As in many cases where ancient history and especially ancient religious history is concerned, there is disagreement among scholars as to how to interpret events. The view of ancient Israelites regarding life after death is no exception.

Some scholars contend that the Israelites had no real concept of life after death until late in their history some 500 years before Christ.

Additionally, they claim that this idea of life after death came not from God but rather from their contact with the Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations

Other scholars contend that the Israelites had their own notions about life after death. However, since their emphasis was on how to live the current life in obedience to God, their ideas about life after death are muted and were communicated implicitly rather than explicitly.