The Baker Illustrated Guide to Everyday Life in Bible Times

by John A. Beck

The authors of the Bible routinely employed mention of manners and customs from the ancient world in their inspired writing, fully intending that the Lord would change readers with these images. But modern readers often miss the full literal and figurative meaning of biblical imagery due to the distance in time and experience between the world of today and the world of the Bible. This fully illustrated guide aims to restore clarity and vitality to these portions of God's Word in order to help readers grasp the full meaning of Scripture. For example, the entry on anointing defines the nature of this act and the connotations associated with it before illustrating how the biblical authors use the act of anointing in their communication with us--communication that reaches its full maturity in Jesus, the Anointed One. Understanding manners and customs like anointing enriches our experience of reading the Bible--and even helps us correctly interpret it.

This colorful guide clearly and succinctly introduces modern readers to daily life in Bible times. The cultural practices of the past are fascinating on their own, but even more so as they help us grasp the full meaning of Scripture.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2013

Reviews

[SoulSurvivor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice illustrations , but for meatier volumes on on Mid-Eastern life in both Old and New Testament times , I would recommend books by Kenneth E. Bailey .

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is arranged alphabetically with short (3-4 pages) of "chapters". Great photography and explanation of everyday living in Bible times and how it was referenced and applied in scripture.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief chapters, lavishly illustrated, on everyday life! Really helps to illustrate both daily life and all of the illustrations in the Old Testament (for example, in the prophets). I suspect some children would even enjoy it - it's highly accessible, while maintaining integrity and good research.

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Beck’s book was a pleasant surprise. It is chocked full of information. It reminded me of the encyclopedias that I use to peruse as a child. It is arranged in alphabetical order explaining about one hundred words found in the Bible and providing biblical citations where the word or idea can be found. I found these numerous citations extremely helpful.

Each entry is about three pages, including pictures. For example, the entry to anoint states that special oil was used “to mark him or her for special service whether as a member of Israel’s clergy, as a political leader, or as a prophet.” David did not kill Saul because Saul was the anointed of God. This anointing was what in the end, held David’s hand.

The book is not organized to sit down and read the whole thing in one sitting but is great to pick an entry or two to study and meditate upon. It would make an excellent addition to a morning prayer routine. The book would also be a good volume for a church library.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I continue my research regarding the Holy Land as it relates to my pending trip to Israel, I found this book to be a good resource in regard to what I might see and learn on our study tour next year. There are plenty of pictures or illustrations (more than 300) regarding each of the topics that the book is describing as you learn the context and meaning of the various words as it relates to everyday life during the times of the Bible. There is an abundance of Bible scripture references plus commentary on what the meaning of the words might have meant in manners and customs for those in the Middle East centuries ago.

[Delores Winegar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to glean information for writing my book set in first century Israel. It gave me many details that I could use for authenticity of my writing. Bought a copy for our church's library for future reference by any Bible researcher.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reference book, in alphabetical order, by which to learn about the customs of the people during Bible times. It makes the Bible more understandable.