Understanding the Land of the Bible: A Biblical-Theological Guide

by O. Palmer Robertson

Surveys the mountains, plains, valleys, rivers, and cities of Scripture and their significance for our understanding of biblical history and redemption.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Nonfiction, Christian

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

About the author

Owen Palmer Robertson (born August 31, 1937) is an American Christian theologian and biblical scholar. He taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary, Covenant Theological Seminary, Knox Theological Seminary as well as at the African Bible Colleges of Malawi and Uganda. He also served as principal of the latter institution.

Robertson is perhaps best known for his book The Christ of the Covenants. His definition of a biblical covenant being "a bond in blood, sovereignly administered" has been widely discussed.

In 2008, a Festschrift was published in his honor. The Hope Fulfilled: Essays in Honor of O. Palmer Robertson included contributions by Bruce Waltke, Richard Gaffin, Robert L. Reymond and George W. Knight III.

Reviews

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book excellently introduces the local context of the Scriptures with regard to biblical theology and the grand scope of redemptive history. More than just a survey of geography and archaeology, this work explains the importance of locations and features that most readers simply gloss over- I know I certainly did. I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the land of the Bible because of this book, and I would recommend it to any student of the Scripture.

[Rodrigo Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente leitura, o autor nos fala sobre as características geográficas do terreno bíblico e nos dá um norte para entendermos porque Deus escolheu essa terra e como ela se encaixa no plano de redenção do Senhor. A leitura é prazerosa e ainda nos motiva e auxilia nos estudos bíblicos abrindo nossa percepção durante a leitura da Palavra. Recomendo a leitura, se possível, com um mapa completo de Israel (apesar do livro conter mapas).

[Timo Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Essa terra foi feita para Jesus Cristo. Toda a sua diversidade foi projetada para servi-lo" p.121

Uma leitura agradável e ligeira.
O texto relembra diversos episódios bíblicos colocando o clima, o relevo e as cidades como personagem de estudo sem se esquecer que toda a geografia bíblica está à serviço do Filho e da glorificação do Pai.

[Travis Oberholtzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robertson's book will likely prove to be a valuable resource to anyone who wants to deepen his understanding of the "lay of the land" of the Scriptures. By the end of the book, I found myself having a deeper appreciation for the revealed Word of God and His grand story. While Robertson does explore some of the more "technical" aspects such as topology and climate, he ties everything together brilliantly in the last couple of chapters as he brings out the beauty of the theological significance of the land God created to proclaim His message of salvation. This is a quick, worthwhile read that provides the reader with a brief yet fruitful survey of the land of Palestine and God's purpose for it in His sovereign plan.

[Dogeared Wanderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author connects historical significance, theology, and geographic locations in the land of the Bible. I appreciated his insight into God's sovereign purpose behind locations and their connection to the story of redemption. "The land" is an enormous theme in Scripture and this was a really interesting book to read.

Part 1 covers an overview of the land.
Part 2 covers specifics, such as mountains, rivers, climate, vegetation, towns, cities, and the land during the New Covenant.
Part 3 covers contrasting perspectives on the land: crusader, Zionist, pilgrim, millennial, and renewal.

[Benji Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is filled with interesting facts that incite a desire to re-read sections of Scripture with this new map and layout in my mind. The author masterfully takes you on a written "guided tour" of the land of the Bible.

[Jeff Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book that brings solid perspective to the place and purpose of the land of Scripture. If you're a casual Bible study person or a pastor looking for some extra input on a Biblical narrative this may be a book worth adding to your arsenal.

[Ross H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this gem! Highly recommend for anyone who would like to better understand the geography of the Bible lands and its historical-theological significance.

[Jackson Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Hebrews 11:16

[Mark Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10 (above average): Competent, but more descriptive than insightful. The final chapter, on Five Perspectives on the Land, is perhaps the best.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robertson introduces the main themes of the geography of the Land of Israel in a way that is both accessible and applicable. His methodical organization of describing the land and its connection to the events of the Bible is well executed and lends itself well to reading straight through or as a reference work. I only have too minor criticisms. First, some of his connections between geography and biblical events seemed tenuous and would've benefited from being coupled with some exegetical treatment of the passages in question. Second, it would've been useful to expand descriptions of geography to include Egypt, Mesopotamia, and other surrounding nations to be more complete. This would be a good reference work for a pastoral study or church library.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Understanding the Land of the Bible" is a Bible atlas of sorts. The author described the land in terms of rainfall, terrain, location, and such as you'll find in many Bible reference books. As each area, river, plain, valley, mountain, or city is discussed, we're also told of the various biblical events that occurred on that spot. This helps to pull together the history of the spot in a way you probably won't get from simply reading the Bible.

The book description implies that the author will explain why these events happened in these specific spots, presumably due to their location or geography. He only really did this for "why did God chose the Levant as the Promised Land?", "Why did David choose Jerusalem as his capital city?", and "Why did Jesus choose Capernaum as his 'home base' for his ministry?"

If you're looking for a quick read or reference guide where you can look up a spot to learn what events happened there, then this book will probably fulfill your need. The only illustrations are some plain, black-and-white maps showing various locations, so another book will serve better if you're looking for a Bible atlas.

[Guilherme Reggiani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente leitura, embora difícil pela distância com o cenário local.
O livro “Terra de Deus”de O. Palmer Robertson apresenta uma abordagem sobre os locais em que a revelação bíblica se desenrola, de Gênesis a Apocalipse, mostrando como cada local e região se configurou em cada momento histórico e qual o papel de cada localidade para a história da Redenção.
O autor apresenta uma visão geral da terra, fazendo uma viagem primeiro de Oeste a Leste e depois de Sul a Norte, passando pela singularidade de cada local: montanhas, rios, clima, vegetação, vilas, cidades. Porém, o autor não se prende tão somente aos dados, mas apresenta como que essas características foram projetadas e usadas por Deus para revelar seu caráter e seu plano redentivo.
Por fim, o autor apresenta uma conclusão de quatro formas equivocadas de lidarmos com a terra em nossos dias: os pontos de vista do “participante da Cruzada”, do “Peregrino”, do “Sionista” e do “Milenarista” e apresenta ainda a forma adequada de enxergarmos a terra, isto é, por um ponto de vista da “Renovação” apontando para a “Nova Jerusalém”, a cidade que tem fundamentos, da qual Deus é o arquiteto e edificador. (Hebreus 11:10).

[Benjamin Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent, basic introduction to exactly what the title suggests. There are all kinds of interesting details I was not aware of before reading this work. I especially enjoyed the sections by John Currid on the flora and fauna of Israel.

I highly recommend this work for not only new Christians in helping them understand some of the "background" of major events, but even the mature Christian can benefit greatly from this book by O. Palmer Robertson.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Having just re-read this book, it has been even more beneficial. An underestimated book that deserves to be much better known. The final chapter alone is worth reading, on five perspectives on the land of Israel. Masterful. Take up and read ! Take up and read !

[Dave Darus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read before and reading again in order to teach a Sunday school class.

[Abraão Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um excelente livro onde o autor mostra a importância das terras bíblicas no plano redentivo de Deus.