Product Description
What questions do interpreters ask of Scripture and how have those questions changed over time? History of Biblical Interpretation starts at 150 BCE and moves to the present in exploring the major developments and principal approaches to interpreting the Bible. Thirty-four chapters survey the most significant methods and provide introductions to the prominent people who exemplify them. Each chapter also presents an original document that demonstrates this person's interpretational approach and includes a reference bibliography for further reading. Whether used as a textbook or in individual study, this excellent introduction to the history of biblical interpretation will open new doors for students of the Bible, theology, and church history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Good Book
For my advanced hermeneutics class, we read through Yarchin's book. It was a clear and helpful guide through the maze of Biblical Interpretation. I recomend it to anyone who wants an understanding of various Biblical interpreters in one volume.

Essential for study of historical biblical exegesis
William Yarchin's History of Biblical Interpretation is a much-needed addition to the study of historical biblical exegesis.It is the only volume dedicated to historical exegesis of which I am aware whose prime concern is allowing the reader to experience the primary sources rather than informing the reader concerning the author's understanding of the primary sources.This does not mean that the reader is left to his or herself without any guidance concerning the primary sources, however.Yarchin gives brief yet complete introductions to each source, setting them in context and guiding the reader concerning themes and perspectives to look for while reading the source.

A primary strength of the book is its range.It is relatively short (429 pages of text plus introduction) while covering a span of twenty-two centuries.It is not the case, however, that the compendious nature of the book keeps it from being thorough.While I was unfamiliar with a good portion of the sources (many of which I had never heard of before), I am very familiar with works such as Origen's De Principiis, book IV and Augustine's De Doctrina.Yarchin has identified the heart of these works as I remember them and printed them for the reader.Because of this I feel confident in the assumption that he has done the same with the other works in his book.

Another strength of History of Biblical Interpretation is that it is not only dedicated to historical biblical exegesis in the Christian tradition, but pays ample attention to the Jewish tradition of biblical exegesis as well.Since these two traditions share so many of the same texts, a history of biblical interpretation is incomplete without attention to both.Yarchin's commitment to giving attention to both of these traditions not only gives his reader a more well-rounded history of biblical exegesis, but also can contribute to the discovering of ways in which the exegetical traditions of these two religions can inform one another in the future.

I was initially disappointed that there was not provided a summary essay at the end of the book.But what I would expect in such an essay is really presented in the introduction.I would strongly suggest anyone who has any interest in the history of biblical interpretation to read Yarchin's History of Biblical Interpretation.It not only provides much of the information one will find in some of the standard introductory texts concerning historical exegesis (although in a different format), but is also the best springboard to delving into more obscure, yet important, texts (which are ignored by most introductions) that I have come into contact with as of yet.
... Read more

Product Description
From the creators of the enormously successful National Geographic Visual History of the World, this insightful new resource is a veritable Who’s Who of the Bible and a vivid introduction to Judeo-Christian belief and identity.

The National Geographic Essential Visual History of the Bible encapsulates a wealth of knowledge in an appealing, pocket-size format. Encompassing both the Old and New Testaments in more than 200 sections of self-contained, interactive spreads, it offers a wide array of text elements and vivid imagery&#1511,000 illustrations in all. Organized into six major sections, the book covers Old Testament eras from the patriarchs to the Babylonian captivity, and New Testament history from the 12 apostles to the epistles of Paul. The book’s reference value is enhanced by fact-filled sidebars and timelines; numbered picture references that match each image with its historical context; and cross references to related topics at the bottom of every page.

The Bible and religion have proved to be popular topics, and this latest offering&#151complemented by National Geographic’s successful "Mysteries of the Bible" TV series&#151is an essential resource for families, students, and scholars. Irresistibly priced at just $15.95 for a 500-plus-page hardcover with 1,000 illustrations, this handy little treasure will find a broad and appreciative market. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Would have been great fun if the artworks were identified!!
I picked this up from a sale table because the illustrations were wide-ranging and very interesting. Everything from ancient carvings and illuminated manuscripts to William Blake and the great masters of European religious painting. But NOT A SINGLE WORK OF ART (many of them severely cropped) is identified in the text, captions, in a separate listing or the index. Pretty inexcusable. It still is fun to look at, but very unsatisfactory when one wishes to see a larger or uncropped version. The publishers should at least make a list available online.

Good short mini history of the Bible
Lots of information crammed into this 512 page mini book,a type that the National Geographic is gravitating to.Great art masterpieces, explanations of items that might not be known by the general layman and crossreferences to other personages or events.
If you don't have a lot of room for books, this one will fill the bill.

Not what I expected
I don't know, I think I was expecting a more historically accurate portrayal of the events of biblical history.This was a fairly secular text accentuated by a lot of beautiful art.The artwork is great, but the text is disappointing.Also, the book is very small!I was expecting a more standard sized (8.5 x 11) book. ... Read more

Product Description
'Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible.Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God's Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers' personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world.Features include:* Four-color interior throughout * Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts * Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts* Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout * Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information * Detailed charts on pertinent topics * In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (122)

Historical perspective brought to light
This study Bible is amazing. It's a great blend of historical accuracy and commentary mixed together to form a unique style of study that is very enlightening. This is a must have for history buffs like myself who always find themselves asking questions about the accuracy of certain areas of the Bible. One of the nicest things about it IMO is that there isn't much in the way of bias when breaking down different aspects of history. It's told like it is according to historical and archaeological studies over the centuries. Lots of great pictures and very detailed maps. This has easily become my favorite way to study the word of God.

Walking with bible
This is a best archaeological book to study about the history and culture of the ancient bible.We can deeply understanding the ancient bible's background

Wonderful tool for the earnest Bible student
I heard about this study bible in a class, and it sounded so compelling that I immediately ordered it. I wasn't disappointed. I was thrilled! Practically every page has something colorful and enlightening to add to my understanding of the scripture. I've studied the Bible for years, but I still find new things to marvel at---this bible helps. For example, I've read and studied alabaster like the box containing perfume that the woman used to honor Jesus before his death...but to see pictures and read the historical context brings in a new layer of visualization and realization.

The Best Bible Resource
I have many different versions of the Bible. This is absolutely the best I have seen. I took it to work with me one day and five people asked to borrow it! I ended up ordering more for gifts. I even had people tell me that they felt more connected with the teachings due to the explanations and history in pictures. I recommend this book for all ages and religions.

Scripturally Inaccurate! DO NOT RECOMMEND
This "study" Bible is not a trustworthy source. Commentary on 1 Corinthians 15:3 is scripturally inaccurate!

1 Corinthians 15:3: "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures..."

Study Bible Commentary: "Here Paul linked himself with early Christian tradition. He was not its originator, nor did he receive it directly from the Lord. His source was other Christians."Note how the commentator says, "nor did he receive it directly from the Lord."

Now compare with Galatians 1:11-12: " 11I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ."

How could the editors miss such an inaccurate commentary! I returned the item after seeing this commentary. ... Read more

Product Description
The foldout chart features detailed, full-color drawings of various stages of history, from Adam and Eve to the late 19th century, with handwritten commentary throughout.Perfect for educational settings or Sunday school walls, it includes the descriptive booklet that was originally published with the chart.Follows James Ussher's time-line from The Annals of the World, the inspiration for Adam's monumental work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Awesome Time Line!
We absolutely love this time line chart! I wish we had a room big enough to pull it all the way open and hang it around the room on the wall. It is very helpful in seeing when people in the Bible lived in relation to other people. Many people may not realize, for example, how soon after Adam's death the flood occurred. We will be using it for our Bible study and for our History lessons as well.

Enlightening
"Adams' Chart of History" is a full-color timeline chart based on James Ussher's chronology. It's 28 inches tall and folds out nearly 23 feet. In the bound form, you can view the chart without unfolding it by turning the "pages" (the panels). The chart is printed on a heavy paper, so it holds up well to repeated use. You can also remove the chart from the binding or buy an unbound chart to put on a wall, like in a Sunday School room. The large panels are great for easy viewing on a wall, but they're a tad unwieldy when trying to view the chart when holding it. It helps to have a cleared table or bed to place it on.

The timeline shows world history from a Biblical perspective, starting with Adam and Eve. It shows the rulers and major events for all the major world civilizations up to 1878 AD. There are illustrations of the various events (like the Tower of Babel) and commentary in the free spaces. In the free space below the beginning of the timeline, there's a world map of the eastern hemisphere and information about Stone Age artifacts, eminent historians throughout history, the Rosetta stone, and similar topics.

There's a 64-page booklet packaged with the chart. It gave a key to the chart, though I'd already figured it out from a few minutes study of the chart. It also gave information about the author and summaries of the people and events on the timeline for each major world civilization.

There's a very similar timeline published by Barnes and Nobles in 1995 titled "The Wall Chart of World History" by Edward Hull (ISBN 0-88029-239-3). It's smaller in size (15 panels that are each 12 inches wide x 17 5/8 inches high), so the text is smaller but it's also easy to hold and carry around. That chart ends in 1990 AD instead of 1878 AD, and it has a few differences in how the free space is used (like the free space below the beginning of the timeline is filled with maps).

I'd recommend this chart to any Christian who enjoys seeing how the events in world history relate to each other and to teachers (church or homeschooling) for use in their classrooms.

Reviewed by Debbie from ChristFocus Book Club

Biblical History and Secular History at a glance.
This is an excellent Chart that helps put into perspective what was going on in a biblical time line from a biblical perspective while also relating what was going on in other areas of the world at the same time.

Review
This is a really good source if you want to put things into perspective in a time-line format.I'm a visual person, so I like to be able to "see" history in this format.I highly recommend this for anyone interested in Bible history.

A must have for the serious Bible reader
This is a work of love for Mr. Adams, It connects timelines for the bible and I recommend highly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

On authority and canonicty
For the essence of the book, see Jacques Schoeman's fine review here on Amazon. I only want to make a few supplementary comments.

As a reading layman accustomed to theology and biblical studies, it still took me a while to work through this little book. Though it is thin, it is dense, and it is a translation from Dutch with many end notes (footnotes would have made it significantly easier to read, IMHO). In short, expect to do some work, not fly through an easy read.

Ridderbos makes some complicated arguments and interacts with mostly continental, liberal scholars in some detail. While I could see professionals or researchers might find this interaction to be welcome, for my purposes it was too much detail, though I did appreciate the general points made therein (e.g., his reasons for rejecting the subjectivism of an implicit or explicit "canon within a canon" approach).

Sometimes I wished he would expand on some particular claim, and I would often (but not always) find such later in the text. In these cases, a footnote like "see pp. nn-mm" would have been a helpful reading aid so I didn't labor over understanding a terse statement of what would be developed in a more explicit fashion later.

Not all of his arguments are equally convincing to me (e.g., his argument for the closing of the canon -- revelation always accompanies the big events in redemptive history; the coming of Christ was the consummation of redemptive history; therefore, the canon is also consummated by this once-for-all event), but all in all, it's a useful book for someone studying the issues of NT introduction, particularly canon and authority.

Canon: The Only Rule Of Faith & Practice
'That the canon was formed after a long ecclesiastical development is not necessarily incompatible with the special authority that the church has ascribed to it.' p 3

The apostolic developments in early church history are profound and Ridderbos captured the essence of the apostles' desire to create the church in response to Christ's demand of faithfulness to the apostolic task. The early church perpetuated this emphasis on the original apostolic eyewitness, and Ridderbos contributed historical fact when he deduced the three initial forms of proclamation in kerygma, marturia and didache. Ridderbos drew from his many years of experience as Professor of New Testament to extract an exact understanding in the relation between the received tradition and the later formation of the NT canon. He also sought to provide responsible scholarship recourse to a learned apologetic that would complement BB Warfield's concept of the 'concursive' operation of both the Holy Spirit and the human authors in the formation of the NT canon.

He briefly traced the new views of Scripture which had their existence just prior to the 1900s and so denounced textual criticism that sought to repudiate Scripture's origin. Developments of thought from German schools where ideas opposed to, or not in accordance with the Holy Scriptures, were born, were all processes meant to cast doubt on the formation of the canon. Inspiration, as held by the best theologians, had undergone heavy and sustained attacks from liberal critics who took in so many through their revisionist biblical history.

'It is evident, then, that the NT itself inseparably unites the central events of redemption on the one hand and their announcement and transmission on the other. The announcement of redemption cannot be separated from the history of redemption itself. That proclamation was left neither to chance, nor to human tradition or reporting nor to preaching, whether of religiously gifted individuals or of the church.' p 15

'This emphasis on the written Scriptures as themselves the product of a divine activity, making them as such the divine voice to us, is characteristic of the whole treatment of Scripture by Paul (Rom 4:23, 15:4; 1 Cor 4:6, 9:10; 1 Cor 10:11).' BB Warfield, The Inspiration & Authority Of The Bible p 318

Defining the Holy Scripture's divine origin and how it gained its historical authority apart from apostolic tradition, Ridderbos asserted the essential understanding that 'Those developments are not simply deduced a posteriori from the subsequent historical facts. The NT itself indicates that the apostolic tradition was intentionally given in a written form so that it could be accurately preserved. 1 Cor 15 is such a passage. There Paul extensively and intentionally establishes the apostolic tradition about Jesus' resurrection by putting it in writing. He has not written anything new (vs. 1). His concern is that the church retains the tradition in the words which he had proclaimed it, and for that reason he repeats those words in writing. Committing the apostolic tradition to writing settled once and for all the question of what had occurred, and it prevented further misunderstanding or falsification. This fixing of the apostolic tradition in written, ascertainable form finally led to a written canon.' p 22

Ridderbos justifiably had in mind a caution of a certain kind of Enlightenment phenomena: 'It is equally clear that by using the form-content schema, it is possible to end up with the most radical reductions of the kerygma and teaching of the NT.' p 74As to charismatic illusions of grandeur: 'Against that charismatic understanding of authority in the early church, one can point to the historical, once-for-all character of the NT revelation of God. The various operations of the Spirit that occurred later in church history can never be substituted for or equated with the canon.' p 27

This being his introduction to general canonics, Ridderbos maintained his repetitious insistence on the inspired origin of the original autographs: 'We shall have to recognize, without abandoning our a priori of faith, that the decisions made with regards to the limits of the canon conform to the existence of the canon.' p 47

In his estimation of the NT being limited to only 27 books, Professor Ridderbos saw primarily two important problems that were solved by the early church as they were presented within the canonization process of the NT: the first factor was the growth of the ecumenical ties between the various parts of the world church. Books such as Hebrews and Revelation, which at first were hotly disputed in certain geographical locations, gained acceptance later through church consensus when doubts surrounding authorship and origin would finally be eliminated. Secondly, Ridderbos was resolute that the church placed an unusually high premium on content, which it was forced to do when it had to deflect the claims of pseudigraphea. This premise uprooted the contention of the Roman Catholic Church that it had assembled and approved the books of the NT, when in fact the core of the canon had already been settled on by the close of the 2nd century.

'The canon is neither the result of an ecclesiastical survey nor of the consistent application of one or more formal criteria of canonicity. In that connection we must always take into account the tremendous influence that the original canon, that is, the body of the canon that was never questioned within the church, must have had in shaping judgments of the church and its leading figures. In our recognition of the canon, therefore, we must ultimately adopt the standpoint of faith, that the church has, in fact, received its foundation secured by Christ.' pp. 46-47

Herman Ridderbos placed the revealed (and recorded) words on a par with the acts and work of the historical Jesus, thereby making the writings of the NT divinely exclusive and once-for-all, resulting in a closed canon. Ridderbos succeeded in establishing a sound basis for the reliability of the Scripture and his assertion of the a priori of the Christian faith is especially memorable.

'The activity of the church does not create the canon; the canon creates the church, and the church recognizes that canon (Gk for 'rule'). The viewpoint just expressed is sometimes called the a priori of faith.'Professor Richard B Gaffin, Whatever Happened to the Reformation? Ed. Gary LW Johnson p 138

CORRECTION, NOT A REVIEW - MISSPELLED NAME
This is not a review but a correction - the translator should be "Gaffin", not "Graffin"

Essential Protestant Teaching
This thin and razor sharp piece of scholarship is essential to theunderstanding and defense of true protestant religion.Too many so-calledprotestants don't know the first thing about "Sola Scriptura." And among the slightly aware, canonicity is a much neglected topic.Get alife and read this book today. ... Read more

Product Description
Even "Newsweek" now admits: "Historians are discovering that the Bible, perhaps even more than the Constitution, is our founding document."In this enlightening book, you'll discover the remarkable evidence for this truth.Based on the assumption that all history is Providential (i.e., it reflects God's purposes) you'll learn how God's presence was evident at our nation's founding in the hearts and minds of the men who fought for independence and shaped the Constitution.Numerous illustrations, portraits, and visual aids make this book a valuable resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Great Stuff!
I have always had an interest in politics and have been voting since I was old enough to do so. And in case you are wondering, I have voted Republican. For the most part, I have felt helpless to change anything. Especially after Barak Hussain Obama took office, in which I personally feel was illegally. Then the Tea Party movement begun and after jumping on the bandwagon, sensed real hope again. In fact my husband and I direct a Tea Party group. Because of this, I have begun reading American History books. I have come to believe that our Founding Fathers wrote the U.S. Constitution based on the bible, and had no intention of the two everbeing seperated. That being said, it appears to me that the U.S. Constitution is a covenant between God and the United States. I plan on doing my part to help America keep this covenant.

I would like to quote directly from this book: America's Providential History, Page 20:

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right." (1 Peter 2:13-14)

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities;... For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil;...for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid;... for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil." (Romans 13:1,3,4)

The purpose of government therefore is to protect the life, liberty and property of all individuals, by punishing evildoers and encouraging the righteous. When governing rulers ever fail to do this, then they themselves are resisting the ordinances of God and are illegitimate authorities who should be resisted and replaced. The main functions, therefore, of the Family, church and civil government are procreation, propagation and protection respectively.


Bethany K. Scanlon
Author of Where's my mate? and Secrets of an Undercover Agent

Essential reading in these trouble times
I consider "America's Providential History" one of the most important books in my rather large library.It does a wonderful job of documenting the very facts that drive the skeptic/humanist/materialist mad (see the one-star reviews here and for other similar books - like Skousen's "5000 Year Leap"): that America was founded primarily by Christians as the first nation in history to self-consciously seek to have -- as the popular cry of the War for Independence declared -- "NO KING BUT JESUS."And more to the point, this book also documents the many instances where this King superintended the creation of this Christian republic -- events that can only be called miraculous -- and that powerfully demonstrate just how "providential" America's creation really was.

As for the quote or two that modern scholarship now views as likely apocryphal; given when the book was written, such mistakes (and they are few) are inevitable.Note them and get on with it.It doesn't take anything away from the powerful message of this important book. They strain at gnats while swallowing the camel served up by the modern revisionists who simply will not have God in their thinking.

American History
A friend recommended this book and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.Its wonderful to just sit down and read it, even for leisure.

Doesn't Square with the Facts
As pointed out by other reviews, this book twists historical facts.A large portion of it is an 1800's protestant style rewriting of Church history made for only one purpose - to shamelessly discredit Catholicism.Don't waste your time reading fictional history.

Blatantly Anti-Catholic
How the author draws a link between the protestant rebellion in the 16th century and the founding of America is a huge stretch.The book is clearly trying to torpedo Catholicism.

Let's take a look at the problems this book has:

First of all the book treats the Inquisition as if Catholics were the sole inventor of the idea - WRONG.It is biblical.In the Book of Numbers Ch. 25 God imposed on Moses the duty to ferret out and punish Israelites who worshipped the false gods of the pagans.Again in Deuteronomy 17:2-7, God calls for an inquisition against sorcery and idolatry - the heresies of the people of Israel.

John Calvin himself was a Protestant Inquisitor who burned Michael Servetus, a fellow protestant, at the stake for charges of 'heresy' in 1553.In 1552, Calvin's Institutes were declared "a holy doctrine which no man might speak against."Jacques Gouet was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded by Calvin's Inquisition.Within 50 years, 58 sentences of deathtook place in Geneva (read William Barry, John Calvin for more).

Yet this book credits Calvin for working "hard to make Geneva a model of Biblical government" (p.49).

From the book: "This lack of advancement was primarily a result of the light of the Word of God being 'hidden' from the common people . . . as the church 'backslid' from God, His Word was further removed from the people" (p.43).

FACT: Guttenburg's printing press wasn't invented until late in the 15th century which then allowed widespread access to all literature including the Bible.

The book falsely gives credit to John Wicliffe for translating the whole Bible into the common language. "This was completed around 1382..." (p.43)

FACT: St. Jerome was first in translating the Bible into the common language published in the year 405.Known as the Latin Vulgate, "The Latin translation of the Bible is on its own merits...the greatest masterpiece of the Lower Empire. The Vulgate of Jerome was for Europe of the Middle Ages more than Homer was to Greece" (Prof. Mackail Latin Literature, p. 278).This book is nearly 1000 years off in its history to discredit Catholic Jerome's translation in favor of Protestant Wycliffe's.

In the book we read "Martin Luther was God's instrument to awaken the conscience of man." (p.47)

FACT: In Luther's last years of his life, irreligion and immorality and vices of all sorts flourished wherever the new gospel of Luther gained the ascendancy.Luther stated in a sermon, "We experience it daily that the people are seven times worse today than ever before under the Papacy; they are more avaricious, more unchaste, more envious, more intemperate, more dishonest".In 1545 he wrote to his wife, "Let us get out of this Sodom, I prefer to wander about homeless, and to beg my bread from door to door than to poison my poor last days by the spectacle of all these disorders."

Furthermore, Luther never shed all of his Catholic doctrines.He firmly retained belief in the Perpetual Virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Purgatory, and would be dismayed to see how protestantism today has obstinately rejected these teachings.

The French historian, Hilaire Belloc summarized the spirit with which this book was written: "The bad work begun at the Reformation is bearing its final fruit in the dissolution of our ancestral doctrines - the very structure of our society is dissolving".

... Read more

Product Description
James Kugel reviews the history of the process whereby literary scholars differentiated parts of the Old Testament as prose or poetry and finds it mistaken from the start. First published in 1981, THE IDEA OF BIBLICAL POETRY immediately provoked controversy among scholars. Reinforced by habit and numbers, many continue to repeat the notions that Kugel attacks. And, as long as they do, his book will remain an indispensable counter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A learned study
This book is rich in its knowledge of and analysis of Biblical poetry. It sees the kind of intensification of language which poetry is by examining the device of parallelism which is a central feature of Biblical poetry.
While the book is rich in analysis and idea I found it very difficult going. And I am sure there is much more in it than my reading was able to get out of it. ... Read more

Product Description
In recent years revisionist scholars have attacked the Bible's picture of ancient Israel as a fiction. While the majority of scholars reject this claim, a spirit of uneasiness remains among those who affirm the Old Testament's reliability. This bracing book provides fresh evidence for the historical value of Scripture. Written by an international team of competent scholars, "Windows into Old Testament History seeks to rebuild the case for a positive appraisal of biblical Israel. In the first essay Jens Bruun Kofoed explores the models and methods of study employed by the so-called Copenhagen School. Nicolai Winther-Nielsen then turns to the question of how best to hear the verbal testimony of the biblical texts, proposing a pragmatic approach to reading scripture. The next three essays examine ways of testing the truth value of the texts within the ancient Near Eastern context: Richard S. Hess, Alan R. Millard, and Kenneth A. Kitchen each focus on archaeological and comparative literary studies that illustrate how extrabiblical evidence can clarify debated issues and elucidate questions that are raised by the biblical texts themselves. Two case studies of the book of Chronicles by Brian E. Kelly and Peter J. Williams then demonstrate in a practical way how biblical and extrabiblical evidence can be brought together to uncover Israel's history. The final essay by Iain W. Provan returns to the epistemological and philosophical concerns which began the book, seen anew in light of the contributors' fruitful work. Attacking head-on the major issues involved in this fascinating yet conflicted field, "Windows into OldTestament History is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the facts surrounding ancient Israel. ... Read more

Product Description
A revised edition of a study of the wars of ancient Israel, which ranges from the invasion of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua's command to the Maccabees' successful rebellion against Seleucid domination, updated to take account of new research, with new maps and plans throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Excellent work
I got a copy of the book recently and have just finished the first chapter and the book reads really clearly. I always thought the battles in the Bible were boring but this book makes them exciting. I don't mind the fact that the authors are not afraid of expressing their views and coming at things from their political slants. I hope there are other books on the subject as good as this one.

Worst Book Ever...
Let's begin with what the authors don't tell you upfront: THEY'VE CREATED A HISTORY TO THEIR OWN LIKING. In other words, without the possibility of including the events, beliefs, and words of the supernatural this book tries to offer 'alternative explanations' to the events listed. My favorite part of this work was how they explained the overnight retreat of Sennacherib, using the common explanation that Israel had a superior defense power. I cannot believe that they'd gloss over the fact that God promised the Israelites deliverance that same day and that Sennacherib had taunted the Jews. How incredibly biased.

Though I admit they have offered sincere apologies for their inconsideration of the recordings from the OT, I don't think they should be considered truly a 'must-read' unless you're some top notch Theological Liberal who can't stand to include the supernatural.

Wars are secular, some people are religionists
One reviewer wrote that the authors were atheists. I don't know whether that's true or not, but I hope it is. We don't don't need another superstitious book attributing every event to somebody's mistaken idea of God. The Jews who fought the wars described in this book certainly may have believed that God was their deliverer, but that does not mean that such was actually the case. The authors do a very good job of describing what is known from the Bible and the archaeological record about these battles. In most cases the terrain is so well described in the Bible that the sites can be pinpointed. Not only do the authors give vivid descriptions of the battles, but their military experience allows them to provide additional insight into the tactics and strategy of the times. Often they relate ancient strategies to modern ones. And, yes, the Jews did the fighting---and they did the winning or losing. There were no divine interventions, no matter what the participants thought and no matter what modern religionists prefer to think.

Great Work!
This is a great book.The Scholarship seen in this book is beyond compare.The book details warfare as seen in the bible through the use of military science. For the person who likes to be an armchair general or is interested in warfare in the bible this book is for you. This is one of the many bible resources that needs to be put back into print.

Battles of the Bible
This is a great book for an objective, historical perspective of the battles in the Bible.I recommend it to anyone looking for a view from a purely historical angle.If you are looking for any kind of spiritual angle, don't bother. ... Read more

Product Description

"... a book which asks and answers a new, interesting question, using a rich range of biblical and humanistic methodologies." -- Journal of Biblical Literature

This book examines a literary form within the Bible that has slipped through the cracks of modern scholarship: the mixing of song and story in biblical narrative. Journeying from ancient Egyptian battle accounts to Aramaic wisdom texts to early retellings of biblical tales in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish-Hellenistic literature, and rabbinic midrash, Steven Weitzman follows the history of this form from its origins as a congeries of different literary behaviors to its emergence as a self-conscious literary convention.

Product Description
This text is designed to introduce students of the Bible to the archaeology, geography, and history of many of the important sites of the Old and New Testament worlds. Many of these sites were centers for trade, religion, defense, culture, industry, and government. DeVries details the development of significant sites from villages and towns to cities, based on how the site could meet the essential needs of the people. The availability of water or arable land, proximity to trade routes, and easily defensible terrain were prime factors in determining a city's prominence. This study concentrates on the cities in Mesopotamia, Aram/Syria and Phoenicia, Anatolia, Egypt, and Palestine during the Old Testament period, and Palestine and the provinces of the Roman world during the New Testament period. Special attention is given to the geographical setting of the city, the history of its development, its relevance to the Bible, its distinguishing features, and any significant archaeological discoveries made at the site. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Stuff
The book got here in no time at all and in perfect condition.Over all I was very pleased. Thanks ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A History of Modern Biblical Interpretation For the General Reader
Is the Bible an inerrant or verbally inspired religious text "let down from heaven"? The question continues to be of interest and even concern for many people in our culture. For some, it seems, the health or perhaps the survival of their religious faith appears to depend on the answer. Having completed the book, readers will decide the answer for themselves, for while the author's personal answer is "hardly," nevertheless Sandys-Wunsch allows the story and its facts to speak for themselves. No dogmatic answers, one way or another, are included. John Sandys-Wunsch has written a solid and extensively researched book on the the history of biblical manuscripts and interpretations from the Renaissance through the 19th century. The book's scholarship and painstaking research are superb and are reason enough to read the book, but it is also a combination rarely seen in the writing of historical/religious texts: First-class scholarship plus availability for the general reader. Sandys-Wunsch tells us the fascinating story of how and and why some ancient biblical manuscripts survived over centuries and why others were discarded as untrustworthy. How were biblical texts understood in the 15th century compared to the exegetics of the 18th century? For example, the author relates how interpreters treated the Bible's miracle stories over the years, always a good index for changing patterns of biblical exegesis. But the heart of the story and its most complex yet fascinating dimension indicates how very much biblical interpretation is a living thing, that is, how much our understanding of the Bible is a part of the world in which it has taken place. As well as preachers, politicians, princes, philosophers, pendants and scientistsplayed an important role in the story. The story of biblical interpretation is populated by all sorts and conditons of humanity, and Sandys-Wunsch's closely documented narrative focuses on them; they were brilliant, inept, tedious, filled with intellectual integrity, deceptive, fearless, and cowardly. They were all the things we are, and all of them are interesting as they tried to understand and sometimes to conceal how the Bible should be read. A history of biblical hermeneutics threatens to be dull reading indeed, but for those interested in such a history John Sandys-Wunsch has made it an absorbing tale. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is designed as a resource for using rhetorical criticism as amethodology for interpreting the Bible. Rhetorical criticism is treated in thebroader context of the growing interest in the study of the literary characterof the Bible. The volume is divided into two parts to accommodate both the Oldand New Testaments. Each part begins with a discussion of the history andmethodology of rhetorical criticism pertinent to that Testament. Here specialemphasis is given to the current state and trends of the discipline and itsimpact on biblical interpretation. These discussions are followed by extensivebibliographies categorized to facilitate working with the published researchon specific biblical texts, books, or categories of books. ... Read more

Product Description

"We would be naive to think that we can hear these narratives with the same clarity that the first hearers did.  An equal naivete, however, would be to suggest that we have no access to their situation, or that it is irrelevant to know how the texts originally functioned.  One way to proceed is to juxtapose narratives with issues faced by the people of God in the context to which the narratives were addressed.  To lay contextual issues alongside narrative should enable illumination of the text, and give breadth and depth to the results of one's interpretation.  This approach has the advantage of avoiding an abstract concern about what the author might have 'intended.'  Rather, in the juxtaposition of context and text, we are concerned about what issues faced by the audience might have been addressed."

"Although the Word of God is always addressed to a particular situation, the insights gained through hearing it will assist in the hearing of a Word in the contemporary situation." (excerpts from the Introduction, by Terence E. Fretheim)

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent introduction
This is an excellent introduction to the Deuteronomic history section of the Bible's Old Testament. But the author is Terence Fretheim (not Frethaim--is anyone listening who can make this correction?!). ... Read more

Product Description
The familiar idea of a covenant between God and His people is central to much of the literature of the Old Testament. Through analyses of the style, content, and language of biblical and extra-biblical documents, Dr. Hillers renders the complex idea of covenant comprehensible to the layman as he provides insights into such ideas as the love of God and the knowledge of God--both of which are intimately connected with Israel's concept of covenant. (Biblical Studies) ... Read more

Product Description
This book is concerned primarily with the chronology of the Hebrew Bible in its various textual forms. The central thesis is that these chronologies are essentially schematic and may be seen as mythical expressions of a belief that human history is ordered according to a divine plan. ... Read more

Product Description
'Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible.Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God's Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers' personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world.Features include:* Four-color interior throughout * Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts * Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts* Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout * Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information * Detailed charts on pertinent topics * In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Chinese Bible?
I bought this Bible, as probably others have, for the included illustrations and historical inserts.Cosmetically, it is beautiful, though 'browning' the edges of all the pages seems a little overdone.The quality of illustrations is excellent, and I've found the historical tidbits fun to read.I'm not a real fan of NIV (I must prefer the accuracy of the NASB), but the single-column format makes this much easier to read than so many Bibles.As a previous reviewer has noted, the pages are relatively thick with little text bleed-through.The leather is acceptable by today's standards.

What amazed me is, when I was reading over the title page, that this Bible is printed in China!As 'red' China is one of the most oppressive countries in the world regarding Christianity, this is a real disappointment.What do they do, make the workers not look at the pages? I know we live in a world of outsourced work, but surely Zondervan could have done better than this.On the other hand, maybe those poor workers over there will get a chance to see what they're producing--underground evangelism!

I noticed the same weight as others have.Put this one over your heart in battle and it'll surely stop a bullet or two!

FOLLOWUP 06/07/06:This Bible has stayed by my bed since purchase, with almost-daily use.It has in no way been abused, e.g. bending the covers back, etc.It is starting to 'fringe' in places where the glued leather construction is coming apart, particularly where the spine meets the front and back covers.It'll be going to my favorite bookbinder some time this coming summer for a decent leather cover.My advice is spend the few extra bucks for real leather--it'll cost less in the long run!

The Bible Indiana Jones would love.
This is a wonderful bible.This bible would make Indy smile.Full of great Archaeological relavent facts that are fun to read.Beautiful.

Archaeological Study Bible Comments
I purchased the NIV Archaeological Study Bible, Genuine Leather Black, Indexed, and I must say that I'm very happy with it.

I will tell you, though, some of the things that I've noticed:

1.If you're looking for a nice, soft premium leather, be aware that, as advertised, it is genuine leather. I was hoping that it would be better for a Bible in this price range.

2.The index tabs for some reason all caught the previous pages, (the page before the tab), on the edges.Carefully pulle the edges of the page out from under the tabs, and all is well.Maybe mine was a fluke, but annoying to have to do.

3.The pages are easy to read but may tear.The pages in my Open Bible seem stronger, but, and this is a BIG BUT, they all have a sheen that reflects light and makes it very hard to read.This Bible is much easier to read despite the 8 or 9 point type.No sheen.

4.You can see little of the type on the previous and next pages.The Open Bible pages were almost transparent, really bad, and a headache to read.This one is MUCH better.

5.In my opinion, the included software is junk.There are many better, and free, Bible programs, but since the NIV is not available for them, you MIGHT want to use it just because it IS the NIV version.

6.The binding seems very good.The care instructions suggest that you open it to the middle, and press down slightly.Then repeat the process forward and backward through the Bible. Practically a flat bible.With use I imagine that it will get even better.

7.The amount of information packed into this Bible is amazing.Full color photos through out is really nice.Be aware, though, that the pictures you can see on your computer screen are better looking than in this Bible do to the nature of the media.That being said, the photos in the Bible are very, very nice.

So, even with some of the `negatives' sighted above, I would still buy this Bible again.Enjoy!

Beautiful bible, but it is big.I mean really big!
The title pretty much says it all.The bible is simply gorgeous with it's full color presentation, photos, articles and notes.I've never seen a more well laid out bible.

That being said, this bible is large, no check that, huge.This weighs every bit of the 4 + pounds in the description.Almost 5lbs...to really understand that, go grab a 5lb weight and carry it around for awhile and see how much fun that is.After awhile, it really is almost impractical to carry such a large bible around.It's hard to use at a table during a bible study with others, it really does become cumbersome to carry around.This one had my large bible cover busting at the seams.

I think this bible would be fantastic for home study and reading, but not so good for your "everyday" bible to church, bible study etc.

Superb Black Top Grain Leather, Thumb Indexed Bible
This is a beautiful bible in top-grain leather and thumb-indexed for quick referencing. The study notes are insightful, practical, and aid contextual understanding. This would be a great bible to read and study cover-to-cover. ... Read more

Product Description
Helen Corey's new exciting updated edition of Food from Biblical Lands, Syria and Lebaonon, which is a take-off of her original best seller The Art of Syrian Cookery, carries a health pyramid that stresses healthy eatingPeople from these countries eat a healthful diet rich in grain foods - breads, pasta, rice, bulgur, couscous, lentils, legumes, fruits and vegetables.These are complex carbohydrate foods needed for energy.

These foods are also rich in valuable vitamins, minerals and fiber.Most of the fat in this diet comes from olive oil, which is monounsaturated and better for your heart. Adapted for the American kitchen, this succulent cuisine is profusely illustrated with foods that take you on a culinary trip to the lands of Bible History with an expanation of the background of the foods.From Kibby, Rice Dressing, Baked Eggplant, Roast Lamb, Stuffed Chicken, to Pocket and Cheese Breads along with health-foods recommended by nutritionists throughout the world: cracked wheat, lentils, soups, barley, appetizers, homos, vegetarian foods, stuffed grape leaves, squash and seafood recipes, easy to make yogurt in the microwave, couscous falafel, spinokopeta, balawa, ricotta and more pastries and party foods. The book covers a letter of recommendation from the titular head of the Antiochian Orthodox Church as the only book of its kind that faithfully portrays the religious and cultural significance of foods eaten since the dawn of time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Perfectly authentic and well written
Each recipe is explained in detail and if an ingredient is uncommon she explains where to get it and what it is.She writes the recipes so that the end result turns out wonderfully. I grew up eating this food in Canton, OH and her recipes taste just the way the old Syrians would have prepared it.I was so happy to find a cookbook so true to the old world style.There are meat recipes as well as vegetable based cuisine, desserts, and even how to make the old Syrian cheese usually served with breakfast.It is a concise, great book and I wish more people knew how to prepare meals like this.

A Bit of the Past
Helen Corey's cookbook and video, really takes one on a journey to the Holy Land.Oh, how my Mother and Father would have loved them.The cookbook, Food from Biblical Lands, and video, The Art of Syrian & Lebanese Cooking, brings back many loving memories of my Mother cooking Syrian foods.We were blessed with her until she was 91 years old, and she did most of the Syrian cooking while she was alive.I have tried to remember her different recipes, and with Helen's cookbook and video it helps bring it to life.It is as though Mother has returned to remind me what to put into each recipe.It is a precious bit of the past, here in the present.Thank you Helen for this wonderful gift.Keep up the good work.

Perfect for All Cooks
This cookbook offers a wonderful introduction to Syrian and Lebanese cooking.Wonderful index and cross-reference help the beginner feel comfortablewith the new terms and cooking ingredients.Helen Corey'sbook is more than just a cookbook however; she offers insight to theheritage of the foods and the traditions these regions bring toInternational cooking. I recommend this book to all cooks; whether they arealready familiar with these foods and cooking style or are just beginningto branch out from their our family's favorites.Ms. Corey has provided afeast a great recipes and photos that will stir up an appetite in anyone.

Excellent choice for all ages!
I am a 20 year old college student.I had to write a nutrition paper for the Syrian Culture and I used Helen Corey's cookbook.I found the dishes extremely interesting and excellent tasting when made.The nutrition valuefor many of the food items was great for low-fat, high-protein,high-potassium, and high in other vitamins and minerals.It's an excellentchoice for all cultures, religions, and ages!

The Joys and History of Arabic cuisine
Helen Corey's cookbooks are so interesting for their recipes and also for Middle Eastern history.She has lovingly captured the expertise of her Mother in the recipes and photos.Sharing the Christian Orthodox faithwith her, I recommend her books not just for Orthodox Christians but forall people. Helen is a tribute to her ehtnic community and to the UnitedStates. ... Read more

Product Description
The period of the Babylonian Exile (597/587–520 B.C.E.) is one of the most enthralling eras of biblical history. During this time, Israel went through what was probably its deepest crisis; at the same time, however, the cornerstone was laid for its most profound renewal. The crisis provoked the creation of a wealth of literary works (laments, prophetic books, historical works, etc.) whose development is analyzed in detail by the methods of social history, composition criticism, and redaction criticism. The history of this era is hard to grasp, since the Bible has almost nothing to say of the exilic period. The author nevertheless attempts to illuminate the historical and social changes that affected the various Judean groups, drawing heavily on extrabiblical and archaeological evidence. His study also includes the treatment of the exile in later biblical material (Daniel, Tobit, Judith, apocalyptic literature). Thirty-five years after Peter Ackroyd’s classic Exile and Restoration, this book summarizes extensively the results of recent scholarship on this period and builds on them with a number of its own hypotheses. ... Read more