[1] On the homogeneity of the population, see further, W. R. Smith, _Religion of the Semites_ (2nd ed., chaps, i.-iii.); T. Nöldeke, _Sketches from Eastern History_, pp. 1-20 (on "Some Characteristics of the Semitic Race"); and especially E. Meyer, _Gesch. d. Altertums_ (2nd ed., i. §§ 330, sqq.). For the relation between the geographical characteristics and the political history, see G. A. Smith, _Historical Geography of the Holy Land_. [2] For fuller information on this section see PALESTINE: _History_, and the related portions of BABYLONIA AND ASSYRIA, EGYPT, HITTITES, SYRIA. [3] Or _land_ Israel, W. Spiegelberg, _Orient. Lit. Zeit._ xi. (1908), cols. 403-405. [4] It is useful to compare the critical study of the Koran (q.v.), where, however, the investigation of its various "revelations" is simpler than that of the biblical "prophecies" on account of the greater wealth of independent historical tradition. See also G. B. Gray, _Contemporary Review_ (July 1907); A. A. Bevan, _Cambridge Biblical Essays_ (ed. Swete, 1909), pp. 1-19. [5] See primarily BIBLE: _Old Testament_; the articles on the contents and literary structure of the several books; the various biographical, topographical and ethnical articles, and the separate treatment of the more important subjects (e.g. LEVITES, PROPHET, SACRIFICE). [6] On the bearing of external evidence upon the internal biblical records, see especially S. R. Driver's essay in Hogarth's _Authority and Archaeology_; cf. also A. A. Bevan, _Critical Review_ (1897, p. 406 sqq., 1898, pp. 131 sqq.); G. B. Gray, _Expositor_, May 1898; W. G. Jordan, _Bib. Crit. and Modern Thought_ (1909), pp. 42 sqq. [7] For the sections which follow the present writer may be permitted to refer to his introductory contributions in the _Expositor_ (June, 1906; "The Criticism of the O.T."); the _Jewish Quarterly Review_ (July 1905-January 1907 = _Critical Notes on O.T. History_, especially sections vii.-ix.); July and October 1907, April 1908; _Amer. Journ. Theol._ (July 1909, "Simeon and Levi: the Problem of the Old Testament"); and Swete's _Cambridge Bib. Essays_, pp. 54-89 ("The Present Stage of O.T. Research"). [8] On the name see JEHOVAH, TETRAGRAMMATON.