The Origin of Biblical Traditions

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The book challenges the notion that ancient Israel primarily borrowed its culture and religion from Babylonia, positing that West Semitic cultures, particularly the Amorites, had already established a developed civilization prior to Babylonian influence. Written before significant archaeological discoveries, it highlights clues about West Semitic cultures that were overlooked at the time. Although some of Clay's arguments are now outdated, the work remains significant in the ongoing scholarly discussion regarding the cultural origins of ancient Israel.