Psychological warfare in the Hebrew Bible and Biblical Israel
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Date
2013-06-18
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Program
Towson University. Jewish Studies Program
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Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
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Abstract
This dissertation establishes the typology, prevalence and importance of psychological warfare according to the Hebrew Bible. It answers these questions - 'Does the Hebrew Bible portray ancient Israel employing psychological warfare?' And if so, 'How is ancient Israel portrayed implementing psychological warfare?' In answering these questions I provide a clear and comprehensive definition and typology of psychological warfare, based on Hebrew Bible usage. Then I demonstrate its importance to the military and political success of Biblical Israel as portrayed in the Hebrew Bible. The types of psychological warfare portrayed were propaganda - including diplomacy, threats and taunts and advance word; physical intimidation - including terrorism, humiliation of political or military leaders, shaming, and displays or arrays; rallying the troops through words or actions; and divine intervention in each of these types of psychological warfare. Each of these types of psychological warfare are clearly defined; then explored in ancient Near Eastern literature outside of the Hebrew Bible; and then finally examined in the Hebrew Bible.