Product Description
In this impressive volume, leading scholars offer compelling glimpses into the biblical world, the world in which prophets, poets, sages, and historians created one of our most important texts--the Bible.
For more than a century, archaeologists have been unearthing the tombs, temples, texts, and artifacts of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world. Using new approaches, contemporary scholars have begun to synthesize this material with the biblical traditions. The Oxford History of the Biblical World incorporates the best of this scholarship, and in chronologically ordered chapters presents the reader with a readable and integrated study of the history, art, architecture, languages, literatures, and religion of biblical Israel and early Judaism and Christianity in their larger cultural contexts. The authors also examine such issues as the roles of women, the tensions between urban and rural settings, royal and kinship social structures, and official and popular religions of the region.
Understanding the biblical world is a vital part of understanding the Bible. Broad, authoritative, and engaging, The Oxford History of the Biblical World will illuminate for any reader the ancient world from which the Bible emerged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Review of Oxford's 'Biblical World'
Note: I admittedly read the earlier edition of this work, in hardcover. I believe the paperback is shorter, but uses smaller text and fewer pictures.

This collaborative project covers the history of Syria-Palestine, and to some extent, its Near Eastern neighbors, from the Paeleolithic to the end of Antiquity. It is incredibly extensive, and offers a variety of writing styles from several different professors. It contains about ten essays, each 50 pages or so, with frequent pictures to supplement reading.

The quality of the essays varied from decent to excellent. None of them were incredible stand-outs, really. However, the information presented is certainly comprehensive. The work considers Jews and Christians during the development of the Bible, both its historical contents and the book itself--Old and New Testaments. There were a few issues with collaboration. For instance, two different authors both spoke to the differences between Pharisees, Sadducees and Essences; this was an unnecessary repetition.

If you're the sort of person who wants to buy one history for biblical studies. this should satisfy.

Oxford...Biblical World Review
THis book is well researched and well written.It contains a treasury of information that is interestting and enriching to a thorough scholarly study of the Bible.

Bible and History
This book relates history to the Bible, giving readers a new perspective on world events at the time of events recorded in the Bible. It's certainly not a fast read, but it's interesting.

Buyer Beware
Buyer beware. The chapter on the time of Jesus reads like an op-ed piece, not a history book.The author of it is Amy-Jill Levine, who describes herself on her website as a "Yankee Jewish feminist . . . with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies."If you are a Christian looking for a neutral, scholarly source of information, keep looking.

An excellent reference
This book has proved more and more valuable over time. As a pastor and seminary student, it helps to place Biblical events in the proper context. As an aspiring Ancient historian, the clear, concise text and apt photos and illustrations make sense of some pretty dense reading in other texts. It's even a fun read for enjoyment! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

A Church Small Group Must Have!
I really like this time chart, it's loaded with information and would make a great must have addition to a church small group. I first found out about this book when my wife bought me one from the Milwaukee Wisconsin Public Museum in May of 2010 where the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display until June 6 2010. My wife bought me the book there for $20 and I liked it so much I wanted to buy some for friends. Since we live in Illinois and did not was to drive to Milwaukee, I decided I'd look on Amazon to see if I could find it and of course I did and even cheaper! The way this book folds out 12 feet or more is not only very useful but very impressive too. This book is well worth the money.

Wow! What a Bible study tool!
My associate pastor first showed me his copy of this great reference tool for the Bible.I knew right away that I had to have one.Now, when reading the Bible or studying a particular subject, I keep it handy.It unfolds to a humongous chart of biblical timelines layed over against world history timelines.It amazes me how much information is packed into this great, graphical study tool.

Over the years, I have kept various helpful lists (prophets of Israel, kings of Israel, geneologies of the biblical patriarchs, the Jewish feasts, etc.) ... I never dreamed that this kind of tool was available.Hats off to its author and producer.

jasper review
I have ordered this item several times for myself and friends.Super fast service and never a problem.

Finally something easy to understand
This is one of the greatest books I have ever ordered.I have given one to at least 5 other people as a gift.I wish I had this a long time ago.It really ties everything together.As a matter of fact they didn't give enough stars.It is actually 10+ stars.I think that the only way it could get better is to have it online with wikipedia text for each item.As a book, it is incredible and eliminates the doubt....Simply Great!!!!

Great Book
This book is in exellent condition.
delivery was fast, and the whole deal was smooth no problems ... Read more

Product Description
In this much-anticipated textbook, Iain Provan, V. Philips Long, and Tremper Longman have written a history of ancient Israel that takes the biblical text seriously as an historical document.While also considering nonbiblical sources and being attentive to what disciplines such as archaeology, anthropology and sociology suggest about the past, they do so within the context and paradigm of the Old Testament canon, which is held as the primary document for reconstructing Israel’s history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Strong Contribution to Old Testament Debate
I found Provan et al's treatment of Old Testament History to be a valuable contribution to an understanding of this history, particularly how it stands up to scholarly criticism.The book starts weakly in my opinion with a focus on something some guy said, why this guy is wrong, harsh critiques, and so on.But then it gets on to its subject, and there it works well.The book is heavily footnoted, so my impression is that you will have one finger in the chapter and one in the footnotes.However, the footnotes are very informative and so the system seems to work well, albeit requiring back-and-forth.I learned many fascinating things and feel I have a better grasp about what experts believe are the issues related to Israelite history and how reasonably balanced Christian scholars (which I take the authors to be) answer those issues.I read it for a seminary class and it was well worth the time.

Excellent History
An extremely helpful History of Israel, especially the first several chapters which not only create a foundation for reading the OT but which give an excellent discussion of the various approaches to the text. Their primary thesis seems to be that the ancient Hebrew literature should be treated with at least the same respect as other ancient testimonies, be they literary or archeological in nature.The authors allege with thoroughness and authority a skeptical bias against the Hebrew texts in current scholarship.Their argument requires a response.

Propositions, Not Proof
Having only recently dived into the pool of historiography, this book has helped me tremendously to understand the complexities that go into a historiographer's reconstruction of history.

As to why this book is leaps and bounds better than most of your popular apologetic works, here are a few differentiating factors:

A. Philosophy of historigraphical reconstruction. This is perhaps the most unique feature of the book. Before even diving into the various evidences being considered for a reconstruction of the history of Israel, the authors spend roughly 100 pages in dealing with the philosophical underpinnings of historiography. I found this section IMMENSELY enlightening and the book is worth the price for this exposition alone. On what grounds do we accept or reject historical testimony? Does the presence of ideology in a text imply that historical details have been interpolated? What can archaeological evidence tell us about the past? What are the limitations of science in reconstructing history? These and more questions are dealt with in "History of Israel". Rather than merely beginning with a given set of assumptions, the authors dissect the assumptions of themselves and their counterparts in Israeli historical reconstruction.

B. Expertise in the field of historiography. Unlike the many Josh McDowells and Lee Strobels, the authors of this book are professionals in this field of study and it shows in their knowledge of the material at hand, as well as their treatment of the material.

C. Objectivity in a reconstruction of Israel's past. What I loved about this book, especially in comparison to other books on the trustworthiness of the Old Testament texts, was the cool-headed, objective handling of the evidence. The word "prove" is rarely, if ever used. The authors' make it clear that nothing in history is "proven"; only plausible and implausible. This is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the oftentimes dogmatic assertions that are made by many other Christian authors who propound their conclusions with a matter-of-fact, case-closed confidence that leaves many, like myself, wondering what side of the story I'm not hearing from dissenters. The author of "History of Israel" provide ample examples (although sometimes too brief, but there is only so much room when dealing with an topic of this magnitude) of those who do not believe in the historicity of the Biblical texts. Mud-slinging and demonization of dissenters is not present in any of the book. Dissenting views are given what I considered to be a fair (but perhaps too brie) treatment.

"History of Israel" does not set out to prove the Old Testament reliable. It attempts to demonstrate how the Biblical texts can, and likely do, fit in with the evidence at hand. Can this be proven? No. But they certainly make a compelling case for why we ought to trust the traditions handed down to us.

A Beautifully Argued Book
The authors are to be congratulated for their beautifully laid out and tightly argued book.The first third of the book lays out their philosophical basis for the history and provokes many questions and encourages much thought.We are in their debt for this fine, fine book on Israel's history as its comes to us from the "testimony" of Scripture.The authors are to be appreciated for their answering the so called "minimalists"
approach to "biblical" history.I found the book well written, wonderfully argued, and extremely helpful.This book should belong on the shelf of everyone interested in ancient Israel's history.

A necessarybook
I have always felt that you should believe someone unless you have good reason not too. Many biblical minimalist seem to take the view that the bible is wrong as history with very little, if any proof to back their claims up.

This book is a ultra maximalist defense of the bible as a historical work. If you are interested in this subject, its a must read.

... Read more

Product Description

The book of Joshua brings to life real history during thecrucial period of transition for the Israelites as they followGod's direction and settle in the promised land. Israel neededdiscipline in light of their newfound freedom. They faced theresponsibility of living as a covenant people while adapting tochange. Joshua describes the historic shift from the revelation ofGod's promises to their realization. God's care of his peoplebecomes obvious, and their struggle with disobedience, selfishness,and fear is very human.

Francis Schaeffer's thoughts on the book of Joshua show readersthe historic, spiritual, and intellectual nourishment available forthe Christian life through the examples of Joshua and his fellowIsraelites. In the book of Joshua, Schaeffer finds that God revealshis sorrow over human sin, as well as his gracious love for hispeople. This is as true for us as it was for those in Joshua'stime. This study of the settling of Israel will inspire readers tosee the hand of God present in all of history, including today.

Customer Reviews (4)

insightful and applicable
Written in 1975 and re-released in 2004 Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History is relevant, insightful and applicable.Schaeffer draws out the significance of Joshua's place in biblical history and challenges the reader to apply the text to his own life.He uncovers many theological threads that flow through the entire Bible and opens up the reader's mind to the meaning of the whole.

Not for the novice, Schaeffer offers solid insight and excellent teaching for those wanting to go deeper in their understanding of the Bible.Schaeffer's writing style is slightly dated and all Scriptures are quoted in the King James so you may want to keep your favorite modern Bible translation open as you read Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History.

A superb commentary on Joshua
We can use what Joshua learned to also become great leaders.In this commentary, Schaeffer uses a good portion of the book of Joshua along with other pertinent books of the Bible.He is exhaustive and repetitive covering certain passages, nevertheless he drills it home superbly.We discover we are not left to a leap of faith, history in space and time is written for us.

The book of Joshua is a crucial link between the Pentateuch (writings of Moses) and scripture.In the book we learn of leadership; the covenant and judgment; acquisition of land; the rise of civil justice; and the importance of the cities of refuge (which is a parallel to Christ).But let us not fall into the trap that because we are saved by grace we think it doesn't matter how we live our lives or, aninomianism.

Schaeffer tells us, "a man of God must stand and trust God----even against his own people, even if in the minority, even in the midst of physical danger."

And also, "it is just plain stupid for a Christian not to expect spiritual warfare while he lives in enemy territory"

Wish you well and blessings
Scott

Joshua and the Flow of Biblical History
Francis A. Schaeffer has done a great job of presenting a wonderfully accurate commentary on the book of Joshua...It was one of the best that I have ever read. He follows the text and presents good, sound interpretations. You will find it a good companion to your study of this old and yet so revealing book of Joshua.
Enjoy, C. Hopler from North Carolina :)

Made Everything Clear
If you struggle with understanding the God of the Old Testament, I highly recommend this book.Mr. Schaeffer puts the best history teacher to shame as he draws us into 1400 BC, and into the lives of Joshua, Caleb, Rahab the harlot, the lying Gibeonites and other colorful characters that contributed, however unknowingly, to Christianity as we know today.Woven throughout his insights into these amazing stories is the unchanging concept of the God who is There, the I Am that I Am.Although the title of this book leads one to believe it is a character study of the general Joshua, the glory and the reality of God's character take center stage.This book is nothard to read at all, but its conclusions are startling.Be aware before you buy-- your worldview might change. ... Read more

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.
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Product Description
Beginning in the late 1960s, a biblical counseling movement sought to reclaim counseling for the church and provide a Christian alternative to mainstream psychiatry and psychotherapy. The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context is an informative and thought-provoking account of that movement. This historical account combines careful scholarship with a unique, eyewitness insight. This book is an invaluable resource for those who want to understand the biblical counseling movement. The core chapters were originally a Ph.D. dissertation in history of science and medicine (University of Pennsylvania). This new edition adds a lengthy appendix, containing articles by Dr. Powlison that give an analysis of developments within the biblical counseling movement and in its relationship to evangelical psychotherapists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Insider's View of Modern Biblical Counseling
Recommended: Dr. David Powlison of CCEF unites the twin themes of biblical counseling and church history in his excellent work The Biblical Counseling Movement: History and Context. Everyone interested in the modern biblical counseling movement will benefit from this well-researched and well-written book. It presents a fair and balanced exploration of one of the most important developments in the Evangelical church over the past generation. Readers will be equipped not only with historical insight, but more importantly, with wisdom for how to speak the truth in love.

The name "Jay Adams" and the method of counseling known as "nouthetic counseling" are familiar to Evangelicals in the biblical/Christian counseling world. As author David Powlison notes, most people either love or hate Adams and nouthetic biblical counseling.

Powlison, while acknowledging his own personal history as one trained within the nouthetic biblical counseling movement, and as a friend of Dr. Adams, still is able to write with a historian's objectivity. The Biblical Counseling Movement is neither hagiography nor a blistering attack. It is a balanced, nuanced examination, not only of the history, but also of the theology and methodology of Jay Adams and nouthetic biblical counseling.

The core chapters were originally Powlison's Ph.D. dissertation. The book edition adds a lengthy appendix, containing articles by Powlison. These extend and deepen the history, offering an intriguing analysis of the birth and development of the nouthetic biblical counseling movement and its relationship to Evangelical psychotherapists.

The History and Shaping Factors

Powlison first takes his readers to the historical backdrop that led to the rise of modern nouthetic biblical counseling. As E. Brooks Holifield explained in A History of Pastoral Care in American, so Powlison traces the movement of pastoral ministry from a focus on salvation and progressive growth in Christlikeness to a focus on self and "self-actualization." In the generation before Jay Adams' ministry (the 1920s to 1950s), pastoral counseling was strongly influenced by liberal Protestantism and secular psychology.

Powlison tells the riveting story of Adams' journey as a young pastor facing crisis after crisis among his parishioners and feeling inadequately prepared. Adams' internship under the secularist O. Hobart Mowrer, of all people, was a culminating experience leading to Adams' rejection of secular psychology.

In Powlison's hand, the narrative is never shallow. He describes other influencing factors on Adams' theory, including his personality, his background as a preacher, his Reformed Presbyterian theology, and his study of Van Til's pressupositional apologetics, among others. One cannot understand Adam's nouthetic approach apart from grasping these background elements.

An Afternoon Soap Opera

Once Adams launched the nouthetic biblical counseling movement with his publication of Competent to Counsel, along with the start of the Christian Counseling and Education Center (later to be renamed the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation--CCEF), and later with the start of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC), the history begins to sound like an afternoon soap opera. Powlison colorfully depicts the intrigue within and without the movement.

While Adams spent part of his ministry critiquing secular psychology, he reserved more of his bombast for those within the church whom he considered "integrationists" who he believed had sold their birth right for a bowl of pottage by trying to blend and merge biblical truth with psychological theory and practice. Engaging page after engaging page illustrates the important interaction between "nouthetic biblical counseling" and "Christian integrationist psychology"

Of course, many would not accept being placed in either "camp." In fact, not everyone today who claims the title "biblical counselor" would equally own the label "nouthetic counselor." This is the one weakness I find in the title and language of the book--the seamless merging of "nouthetic counseling" and "biblical counseling." (In this review, I have used the phrase "nouthetic biblical counseling" to indicate the specific model espoused by Adams and explored by Powlison).

Perhaps much lesser known to "outsiders" are the historical in-house squabbles between early leaders of the nouthetic biblical counseling movement. In particular, Powlison addresses the differences in personality, theory, and methodology that arose between Adams and his nouthetic biblical counseling peer, John Bettler. If ever there was an antithesis to Adams, it was Bettler.Their eventual drifting apart, despite mutual respect and friendship, almost could have been predicted.

Powlison also tracks the ups and down of the movement in terms of influence (memberships, readership, sister organizations, "competing" organizations, etc.). To see the widespread impact of nouthetic biblical counseling today, it may surprise some to read about the many years when, according to Powlison, it languished.

What Makes Biblical Counseling Truly Biblical?

Powlison's work is not only historiographical. It also offers readers a thoughtful analysis of the theology and methodology of nouthetic biblical counseling, of Christian psychology, and of Christian counseling. Two lengthy and informative chapters outline the views, accusations, counter-views, and perspectives of most of the leading characters in biblical Christian counseling and psychology from the 1960s to the 1990s.

It would be almost impossible to read Powlison's summaries without being challenged to reflect seriously about one's own beliefs about the real meaning, in practice, of the sufficiency of Scripture. Just what does it mean and what does it "look like" to practice truly biblical Christian counseling that is Christ-centered, comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally-informed?

Reading The Biblical Counseling Movement is like discovering a time capsule. You un-bury it, read the enclosed note, and say, "Aha! So, that's why things are the way they are today!" You come away with a greater appreciation for what Jay Adams was attempting to do. You come away with a greater appreciation for those who attempted to say, "Jay, you may have pulled the pendulum too far and done so a little too caustically." You come away with a better understanding of the ongoing "camps" in the biblical Christian counseling movement(s) that exist to this day.

For a rollickingly good read (yes, I said that about a book that once was a dissertation!), and for vital insight into the shape of pastoral, biblical, Christian counseling and psychology today, The Biblical Counseling Movement is a unique contribution to the field.

Solidly Researched History
I was first introduced to Jay Adams work while completing my masters in social work. At the time I was struggling integrate my faith with my clinical work and Jay Adams books (especially Competent to Counsel, A Theology of Christian Counseling, and the Christian Counselors Manual) were very helpful in providing a counterpoint to my studies. As I moved from school into practice, however I began to struggle with many of the concepts introduced by Adams and others in the Nouthetic Counseling camp. I struggled with their exegesis of certain Biblical texts, I struggled with their (mostly) complete rejection of modern psychology and psychiatry, and I struggled with the harshness I read in their techniques.

Over the last 10 years I have learned that the Biblical counseling movement, no matter how frustrating to me personally, is an important balance to mainstream psychology and psychiatry for the Christian. Powlison's excellent historical study of the Biblical counseling movement further underscores that important truth. While it is clear from the book that Powlison has serious reservations about some of the more extreme stances taken by Adams, NANC, BCF, and others involved with Biblical counseling it is also clear that Powlison has a deep respect for the overarching aim of shifting the focus of pastoral counseling and Christian counseling as a whole to the Bible. Anyone involved in Christian counseling should read this book for that lesson alone.

Make no mistake: this book outlines the entire history of the Biblical counseling movement. It is not a fluff piece that only gives one side of the story. This book presents the background of the Biblical counseling movement complete with detractors and serious questions about Adam's knowledge system, theology, seeming lack of compassion, and understanding of even the basic tenants of psychology. Through it all Powlison's work is steady and fair. And I would argue that we are better for it. ... Read more

Product Description
At first glance, it may seem strange that after more than two thousand years of biblical interpretation there are still major disagreements among biblical scholars about what the Jewish and Christian Scriptures say and about how one is to read and understand them. Yet the range of interpretive approaches now available is the result both of the richness of the biblical texts themselves and of differences in the worldviews of the communities and individuals who have sought to make the Scriptures relevant to their own time and place. A History of Biblical Interpretation provides detailed and extensive studies of the interpretation of the Scriptures by Jewish and Christian writers throughout the ages. Written by internationally renowned scholars, this multivolume work comprehensively treats the many different methods of interpretation, the many important interpreters who have written in various eras, and the many key issues that have surfaced repeatedly over the long course of biblical interpretation. This first volume of A History of Biblical Interpretation explores interpreters and their methods in the ancient period, from the very earliest stages to the time when the canons of Judaism and Christianity gained general acceptance. The first part of the book concentrates on the use of the Scriptures within Judaism. Chapters examine inner-biblical exegesis in the Tanak, the development of the Septuagint, the exegetical approach of Philo of Alexandria, biblical interpretation in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Targumim, the nature of rabbinic midrash, the stabilization of the Hebrew Bible, and the interpretation of the Bible in the Jewish Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. The second part of the book probes themes specific to Christian interpretation of the biblical texts. Chapters here discusses how Israel's Scriptures are used in the New Testament writings, the hermeneutical approaches of the Apostolic Fathers and the Apologis ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All things old...
Part of a planned multi-volume series by Eerdmans, this first volume of 'A History of Biblical Interpretation' covers the ancient period -- variously defined by historians, it basically begins with the formation of the Hebrew scriptures and their translation into Greek into the Septuagint (LXX), proceeds to look the early Rabbinic and Apostolic periods, and proceeds into Christian history with the early Fathers and Apologists, Jerome, the closure of the canon, and the ending of imperial times.

I give great credit to this text as they devote much attention to looking at the Bible prior to the time of Jesus as Jewish texts in Jewish contexts, without superimposing a necessarily Christian framework or interpretation upon the texts.Space is precious, even in a multi-volume work, so decisions had to be made as to what to include and what to exclude (a decision that is always made in authorship, though rarely recognised explicitly as the editors here describe) -- while investigation of sidelines and minor strands in Judeo-Christian biblical interpretation is interesting, the decision was made to concentrate on the major influences and figures that continued to have major impact.

The editors Alan J. Hauser and Duane F. Watson provide an introductory chapter that explores the topics in the subsequent chapters of this volume, providing an initial framework and introduction for the overall strand of development.Over two thousand years of interpretation is a major topic to develop; even five hundred years is a formidible task, particularly when those five hundred years contain the formation of the canon of both the Tanakh and the Christian bible, and the formation of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaisms as established institutions.

Hauser and Watson explore the issues of unity and diversity, pointing out the shifting emphases over time.They then briefly describe major historical events and key topics and personalities crucial to the understanding of ancient biblical interpretation.These range from Midrash and the Dead Sea Scrolls to canonical formation and regional rivalries, such as that between Alexandria and Antioch.Hauser and Watson make the interesting observation that, at the end of the ancient period, as Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity were firmly established on separate paths, there was still a great deal of commonality in methods of interpretation.Upon reflection, this should come as no surprise, given that both grew up essentially in the same cultural and intellectual environments.

Succeeding chapters look at major figures and topics such as Philo of Alexandria; Jerome and the Vulgate; the Dead Sea Scrolls; Rabbinic Midrash; Apostolic Fathers; Augustine; and various other topics.The chapter on the Dead Sea Scrolls represents perhaps a departure from the stated intention of not going into minor and sectarian strands (for example, Samaritan interpretation is not a major topic explored in its own right, even though its direct interpretation influence is arguably stronger than the Dead Sea Scrolls until modern times).The Dead Sea Scrolls do, however, provide a snapshot of a sectarian development at a certain point in time, and the documentary evidence that survives represents some of the oldest and largest collections of biblical texts, exegetical writings, and other community pieces from the ancient world.

Each chapter is developed by a scholar expert in the topic; they do work together as a collection.As an aid to scholarship, there are several indexes:subject, ancient and modern author, biblical and extra-biblical primary sources (indeed, the indexes extend for 70 pages).Each chapter has a bibliography for further reading in each topic.I might argue with some of the bibliographic pieces (for example, there were a few key texts for Augustine that seemed to be missing from the list for that chapter), but in general they are good lists.

Scholarly yet accessible, complete without being unbearably lengthy, this book is a good study of the way in which people have looked at the Bible in the past; together with future volumes, it provides an interesting way in seeing how Biblical interpretative development in Judaism and Christianity has brought these religions to the position of diversity of opinion they occupy today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Philosophy of History: God's Story
R.J. Rushdoony's writing has always been grounded on the foundation of Christian Theism (CT). He never left the sure and immutable fount of the Triune God of the Bible, though just a few years ago he died after authoring dozens of books. "The Biblical Philosophy of History"finds the erudite Rushdoony mature, confident,and ready to press the crown rights of Christ on history and its undistorted intention.

The author rests his entire view of history on the sovereign God from which the Lord decreed every act which played out in history, both small and large. The lives of all men, time, creation, and interpretation of history all have true meaning within God's specific and comprehensive design and purpose.

No other worldview can furnish the a priori necessities to account for historical purpose and meaning. If one denies CT as one's driving presupposition, one fails to establish the pre-essentials for truth required for a invariable philosophy of history.

Furthermore the tools the historian applies in attempting to discern true history (if he affirms one can know anything true about history; historians who deny such, stultify themselves inasmuch as they are asserting something true about history: that it is true that one cannot know anything true about history).

The necessary rational instruments that the historian employs are the Law of Identity, The Law of Non-contradiction, and Moral Law. These laws are immaterial immutable universals. A material mutable particular cosmos fails to ground these universals. Only CT furnishes the epistemic credentials to ground the Laws of Thought forasmuch as God is immutable and universal in knowledge and power.

Since Rushdoony read about a book a day for sixty years, he knows how to communicate in an easy-to-understand manner. This is a good introduction in Rushdoony's application of Van Til's thought on a momentous topic.
Letter to an Atheist Nation: Presupositional Apologetics Responds To: Letter to a Christian ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Philosophy of History: God's Story
R.J. Rushdoony's writing has always been grounded on the foundation of Christian Theism (CT). He never left the sure and immutable fount of the Triune God of the Bible, though just a few years ago he died after authoring dozens of books. "The Biblical Philosophy of History"finds the erudite Rushdoony mature, confident,and ready to press the crown rights of Christ on history and its undistorted intention.

The author rests his entire view of history on the sovereign God from which the Lord decreed every act which played out in history, both small and large. The lives of all men, time, creation, and interpretation of history all have true meaning within God's specific and comprehensive design and purpose.

No other worldview can furnish the a priori necessities to account for historical purpose and meaning. If one denies CT as one's driving presupposition, one fails to establish the pre-essentials for truth required for a invariable philosophy of history.

Furthermore the tools the historian applies in attempting to discern true history (if he affirms one can know anything true about history; historians who deny such, stultify themselves inasmuch as they are asserting something true about history: that it is true that one cannot know anything true about history).

The necessary rational instruments that the historian employs are the Law of Identity, The Law of Non-contradiction, and Moral Law. These laws are immaterial immutable universals. A material mutable particular cosmos fails to ground these universals. Only CT furnishes the epistemic credentials to ground the Laws of Thought forasmuch as God is immutable and universal in knowledge and power.

Since Rushdoony read about a book a day for sixty years, he knows how to communicate in an easy-to-understand manner. This is a good introduction in Rushdoony's application of Van Til's thought on a momentous topic.
Letter to an Atheist Nation: Presupositional Apologetics Responds To: Letter to a Christian ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Possessing Rare & Unprecedented Insight
'Revelation is not so much divinely given gnosis to provide us with knowledge concerning the nature of God, man, and the world, as it is divinely inspired interpretation of God's activity of redeeming men so that they might worship and serve Him in the world. Even more broadly, one can say that from the beginning, in confrontation with gnosticism and gnosticizing tendencies, the church has continued to be aware that salvation and faith depend vitally on what God has done in history, especially in the historical character of the work of Christ.'Richard Gaffin, Introduction

THE LOGOS TITLE IN THE PROLOGUE TO THE 4TH GOSPEL (printed 1913):

Vos the exegete is masterful, and here takes special pains to destruct the Tubingen defective 'prolepsis' teaching on the full range of the word Logos, as referring pre-eminently to the pre-existent Christ in the first 14 verses of John 1. Genesis 1 and John 1 hold parallel glory to Jesus as the Mediator in creation, as His role was the role played by the divine word in Genesis. The temporal role that Christ fulfils and executes in the redemptive role as Messiah also does not do justice to the rich meaning of John 1. But, as the Logos who also sustains the world He created through providence, a study so enriching and rewarding is offered, and we are guided under the hand of a master theologian to believe that the obvious progress of thought in John's Prologue speaks likewise in favor of this conclusion. Without doubt the Tubingen teaching is the universal interpretation of John 1, so Vos treads on fresh ground for most of us. After having read this, you will never again read the Prologue of John 1 with a diminished view on the glory of Christ's eternal supremacy.

'It will be seen at a glance how radically this interpretation differs from the most widespread view as to the structure of the Prologue.' p 67

PAUL'S ESCHATOLOGICAL CONCEPTION OF THE SPIRIT(printed 1912):

The style of many modern preachers, e.g. Jay Adams, centers on the subjective internal processes at work in the Christian life, which are, at best, grounded in moralistic exposés.

'For Paul, the Spirit was regularly associated with the world to come and, from the Spirit thus conceived in all His supernatural and redemptive potency, the Christian life receives throughout its specific character. The conception of the Spirit proves that what Paul meant to do is precisely the opposite of what is imputed to him: not to transmute the eschatological into a religion of time, but to raise the religion of time to the plane of eternity - such was the purport of his gospel.' p 125

Vos relieves us from this modern view by showing it to be the antithesis of Paul's teaching on the presence of the Holy Spirit.Vos emphasizes, instead, the Spirit's activity to hold out the future kingdom with its rich spiritual life as significant reward and a standard for holiness, which serves as the central motivation for sinners to be found worthy of such glory.

'In reality this whole representation of the Christian state as centrally and potentially anchored in heaven is not the abrogation, it is the most intense and the most practical assertion of the other-worldly tenor of the believer's life.'The Pauline Eschatology pp. 39-40

'For the gospel does not confine the hearts of men to the enjoyment of the present life, but raises them to the hope of immortality.'John Calvin, Institutes 2:10:3

'The great reality is the glory that is coming.'Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Romans 8:17-39 p 40

ESCHATOLOGY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT (printed 1915):
Vos unmistakably pioneered the two age model, with a guarded insistence that we should 'not expect a temporal Messianic kingdom in the future as distinguished from Christ's present spiritual reign, and as preceding the state of eternity.' p 27Exploring the New Testament, Vos thought to define eschatological realities as 'that believers have already attained to at least partial enjoyment of eschatological privileges'. But Vos intensified its dissonance as opposed to Jewish tradition and expectation - because the two age model owed its inception to the Messiah, and when the Jews had chosen to reject Him, that rejection blissfully included His instruction on eschatology: 'but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.' Matthew 12:32 In striking relief, many today faithfully perpetuate Vos' scriptural idea of two successive ages enmeshed throughout the New Testament documents, while the refusal of some to accept Christ's teaching betrays their warm embrace of the Jewish depiction - and error - of a millenarian aeon.

'The New Testament does not follow the Jewish theology along this path', were Vos' fateful words.

THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST IN THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS (printed 1907):

'The excellence of the new covenant is in proportion to the excellence of the priesthood as evidenced by the oath which God swore at its introduction. Hebrews 7:17 And if the author made the mediatorship co-extensive with the priesthood, it becomes probable that he ascribed to it the same assured, infallible character which the priesthood possesses. Even the death of Christ, which set the testament in operation, made it operate with absolute certainty. From what has been said it follows that the purpose of the priesthood can only be accurately determined only in the light of the purpose of the covenant. The covenant is also designated an 'eternal covenant', Hebrews 13:20, which implies that it embodies the religious ideal.' pp. 136-137

HEBREWS, THE EPISTLE OF THE DIATHEKE (printed 1915):

'Now, since nothing is more certain than that such a conception of 'berith' as a testament is utterly foreign to the intent of the Hebrew Scriptures, the position taken implies that the Seventy translating as they did committed a stupendous blunder.' p 166 Words that had an established association in biblical history were being wheedled out of their redemptive importance. Advocates of a supposedly new superior view preferred the synergistic contractual agreement or social arrangement, 'testament', to the continuity of the monergistic 'covenant'. Geerhardus Vos, not his usual imperturbable self, systematically portrayed this inglorious linguistic ignominy, exposing the proponents of this thesis as exegetical frauds. 'Nor will it do to say that revelation in its progressive development has the right to modify a conception.' p 169 Vos called it 'unworthy of God', and went on to prove that a sustained usage of covenant is justified exegetically, through both the Old Testament 'berith' and New Testament 'diatheke'. 'If regard is had not to the modern associations of the word covenant, but to the actual nature of the biblical 'berith' as ascertained by induction, no ground for criticism on that score exists.' p 168 Vos was quick to denounce the premature findings of critical semantic investigation, and thorough in his foresight, as much modern practice continues to evolve the historical acceptance of congruity within the two covenants. Vos, however, carefully restored the covenant to its rightful place as a valid Christian concept.

'In Ephesians 2:12 the phrase 'covenants of the promise', in which the genitive is epexegetical, yields positive proof that Paul regards the covenants as so many successive promissory dispositions of God, not as a series of mutual agreements between God and His people. Far more energetically, however, does the Pauline principle of the sole activity of God in the work of salvation draw the 'diatheke'-idea into its service, where the latter is considered not by manner of retrospect merely, but is applied on the comparative principle to the Christian system itself.' p 176

Each shorter writing is an individual gem of brilliance. ... Read more

Product Description
Casting the tumultuous history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam against the rich canvas of the Near East, The Biblical World reveals how three great religions emerged from the same cradle. Author Jean-Pierre Isbouts employs a non-denominational perspective and a wide range of sources—from ancient hieroglyphic texts to the latest scientific findings—to place Bible stories in the framework of history. Chronologically arranged chapters detail battles, conquests, tribal migrations, natural calamities, and more, supporting the stories with intriguing archaeological evidence. To locate sites and events, National Geographic cartographers have created fifty all-new maps of stunning quality. Hundreds of photographs and artifacts add visual excitement. Quick-read timelines link events across cultures while illustrated sidebars focus on what life was like during each era: family roles, farming, trade, dress, childbirth, burial customs, and other aspects of daily existence.

The story traces the evolution of Judaism from Abraham to the Unified Kingdom of Israel... chronicles the emergence of Christianity in the context of Greco-Roman civilization... and identifies the unique circumstances that prepared for the rise of Islam. The multi-dimensional approach weighs similarities and differences among the three faiths and follows developments in nearby lands. With a foreword from bestselling author Bruce Chilton and text reviewed by distinguished advisers, The Biblical World offers a carefully researched, balanced view of history and religious tradition. For its scope, beauty, and relevance in today's world, this unparalleled atlas is destined to become a classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

the biblical World Illistrated Atlas
Great historical recap of the Bible. Explains all the history talked about in the Bible. Makes reading he Bible easier to follow from a historical point of view.

Beautiful book of wonderfully useful Biblical maps, photos, text and timelines...
Published by National Geographic, this is a beautiful volume of explanatory text with scripture quotes which look in chronological order the world of The Bible (Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament). Within the texts are references to the latest 'digs' within archeological sites which correspond to various reference made in each chapter. Each chapter also has a timeline. Great, of course, are all the maps for each significant biblical time period and VERY detailed explanatory notes which connect to the text. Saving the best for last, all the many brilliant color photographs which one would expect to find in a National Geographic publication. This is really nice text to have when doing Bible study... or an enjoyable read, in and of itself, if you want to 'tackle' the Bible in a new way. A nice gift for yourself or a friend.

Biblical History with Broad Appeal
I paged through the book when it arrived and was impressed with it. My wife gave this book to a friend as a gift. The friend, who had an interest in all topics biblical, was very pleased with this excellent book. The photos, graphics and maps add to the quality of the presentation.

Rererence
I purchsed this book as a reference because a friend uses it all the time.I recommend it as a great companion for Bible Studies and lessons.

Chris Davis "never too old to learn".
The Biblical World an Illustrated Atlas.I was mesmerized when I saw this book at my niece's home.When I bought a copy for myself, I was completely satisfied.I plan to walk in the footsteps of Paul, visiting major stops on his three journeys.This book provided pictures, commentary, and historical references which will enhance my trip.I strongly recommend this book to anyone, especially biblical scholars. ... Read more

Product Description
At the heart of the Christian faith stands a man, Jesus of Nazareth.Few people seriously question whether Jesus existed in history. But many, influenced by the more skeptical scholars, doubt that the Christ of orthodox Christianity is the same as the Jesus of history.In this important book, historian Paul W. Barnett lays these doubts to rest. He uncovers the methodological weaknesses present in some forms of critical scholarship, demonstrating a failure to account for important early evidence about Jesus.Once the evidence is properly marshalled, a picture of Jesus emerges that fits well with orthodox belief in him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Apologetical Approach to The Quest
Barnett hits the target with an excellent apologetical approach to anwswering the historical Jesus Quest. If you are concerned with this issue, you must read this one!

Taking on the Spongs
Paul Barnett is also known as Bishop Paul Barnett of the diocese of Sydney, Australia.Apart from his theological qualifications, he has a doctrate in Ancient History and lectures at Macquarie University and MooreTheological College. Barnett has addressed the views of John Spong (andothers) in specific and general ways in this book (and others).His thesisis that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is not only historicallydefensible - and that conversely other views (such that it is all a mythetc), are indefensible and do not come to grips with the phenomenon ofearly Christianity attested to both in Biblical sources and extra biblicalsources. Bishop Barnett's careful scholarship takes on the selective andnaive historical analysis of Spong, Theiring and the Jesus Seminar. Barnett shows that the historical Christian explanation for the events ofthe New Testament are water tight. You would use this book if you wanted toseriously investigate the claims of the Bible, devoid of modern gnosticism(Spong), reductionist emoiricism (Jesus Seminar) or pure speculation(Theiring).This is a book for the serious sercher of the facts of thematter. ... Read more

Product Description
In this book, the author; a Greek and Hebrew language scholar, re-translates selected scriptures from the original Greek & Hebrew manuscripts of the Old and New Testament of the Bible. As the author translated, she found details that our English translations of the Bible have not revealed. These findings include: Blacks' Great Biblical Heritage,

Origin of Blacks Revealed,

Black Skin: A Sign of Prosperity,

The Ethnicity of the First Man,

Origin of Whites and Jews Revealed ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

The Ancient Adam has always been a "Black Man."
For whatever its worth; at least C. McGhee Livers knows that the Hebrew-English transliteration Ahdahm which has been translated into the English tongue as Adam, does not literally mean "Red-Man" as many unlearned ministers, and theologians may teach.

good companion for the beginning to intermediate hebrew student
C. McGhee Livers offers us some magnificent new insights on the terms in the Masoretic Hebrew text of Genesis. One of my disappointments with the book is that there are no Aramaic scripts used in the book which means every hebrew word is transliterated using Latin script with vowels. There is no transliteration key given so the reader must figure out her system of transliteration, which is a mild inconvenience.

The 'voice' of the author is conversational which lends a classroom experience feel to the reader. The presentation of the material is at times too casual which can prevent the material from appealing a wider audience. Most of the time, her lively classroom writing voice makes reading the material facinating. If Professor Livers had a stong a sense of humor it could add more 'flavor' to her presentation. It appears that only spelling and grammar were the only parameters cosidered during editing. Nevertheless, I do recommend this book to the student of hebrew and aramaic bible.

Biblical History of Black Mankind
I have long believed there were some things missing in the translation of the Bible. this book has answered many of my questions. This is the first book that I have that looks at it from the woman's prespective and that makes all the difference in the world. Being a woman I was very empowered by her explanation of God's purpose for women this book will do a lot for the self esteem of those who can receive it. Her explanation of Adam and his family and the mark of Cain was a mindblower but it finally made sense. I was elated to finally get the truth about Eve and the reason she was chosen by the serpent instead of Adam. This book really laid out the lineage of my people in a way that I will never forget. I have finally found the answers to many of the gaps in the Bible and in our biblical history and I have purchased this book as gifts for others in the ministry so they can pass it on and make a differnce in how we perceive ourselves.

Not the correct understanding of the bible...
The Holy Bible clearly states that the Israelites (so-called Blacks and Latinos) are the chosen people of God Deut 7:6. How can we be Canaanites when the Lord specifically told the Israelites to destrory the Canaanites and other nations Deut 7:1-5. Also in the book of Deut 28:15-68 tells you about the curses that would befall the Blackman woman and child for breaking the laws of the Most High God. Check it out today in your unrevised version of the KJV of the Holy Bible.

Informative
The author presents little known facts, that one might not gleen from main stream gospel literature. I gained valuable information on characters such as Jared and Enoch. It should be a must read for any brother or sister and a part of their Biblical research library. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (30)

I like this
It's cool book :)
Almost everything u wanna know about biblical geography's are in it.
I'm strongly recommend this book
It's well-organized book, I mean content.
Only grumble thing that I found in this book is hardly to recognize the Chapter.
Neway, I really enjoy using em and u guys will love em!

A wonderful reference source
Product was delivered promptly, even though I opted for the "Super Saver" shipping.

I was very anxious to examine this atlas when it arrived, and found, much to my delight, that this volume contained much more than just maps.Yes, the maps are excellent and very clear, but it was the background geographical and social information that was a pleasant surprise.From the very beginning, the Holman Bible Atlas delved into the geographical and economic aspects of the Holy Land, what made it such a cauldron of advancing civilizations, and a history of the Israelites.

In my retirement, I have enrolled in a Lay Ministry education program, with the first year delving into the growth of Israel into a State and Judaism as a unique religion.I am confident that this will be a useful resource in my study. There are many more detailed sources dealing with the historical aspects, but for a clear overview of the land and its resources, this is invaluable. It brings the Bible to life.I highly recommend this product.

poor map quality in kindle version
the atlas itself seems to have large amount of information, but the map quality in kindle version is poor.
Although you can zoom in the map, but you can not read small letters in the map because of the low resolution of the figure.
it may not possible to make with high resolution because of the size issue of the file, but at least Amazon has to mention the resolution in the description of kindle version.

Best History/Geography book ever
I found this book at Mardel's about a year ago and have purchased 2 additionals thru Amazon for gifts. I love this book. It has outstanding color graphs, charts, and maps of the entire history of the Bible. The best way to describe this book is as a highschool geography book focused on the Bible. The book has a vast amount of history to it. I love how it goes into the history and culture of the people groups surrounding Israel. The book explains in detail information about the Phillistines, Asyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, etc and the roles they played in the shaping of Israel. The pictures bring the history to life. I would recommend this book to anyone studying the Bible and want to understand what life was like for the people they are reading about.

excellent resource for bible study
easy to find information, well laid out, an excellent partner to the other holman study products. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Essential Reading for Disciples
It is quite clear that modern Christians, especially mainline Protestants, have become biblically illiterate -- this is true despite great advancements in historical and theological study of the Bible.Eugene Boring, who is an accomplished New Testament scholar, wrote this book in 1997 for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).He shares here the way in which a faith community that has rooted itself in Scripture, especially New Testament, studied and made use of this text.

At the close of the book he offers important advice as to how a community of faith can reengage with Scripture and over come its tendency toward illiteracy.If we're going to talk theologically as a community that is non-creedal, then we must understand that resource that stands at the center of our faith.

This is essential reading!And just to make a play on the author's name -- this book is in no way boring!!

A service to the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement!
Boring is doing the Stone-Campbell tradition a favor with his book.He tackles the difficult job of tracing 200 years (1804 to date) of biblical interpretation in North America by dividing them into five "generations."His definitions of "generation" are logical and help the reader to understand the evolution of biblical interpretation by Disciple leaders down through the years.For each "generation" Boring fairly describes "the good, the bad, and the ugly."Yet he does so with an irenic spirit.

The churches of Christ and the Christian Church/Church of Christ branches of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement receive only one chapter each, in the book.Yet, throughout, Boring makes frequent references to each fellowship as he attempts to associate them with the influences of biblical interpretations by past "generation" leaders.

The book is heavily footnoted.The bibliography is extensive.I rate the book highly because of the difficulty of the subject matter and the excellent analysis displayed by the author.I believe church leaders, bible educators, and bible students, especially of the Stone-Campbell tradition, will benefit from the book.

An exploration of Restoration hermeneutics
"Disciples and the Bible" helps fill a gap in understanding hermeneutical history in the Restoration movement.Boring's book is useful in understanding the "how's" and "why's" of doctrinal "development" in Restoration thinking.For those in the Church of Christ and Christian Church branches of the Restoration movement, the book is less helpful (by Boring's admission).The main focus centres on the Disciples of Christ, and after the various splits in the movement, less attention is given to the other streams.Do not let the 500+ pages overly impress you, as the type set is rather large (making the reading easier, but meaning there is less to read).At times, the book comes across as a compilation of book reviews, as Boring examines some of the notable Restoration scholars and their works.This is a part of his purpose in tracing Restoration biblical interpretation.There seems to not be a great deal of attention given to the content of sermons in the five generations of the Restoration movement.Boring recognizes that this would be another means of approaching the topic, and that it would be a daunting task.Boring leaves you hungry for more, which is not a bad thing.The book is filled with headings, subheadings and a substantial bibliography which should prove helpful to further independent research. ... Read more

Product Description
This new Biblical Resource series reprints titles that the scholarly community regards as essential resources for the biblical thinker of today, but that have long been difficult to obtain. Chosen in consultation with an editorial board of eminent biblical scholars - Astrid B. Beck, David Noel Freedman, Harold W. Attridge, Adela Yarbro Collins, John Huehnergard, Peter Machinist, John P. Meier, Shalom M. Paul, Stanley E. Porter, and James C. VanderKam - each volume features an introduction that outlines the importance of the work and summarizes its subsequent influences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Ancient Israel religion
This book certainly gave me much to think about.

What I did not like is the layout of the book, I am a fairly fast reader and dislike footnotes. It disrupts my reading particularly when these footnotes are references to books and articles. I much prefer them in the back out of the way.

However the contents are interesting. What the author does is discuss several issues on God and his practice in ancient Israel and discusses some of the evidence. I particularly found the discussion of Yahweh and Asherah fascinating.

A tip for any reader for this book is read the introduction and then the conclusion at the end of each chapter first. Then absorb it. Then read the chapter. Otherwise you may like me get confused about the discussion in the chapter.

Respected Authority on the Old Testament
The author does not start with the premise that there is no god, or there never was a such thing as the Israelites. This makes it user friendly to Christians.
I believe the author is of a very high stature in knowledge and judgment concerning that which he writes of. I feel confident in his recommendations for who he thinks are good sources that the reader can use to do further study. I respect his opinion enough to be able to use names of books and authors I find in this book to guide me through subsequent book purchases.

History of God
Very informative and I learned a lot however it is way over my head. Good book for someone uninformed about the subject as long as they do not get bogged down in the details. I am inadequate to review the information or competence of the information.

Scholarly Treatment
This book is extremely heavily footnoted and reads like an article in a scholarly journal. On many pages the footnotes cover nearly the entire page. Most of the footnotes are not discussions but reference after reference after reference to other works. Not for the layman.

The Early History of God: Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel (Biblical Resource Series)
The book is useful because it brings many information about archeoloy findings and hidden references in Bible about the other gods from Israel. However, the author does not structure the hidden references or archeology findings over the time showing the evolution of devotion in different phases of Israel history. ... Read more

Product Description
This reference tool shows how archaeological discoveries in Bible lands have helped to confirm the accuracy of Scripture and give understanding to it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Archaeology and Bible History
I am happy with the book I ordered and the speed in which it was shipped. ... Read more

Product Description
Many people are active Bible readers, reading a chapter or more every day, yet find it difficult to understand how individual passages relate to the entire biblical story. James Chatham, a beloved minister and Bible teacher, has spent decades introducing people from all walks of life to the panorama of the biblical story from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22.

In this accessible volume Chatham takes readers into the familiar yet fascinating story of God’s gracious action in the world. From Abraham and the children of Israel to Jesus and his apostles, Chatham brings fresh insights to the old, old story. Rejecting the unhelpful practice of taking passages out of context, he encourages instead the ancient, biblical practice of consulting "the whole counsel of God."

Including pertinent sidebars and a helpful "Chronology of the Bible’s Story," the book is broken up into twenty-six easy-to-use segments and enhanced by carefully designed discussion questions. While no substitute for careful Bible reading, Chatham’s Creation to Revelation will surely deepen one’s understanding of how the Bible’s many pieces fit into the whole. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Like well-written sermons
I bought this text to accompany a brief course by the author. Drawing on the geography and history of ancient Israel, James Chatham shows how God speaks to believers through the Bible in strange and sometimes contradictory ways until the arrival of Jesus. Even then, some were expecting that the Messiah would soon establish His Kingdom on earth, but apostles like Paul preached that salvation involved men's souls. The author is a confirmed Christian believer whose written style is easy to read. The book is divided into short, coherent, easily digestible chapters, each followed by a series of discussion topics for those wishing to use the text in a study group.

The book works better for confirmed believers than for one trying to decide what to believe. Not an atheist, I am uncomfortable with the label "agnostic," which somehow seems static. I would like to think myself capable of being convinced, hopefully sooner rather than later, but this text speaks more to the heart than to the mind as it progresses: a wonderful goal for many readers, but not quite the historic argument I was seeking at the time. Nevertheless, I am pleased to have purchased and read this book.

Excellent abbreviated survey of the story that scripture has to tell us.
Pastor emeritus James O. Chatham presents Creation to Revelation: A Brief Account oh the Biblical Story, a condensed guide to biblical scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Spelling out the narrative of the Bible in layman's language across twenty-six short segments, Creation to Revelation is meant not to replace the Bible, but to entice the reader to read the Bible with a fuller understanding of what is happening, and improve his or her comprehension of it for the sake of biblical studies and personal understanding of its message. Sample questions for deliberation at the close of each chapter round out this excellent abbreviated survey of the story that scripture has to tell us. ... Read more