Rather than situating the formative period in the history of Judaism as that of the period of Moses or the Davidic kingdom, Gerstenberger (Old Testament, Phillips-U. Marburg, Germany) presents a biblical perspective that argues that the two centuries of Judea under Persian rule was when biblical literature, monotheism and its ethical values took their decisive form. The volume includes maps of the Persian Empire, illustrations, the Cyrus Edict (permitting the return from Babylonian exile and reconstruction of the Temple), and excerpts from other documents. This is a translation of Israel in der Perserzeit 5. and 4. Jahrhundert v. Chr., published in 2005 by Kohlhammer GmbH Stuttgart. Brill publishes the hardbound edition. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
