretz Israel, highlights how the lack of collaboration between the subjects generates inconsistencies between some scholars’ statements and biblical research. The second takes into consideration a pamphlet attributed to the settler groups Elon Moreh and Gush Emunim to comment on how studying biblical tradition allows for a better understanding of some parts of Israeli society’s structure, aims, and narration.