Holman Illustrated Guide To Biblical Geography: Reading the Land

by Paul H. Wright, C.S.B. Bibles (Editor)

Reading the land enables us to read the Bible with greater insight. Though the truths of the Bible transcend time and place, they are rooted in them. Geographical data inform our understanding of activity in the land of the Bible, while the Bible’s own description of these events, embedded deeply in the realia of the land itself, helps us better understand the living context in which these events took place. When we develop a skill set that allows us to read the land of the Bible as fluently as we might read the text, we stand not only to gain a better appreciation of the divine-human events of Scripture, we also gain an understanding of how these events become relevant to us in our own particular living contexts.


Chapters include:



Exploring the World of the Bible


Building Blocks of Biblical Geography


The Land of Ancient Israel: The Southern Regions (Judah/Judea)


The Land of Ancient Israel: The Central Regions (Israel/Samaria)


The Land of Ancient Israel: The Northern Regions (Galilee)


Transjordan


Afterword: Geography of the Heart



Biblical geography has great apologetic value. The biblical writers had to be accurate when presenting geographical material. Unlike some matters of history and doctrine, their assertions about the realities of land forms and climate, or about the relation of one city to another, or about the use of strategic routes could easily be verified both by their first readers as well as by contemporary readers. Verifiable geographic information provides a solid foundation on which to place and evaluate the veracity of other truth claims in the biblical text.

Genres: Christian

440 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2020

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I initially got this book I was thinking I would enjoy the photography of the biblical geography area. However, I found the photography to be just average mostly. So why such a high rating? The writing in this book was extremely helpful in understanding the interaction between the people and geography of the Bible. The maps of each section of Israel and the surrounding areas were also helpful to refer to as they were described in the text. I am looking forward to reading the Bible through again with the information in this book as a helpful guide to further understanding.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing resource, albeit dense and one (for me, at least) best taken in small doses. But so very helpful!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Wright served as President of Jerusalem University College for many years. i had the pleasure of walking the land under his guidance when i attended one of the short-term classes offered there. This book is a culmination of what he has learned and taught about the historical geography of the Land. It is comprehensive and likely the best and most thorough work of its kind. It is a great overview of the various geographical locations of the Land, with their historical backgrounds and individual particularities. A great reference to better understand the context of the biblical setting and stories. It helps you to enter into the place and time of the Biblical narrative.

[Dwight Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great on showing the movement of people groups at different times and places. Graphed maps as needed.