Psychological warfare in the Hebrew Bible and Biblical Israel

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.