A seminar course the explores the central role of the sanctuary and temple services and the development of religion and cult in ancient Israel in relation to ancient Near Eastern and Hebrew historical texts, iconography, and archaeological excavations in Egypt and the ancient Near East. Careful attention will be paid to the exegesis of the biblical texts before comparisons are made with cultural, political, and historical events in Israel and the ancient Near East from an archaeological perspective. The course will make heavy use of the primary source materials in the William G. Dever Research Library.