BOOKS

 

The Geography of the Bible
First published in 1974, Dr. Denis Baly has written what is considered to be one of the best introductions to the geography of biblical Israel. Each chapter encompasses a biblical region and his ability to weave the geography and the biblical references together produces a quality work enabling the reader to comprehend the interaction between the land and the historical events of Scripture. The book is out of print but worth the effort to find a used copy from an online supplier. A smaller version, Basic Biblical Geography (1987), is perhaps more easily found, but the larger original version can be found online as a reprint or eBook. 

 

The Historical Geography of the Holy Land
This classic work by George Adam Smith was first published in 1894 and has set the standard for all modern treatments of biblical geography. Readers will be enchanted by Smith’s intimate literary portraits of the physical and cultural settings of Scripture as it existed at the turn of the 19th century – when nomadic Bedouin still roamed freely upon the land and lonely pilgrims traveled the lanes by foot or horseback. Widely regarded as a genius on the subject, Dr. Smith’s technical mastery of Hebrew, Greek, Biblical Studies, Classics and Archaeology is clearly demonstrated throughout this work. Providing pastors, teachers, students and laypersons with a bona-fide treasure trove of insights into the context of Scripture from the time of the Patriarchs through the age of the Church, Dr. Smith paints the landscape of the Bible with an artistic prose that is yet to be matched with modern writings on the subject. A must-read for any student of Scripture. Reprints and eBooks are available online.

 

The Land of the Bible, a Historical Geography
Professor Yohanan Aharoni’s 1979 edition has provided a modern standard for an introduction to the discipline of Historical-Geography – the study of land, language and literature of Old Testament biblical Israel. This is a landmark book about early Israelite history and geography. Considering the date of its original Hebrew publication (1962), Aharoni broke new ground on writing a narrative of the background of the Hebrew Bible. It was brilliant for its time and remains a worthy read and resource. The 1979 revised edition updates his earlier editions but scholarship has advanced to a point where even the 1979 update is now in need of a new update. Even so, this book remains a good read and allows the reader to begin to appreciate the correlation of biblical history, biblical geography and biblical archaeology as foundational to the discipline of ancient Israel’s Historical-Geography. Reprints and eBooks are available online.

 

Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith
Although the roots of Christianity run deep into Hebrew soil, many Christians are regrettably uninformed about the rich Hebrew heritage of the church. This volume shows the vital link between Judaism and Christianity, laying a solid foundation for a truly meaningful Jewish-Christian dialogue. Few scholars have had the interest or ability to unfold the practical meaning of the Gospels’ Jewish roots for today’s Church. Marvin Wilson, professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College, has finally filled that void with Our Father Abraham. And the result is simply revolutionary. For the first time someone has given the person in the pew an understanding of just what the Jewishness of Jesus means for his or her everyday life. This is a fascinating read for scholar and layperson.

 

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus

This book addressing Jewish-Christian synoptic Gospel scholarship clearly describes ways of understanding some original Hebrew and Greek techniques which assist any Bible student in discovering the true meanings of many of the words of Jesus. This book was well received and continues to spawned similar scholarship by the authors and others. This is an important introductory book expressing a Hebraic understanding of the Synoptic Gospels.

 

Listening to the Language of the Bible 
This book is part devotional and part scholarship and is a follow-up to Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus. It provides an introduction to Hebrew words and Jewish cultural concepts that greatly deepen Bible study. From seemingly odd phrases, it shares important insights that do not translate well from culture to culture. The book examines many topics from the perspective of the ancient Hebraic writers, including prayer, family and the promised Messiah. It also looks at the powerful sayings of Jesus in light of the Jewish culture of his time.

 

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus
This collaborative book Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg will take you on a fascinating tour of the Jewish world of Jesus, offering inspirational insights that can transform your faith. The authors paint powerful scenes from Jesus’ ministry, immersing you in the prayers, feasts, history, culture, and customs that shaped Jesus and those who followed him. Lois’ website offers a number of articles and blogs that delve deeper into the Jewish understanding of the life and times of Jesus. (http://ourrabbijesus.com/)

 

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus
This book by Lois Tverberg is a follow-up to her earlier book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus. This book challenges readers to follow their Rabbi more closely by re-examining his words in the light of their Jewish context. You will journey back in time to eavesdrop on the conversations that arose among the rabbis of Jesus' day, and consider how hearing Rabbi Jesus with the ears of a first-century disciple can bring new meaning to our faith. Lois’ website offers a number of articles and blogs that delve deeper into the Jewish understanding of the life and times of Jesus. (http://ourrabbijesus.com/)

 

The Bible and the Land 
Jesus, The Middle Eastern Storyteller
Encounters with Jesus

Each of these three small books by Gary M. Burge (Wheaton College) are packed with contextual insights revealing the life and times of a selected OT or NT biblical narrative. Using biblical events from the Gospels, Psalms, Exodus, and Deuteronomy, Burge draws upon his vast knowledge of Middle Eastern cultures and places his readers in the midst of a biblical narrative. All are well written and each is an easy read. 

 

A Visual Guide to Bible Events
A Visual Guide to Gospel Events
Three recognized educators (James C. Martin, John A. Beck, David G. Hansen) have brought their talents together to produce two books that illustrate well the value of having a geographical, cultural, literary and language context as part of a richer understanding and appreciation of a biblical event. Enhanced with maps and photographs these two books provide fascinating insights into where a biblical event took place and why.

 

Archaeology and the New Testament
Veteran archaeologist John McRay sheds light on the biblical text by examining archaeological discoveries in this recommended work. As he discusses sites associated with the ministry of Jesus, the journeys of Paul, and the seven churches of Revelation, he reveals the pervasive influence of society, architecture, and religion on the peoples of the first century and on the New Testament. The book includes maps, charts, diagrams, a glossary of terms, and more than 150 photographs that help the ancient world come alive.

 

The Sage of Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius
This is a work by the well-respected Professor David Flusser (1917- 2000) who was professor of early Christianity and Judaism of the Second Temple Period at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This work is the conclusion of many decades of research and dedication to understanding the Second Temple Period and Jesus. Although not a Christian himself, Professor Flusser saw and studied Jesus as a historical personality and a Jewish sage of a major scale – one that changed the course of human history. Even though Professor Flusser does not accept the full gospel story, it should not prevent the reader from appreciating the work Professor Flusser has provided. 

 

Jerusalem: City of the Great King
This volume, the second of four in The Carta New Testament Atlas series, presents the latest advances in the history and archaeology of Jerusalem. Recognized as a leading New Testament scholar, Dr. R. Steven Notley draws upon his vast personal knowledge of Jerusalem's archaeology to offer his reader a fresh look at known excavations and their contextual relevance to the gospels. Scholars, students and laypersons will find this work equally beneficial. If you are traveling to Jerusalem, this book is a must read.