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.

Introduction and psychological warfare defined -- Psychological warfare practiced in the ancient Near East outside of Israel -- Propaganda in the Hebrew Bible -- Physical intimidation in the Hebrew Bible -- Rallying the troops in the Hebrew Bible -- Divine intervention in the Hebrew Bible

(Ph. D.) -- Towson University, 2013.