The IVP Atlas of Bible History

by Paul Lawrence, John H. Walton (Consultant Editor), A. R. Millard (Consultant Editor)

ECPA Christian Book Award Winner Taking a narrative approach, The IVP Atlas of Bible History draws you into the rich resources available today on the Bible's history, geography and archaeology. The many maps, photographs, drawings and reconstructions on every page help you see for yourself what the people of Bible times saw and did. The Atlas presents the latest findings in history and archaeology in a readable style that will appeal to anyone wanting to know more about the history of the Bible. The world of the Bible deals with more than the modern state of Israel. Almost half of the events in the Bible are set outside this territory, and much of the Bible is addressed to people in other lands. Thus this atlas covers the world of the Bible, stretching from Spain to Iran, from Yemen to northern Greece. Trade widened these horizons even further to include India and possibly China and the east coast of Africa. The history of the Bible is played out on the stages of Egypt, Rome, Babylon and Persia. Many of the places in the ancient world are still important today, like Jerusalem, Damascus and Athens. These all play their role in the story that has shaped the imaginations and dreams of peoples and nations for centuries. All this, and more, is found in the pages of this enlightening, wonderful book.

Genres: History, Religion, Christian, Theology, Reference

190 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more than just maps, this book covers the history, geography, and archaeology of Old and New Testaments. With 97 maps, building pictures, and photos of the sites and objects, this is a pretty decent look at the world of the Bible. At the start is a loose chronology of the time, and at the end is a small glossary and a list of all the Bible quotes used. Of the OT apocryphal books, only the Maccabees books are used here, since they connect the OT and NT, in the in-between history part.

The beginning is good in that there is no creationism but realistic look on the creation of Earth and the universe, with some observations on what is said in 1.Moses 1:1-2:3, plus a map where the garden of Eden was supposed to be.
I learned some new information on things like OT-era maps (of clay and papyrus), the two possible dates for Exodus, the influence of Egyptian and Midian portable tents on the Tabernacle of Moses, conquest of Israel-proofs, the climate of the land of Canaan, on archives and libraries, on warfare (and inventions of certain warfare objects), on the city of Tyre, what buildings were in the city of Rome when Paul was there – and what wasn’t (the Colosseum, the Pantheon, mausoleum of Hadrian, certain pillars and triumphal arches), three explanations for Jesus’ star, what the fall of Jerusalm was like, and what was the development of the spreading of Christianity for the first 300 years (in general manner).

Some opinions were author's, and I agreed to disagree, like writers of the books of Isaiah (three actually), that Jesus preached for three years (could be 1-2 too), that Paul wrote all the letters his name is in (nope), that Daniel and Esther really existed (nope), what was the route of Paul’s fourth and last travel. But my disagreements didn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book; I think this atlas is a really decent Bible atlas, and quite informative.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I didn't learn much from this book, this would have been the perfect book for me many years ago. I love history, and studied all of the material in this book and the things it points you too, but if you were someone who was looking to really dig into the historical background of the Bible (the Old Testament, Intertestamental Period, and New Testament) this is the perfect introductory book. Lots of helpful information, plenty of places to dig into further, historical information, archeological information, the biblical data delivered in a compact but easy and straightforward way, with lots of great art and maps to really help you visualize the world in the pages of the Bible. I highly recommend this book!

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for anyone who wants more historical and geographical context for biblical events! Easy to read, bite-sized highlights from every major era and rule, from creation through the writing of the final epistles. Plus lots of maps, helpful charts, and colorful pictures of archaeological finds. Great for connecting the dots between different historical events, and a fantastic resource for Bible study or just satisfying your curiosity.

[Silvanus Bhandari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource to learn about biblical history, geography, Ancient Near East beliefs/tradition, culture, politics, and maps. It's expensive book and worth to pay it!

[Tim Phan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a visual learner, and in need of some historical background and context, this book helps to give insight to the context. I have used in my Sunday school prep and bibles studies and I have found it very helpful for other visual learners. For eg. the temple, geography, live photos. It's good to have in your shelf when you need it.
it useful it if you: preach, lead bible studies, teaching and etc. I believe it also works for all ages

[Brent Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really great. It has helpful charts that the Zondervan atlas just doesn't have. However, nothing can compete with the Zondervan atlas in terms of really making you feel like you're in the highlands of Israel ready to defend your land against the uncircumcised armies rising from below.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, I read the Bible atlas. In my defense, it's a very readable atlas.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teeming with content both print and picture, this is is probably one of the most ideal atlases available today on Bible lands.