Book excerpt: Questions contemporary histories and theologies of ancient Israel which stress the completely non-urban character of early Israel. The author supports his thesis by citing the tradition represented by texts in Deuteronomy 4:41ó26:19, all of which contain the word "city" ('r). Based on his form critical interpretation of these texts, the author argues that it was possible from the very beginning, and not simply after the time of David and Solomon, to be both thoroughly urban and authentically Yahwist. City life is therefore seen as a viable setting in which early Israel encountered and served Yahweh.