Includes bibliographical references (pages 659-801) and indexes.

Sexuality in the beginning: Genesis 1-2 -- Sexuality and the fall: Genesis 3 -- Creation ordinance versus cultic sexuality -- Human heterosexuality versus homosexuality, transvestism, and bestiality -- Monogamy versus polygamy/concubinage -- Elevation versus denigration of women -- Wholeness versus fragmentation (prostitution, mixed marriages, masturbation, sexual blemishes, and impurities) -- Exclusivity versus adultery and premarital sex -- Intimacy versus incest -- Procreative sexuality versus problems/distortions (childlessness, children born out of wedlock, and abortion) --Sexuality in the song of songs: The Holy of Holies -- Sexuality in the Songs of Songs: The Flame of Yahweh.

"Flame of Yahweh offers a thorough exploration of gender relationships and sexual activity in the Old Testament. Topics include sexuality in Eden, the elevation vs. the denigration of women, exclusivity vs. adultery and premarital sex, permanence vs. divorce and remarriage, intimacy vs. incest, and sexuality in the Song of Songs. Written from a theologically conservative perspective, Richard Davidson provides a meticulously researched work that makes extensive use of other ancient Near Eastern documents on subjects ranging from homosexuality to gender relations. At the same time, the author offers clear explanations of terms and historical context that make the work accessible to the reader"--Publisher description.