Mourning in the Ancient Near East and the Hebrew Bible

Written by Xuan Huong Thi Pham Reviewed By Philip Johnston

This published thesis gives a brief introduction to mourning in Israel and the ANE, and then examines three texts more closely (Lam 1 & 2, Is 51:9–52:2). It argues that at least the first two reflect a mourning ceremony, with mourners and comforters interacting. It is a good study of specific texts, though the narrow focus excludes a wider engagement, e.g. on Lamentations as a whole. The author has obvious empathy for her subject, having lived through the end of the Vietnam war and enforced family separation.


Philip Johnston

Wycliffe Hall, Oxford