The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel

by Amanda Hope Haley

Travel Israel—past and present—to learn about its people and its God with Harvard-trained biblical archaeologist, whimsical storyteller, and sunscreen advocate Amanda Hope Haley.

Despite what’s seen in the Indiana Jones movies, archaeology isn’t a fast-paced quest to recover legendary objects lost to time. Scholar and writer Amanda Hope Haley’s digs in Israel have been dusty, rigorous, and objective hunts for clues that reveal the world as it existed when the Bible was written.

In The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel, Amanda travels the lands of the Bible—a trowel in one hand and a camera in the other. Discover with her how Christians can…
use archaeological finds to better understand Israel’s history
shed a Western mindset and read the Bible in its original context
comprehend today’s religious conflicts in the Holy Land
For anyone curious about Israel of the past and the present, The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel investigates the historical and modern contexts we need to understand both the Bible and God’s people, and features photos from Amanda's travels. This two-week trip through the country, which begins as a search for the meanings of ancient Scripture, just might end with a clearer perception of our current neighbors and how Jesus would have us love them today.

Genres: Archaeology, Nonfiction, Travel, Religion, History

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2021

About the author

Amanda Hope Haley is a lover of the Bible—its God, words, people, and history. Writing and speaking as the Red-Haired Archaeologist®, she teaches how artifacts contextualize Scripture. She hopes to see Bible lovers work together to learn history, interpret Scripture, and apply God’s Word to their lives. Amanda earned an MTS in Hebrew Scripture and Interpretation from Harvard University. She contributed to The Voice Bible as a translator, writer, and editor, and she has been a collaborator for popular Christian authors. She and her husband, David, live in Tennessee with their beloved basset hound, Copper.

Reviews

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was prepared, because I fully expected this to be a dry read on archaeological digs and the history that can be revealed through a¬ thorough examination of dig sites. I was ready for an informative book, and was totally surprised to find that “The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel” would also be incredibly entertaining.

Author Amanda Hope Haley’s book focuses on a vacation she took with her parents and husband, crisscrossing Israel while sharing a continuous stream of information that would make a tour guide salivate. Ms. Haley brings history alive and explains how the holy books of three major religions – Christianity, Islam, and Judaism – work in a symbiotic relationship with the historical sites, as the holy books support the history and vice versa.

The author does her best to maintain a balanced perspective when discussing sites that are holy to all three religions, which was refreshing. Ms. Haley’s prose is anything but dull, and is a mixture of serious tones while maintaining the lightheartedness of a conversation over dinner. I plan on checking out the author’s other books. If they are anything like this one, I will be very satisfied. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having previously read “Mary Magdalene Never Wore Blue Eye Shadow” and insight into biblical interpretation and scholarship, I was interested to read more from this author and learn more about Biblical Archeology.

This book is far more than I imagined. I thought it would be more detailed in terms of the science and exhibits a dig involves like a Time Team production on TV. Rather it was an insight into the author’s passion for her Christian faith and how this has been enhanced by her love of archeology.

In the end I would best describe this book as a travel guide to Israel via places of biblical interest for the major faiths which hold Jerusalem and the holy land close to their hearts and their relationship with God.
So through the many tourist spots and sites of historical importance we learn the history of the land and the people who fought over it.

Having been there myself in 1979, I was amazed by the changes to both historical and popular destinations. So much archeology is ongoing that a great deal of encouragement can be gained from the support such excavations have made to our previous understanding where only scripture was our guide.
The author highlights these discoveries and scientific interpretations. She is fair and balanced regarding why scholars disagree and where disputes remain.
She is not preachy in her style and this approach is well received by a reader like me. We are left to make up our own minds on the facts known and shared.
Indeed, we are given further sources to consult and consider to assist our own conclusions.

This seems to mirror the state of play on the ground between Muslim and Jew / Palestinian and Israeli. Her piece on the visit to Hebron is as eye opening as much as it is moving.

The book left me feeling for all the people living here, their common heritage but complicated family dispute.
In closing the author shares the counter balance of the Holocaust with digging up the past. I found this very movingly outlined. How in the passing of time over centuries an archeological dig can be forensic and scientific while more recent events like the Holocaust and the six million Jews killed should never be forgotten.

She then encourages us all to dig a little deeper, beyond headlines, cartoon caricatures and dogma to grasp things around us. The raise of anti-semitism, the balanced needs of all peoples in this land and the need to work outside of political ends.
I suppose it is the lessons of history against the search for truth through our own eyes and experience. Something, all travel such bring when we seek insight, observe and hear the cries of others.

We may not be able to make much of a difference but as the joint tour to Hebron demonstrates we have to start somewhere. Independent travel only happens in my opinion when we free our minds and senses.
It is a long time ago since I travelled to Israel. This book rekindled my joy then and challenges me now. I would love to return but this book was the next best thing and should appeal to all.

[Susan Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick enjoyable read from an archaeologist who takes a trip to Israel with her husband and parents. She has participated in digs in the area in previous years, so she’s very knowledgeable but because she is writing the book about visiting archaeological sites with her family, it makes for a more accessible read. Though she is a Christian, she does not try to force historical evidence to fit the Biblical narrative. There is much we cannot know, and as she demonstrates, scholars can take the same pieces of archaeological evidence and interpret their important and meaning in different ways. Like I said, I enjoyed this and would recommend the book if this topic interests you.

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Amanda and her family's trip through Israel. The sites and experiences were interesting and informative. I thought that it could have been more detailed in some places. I was left wanting to know more about everything. Yet, I enjoy her style and hope she writes more.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book to read by Amanda Hope Haley and I hope it will not be the last. This book is packed with intelligent information on biblical archaeology in Israel and includes bonuses of good travel and lodging tips. The history of Israel as well as excavation finds are fascinating.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the narrative style in combination with Biblical History and pictures from digs. She is straight forward in her approach and her archaeological explanations make me feel like Indiana Jones. The subject matter is presented in an interesting way, like I said, I love her narrative style and voice. I picked this out thinking it was fiction so I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly it reads.

I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun way to learn about archaeology and travel in Israel! The author skipped out on working toward a law degree and went for one in archaeology instead after taking a required religion course, this time in biblical archaeology, and acquiring a full scholarship to go on a dig at Tel Rehov. Unfortunately it was at a time of unrest and although the dig was canceled, she met her future husband and went on to study biblical archaeology at Harvard. In 2004 she was invited to a dig at Ashkelon and learned just what physically hard and exacting work archaeology was. She was able to tour other sites and some of the places important to several religions.
There follows much information correlating archaeological finds with various translations of the Bible and also the Torah. Reminded me of our devouring the Canadian TV series The Naked Archaeologist but without the bias inherent in cases where archaeology is deem for use to prove whatever religious point. She also points out how very much more precise archaeology has become with the development of technological devices.
The next part is a travelogue given by an archaeologist on vacation with husband and parents to places she has seen before and comments on the changes as well as the complications and potential dangers inherent to the region today (2018-19) complete with more educational history. She has lots of anecdotal fun including an Israeli guide who relates that he is from the Peoples Republic of Berkeley, and another with a very thick Texas accent. There is also a good bibliography complete with plenty of websites.
I totally enjoyed this book and plan to get the softcover so I can appreciate the photos and maps better and hopefully an audio so I can learn to pronounce people, places, and things correctly.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!
I now have the audio narrated by Lisa Larsen and it was wonderful to learn correct pronunciations of so many words. Her narration style is perky and excited, just like the author!

[Phillip Kang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot recall if I’ve read any book at all about archaeological digs or finds. I might have read magazines on specific sites. My lack of recall may have been due to the subject itself, which for most of my life has seemed to me to be totally dull and uninspiring.

So why did I request for this book from the publisher to read? Two reasons: (1) I wanted to gain some perspective on the sights, sounds and history of the historical places in Israel, a country I’ve keen interest in, and (2) I wanted to know how archaeology can expand my understanding of the Bible in its historical and cultural context. I’m glad to say this book, through the travel stories of biblical archaeologist and author Amanda Hope Haley, delivered on both counts.

The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel reads like a travelogue of the cities and towns she and her family visited in 2019, which included Ashkelon, Ekron, Masada, Hebron, Jerusalem, Qumran, Nazareth and Magdala, but it’s much more than that. It’s a very fascinating excursion into Israel’s history through archaeological findings, and a commendable attempt to explain the ongoing conflicts in that land.

To set the stage, Haley describes what it’s like to get into and travel, lodge and dine in Israel, with some hilarious episodes. Then, for every city or town visited, she provides a fascinating historical background of the place, such as when it was first founded, its inhabitants then, and the economic activities they engaged in. She then informs readers what excavations had taken place and what had been found. Most of the excavations revealed mundane items like broken pottery pieces, animal bones, iron tools but there have been some significant discoveries from the Bible’s standpoint, like a Canaanite ‘golden calf’ found in Ashkelon, three bronze wheels found in Ekron that would have supported water basin stands used in mid-tenth century BC, and many others, a first-century synagogue stumbled upon in Magdala (famed for Mary Magdalene), and many others.

Haley didn’t shy away from visiting controversial places like Jerusalem and Hebron. Given the ongoing tensions between the Palestinians and the Israelis, there is a palpable sense of anxiety and fear as you read the riveting accounts of her travels there. But it was all good for Haley and her family!

Apart from Indiana Jones, archaeologists don’t seem to garner much mainstream fascination or interest for their work or discoveries. Hopefully Haley’s book, with its story-like and non-technical narrative, would plant that seed of imagination and wonder to arouse such interest. A commendable read indeed.

I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher and NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a lot about everything Israel and nothing in particular with an ambition to disprove stories from the Bible. Not sure why everything has to be a shock. Did you know Goliath was not a giant?! Because of some unfounded speculations? The height of Goliath is specifically mentioned in the Bible, and it does not mention anything that is not important. We do not know how tall Solomon was or even Jesus, but we do know that Goliath was tall and very strong, he wore a bronze helmet, a bronze coat that weighed 125 lbs, a bronze leg armor, a bronze javelin on his shoulder, the shaft of his spear weighed 15 lbs. The point of the story is that the guy was huge! The Israelites were terrified and deeply shaken but David was brave enough to challenge him, so the traditional interpretation is not wrong. Yes, Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute and everyone who can read the Bible can see it plain and clear. I understand that the author had some difficulties with her faith and understanding of the Bible (My spiritual foundation was first shaken in my late teens. I took religious studies courses at Rhodes College, and for the first time I was learning from people who did not believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God--but who knew more about it than any Sunday School teacher I'd ever met. In my first semester, my eyes were opened to everything that is "wrong" with my beloved Bible, all the contradictions, textual errors, and historical inaccuracies.

For the next several years, I described my faith as schizophrenic. In class I was learning and regurgitating biblical facts that threatened to undermine my biblical faith. Many of my classmates abandoned Christianity as they learned there was no apple in Eden, Moses parted a reed sea, Jericho was destroyed long before Joshua got there, Goliath (probably) wasn't nine feet tall, there is no whale in the Book of Jonah, and Jesus was three years old when the Wise Men showed up. But I still had my quiet time every night in my dorm room. My faith in God never wavered, although my understanding of Him did. the rest of the testimony is here) , but it is not clear from the book what the point of this writing is. Supposedly a Christian author is using B.C.E. as in before common era and C.E. as in common era evidently to be religion neutral, that would be my guess. Perhaps Jesus was not proven enough by these Israel digs either.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finding Noah's ark ... would be fun, but it wouldn't be instructive... wouldn't teach us about God or each other." This is the view of Amanda Hope Haley in The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel, a book about the author's travels in the land of the Bible. As a Harvard-trained biblical archaeologist, Haley spent time in Israel excavating areas of land where Jesus once walked. Her goal was not to unearth evidence of Jesus but to discover what life was like for the everyday person during Christ's time on Earth.

Only the first couple of chapters mention items and foundations Haley found on her digs. After that, Haley describes her holiday in Israel with her mother, father and husband. She writes honestly, admitting to tourist errors she and her family made. She describes the places she visited as though speaking to a reader who plans to make the trip too. Yet, it is far from a holiday diary.

In each location Haley visited, she describes the history of the place, the biblical references, the antagonism between the Jews and Muslims, and its current state. She discovers why Jesus chose to preach in certain areas, locates towns and cities mentioned in the Bible, and notes how much places have changed since the 1st century.

It is interesting to learn how the three religions, Judaism, Islam and Christianity, both merge and alienate each other. Haley visited areas that banned Jews, yet as a Christian, she could enter. She paints Israel as a dangerous place but also highlights its beauty spots.

The title, The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel, is misleading because there is little physical digging mentioned. Haley only documents a few of her finds, and readers do not learn a great deal from them. On the other hand, Haley's metaphorical dig into the history of Israel proves fruitful, enhanced from her first-hand experience.

Those looking for a book about archaeology may be disappointed with The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel but those wishing to learn more about the biblical land of Israel, past and present, will appreciate Haley's knowledge. For Christian readers, this book will enhance their understanding of the Bible.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel
by Amanda Hope Haley
Harvest House Publishers
Christian | History | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 23 Feb 2021


I am reviewing The Red Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel through Harvest House publishers and Netgalley:


Come on a journey to the land of where the events of the Bible took place, and see the stories you’ve known since Sunday school through new eyes.


In this book you will travel alongside the Harvard trained biblical archaeologist Amanda Hope Haley and learn about its history, people, and God. You’ll go on a vivid journey through both the memories and photographs Amanda brought back from her explorations and excavations, you can witness sites and artifacts that bring the Bible to life.


Amanda shares with you her humorous travel stories, including her misadventures with customs agents, eye-opening experiences with international cuisine, and crash-course education on driving in a new culture. In the process, she demonstrates how you can In the Red Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel. This book will help you too use archaeological findings to better understand Israel’s historyshed your Western mindset and read the Bible in its intended contextcomprehend today’s ongoing religious conflicts in the Holy Land If you long to better know God’s creation and the people who occupy it. The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel will give you the chance to do so as you gain invaluable new perspectives on the cultures and landscapes of the Bible.


I give The Red Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this is more a "travel-memoir entree with an archaeology appetizer" than I was expecting. It's absolutely still enjoyable, don't get me wrong! I simply expected more archaeology throughout the book (beyond the first half in actuality).

There were also extensive biblical passages quoted that I felt could have been referenced, i.e. "Look up XYZ verses for the full story," to make it more interactive and less "trying to meet a word count." She definitely made interesting cases for challenging the status quo on some well-known Bible stories--much like we don't know that there were actually 3 wise men, she notes how tradition and word of mouth have played a greater role in some respects than the biblical accounts themselves. So that was thought-provoking.

I've traveled to Israel myself, in 2010, and really enjoyed the albeit unexpected travel stories she shared. So even though I expected more archeology than I got, her travel stories were a definite bonus! Her writing style and passion for Israel really shined in this area, and she did a great job at setting present-day locations in their biblical and historical settings.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed some of the history Amanda shared about Israel and Palestine. She made me think about traditional views held by the Church versus what evidence and Scripture actually shows. Some of her writing really made me want to dig in more to some of the history.

On the other hand there were times that her writing lost me. The family travel memoir part didn't always include information that was pertinent to the rest of what was being shared. It was also a bit confusing at times. I guess I couldn't quite put my finger on what kind of book the author wanted to write. A memoir? A travel guide? An archaeologist's experience digging in Israel? I found the lack of continuity to be distracting at times.

#TheRedHairedArchaeologistDigsIsrael #NetGalley

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated with archaeology, and archaeology in Israel is especially interesting, so I thought this book would be really good. It was, just not in the way I expected. There is not very much in it about digging up the past. Rather, it was mostly about a tour the author took through Israel with her parents and husband. I did find that quite interesting, especially the chapter about Hebron. I was fascinated by the way the Muslims and Israelis lived there in separate areas, and both sides described the atrocities that the other side had inflicted on them. I also appreciated the last paragraph of the book. We were created from dust; it's good for us to get our hands dirty, as we'll have more of an appreciation for our Creator and His creation when we work in the dirt!
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Eric McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haley's book is a travelog of her travels through several sites of biblical archaeological importance in Israel. The visits to various sites are often accompanied by asides giving background or her thoughts to a relevant subject.

As with most books, it's not a read with universal appeal. But to a reader with a desire to understand biblical history, especially as it is related to contemporary Israeli archaeology, it's an excellent choice. Haley has the rare combination of being very readable by a wide-ranging audience and being very well-informed on her subject. Those planning a trip to Israel (even long into the future!) or those who simply have a thirst to understanding the historical setting of the Bible better would do well to read this book. I certainly learned much and enjoyed doing so.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with how to rate this book. I think it would be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the region and eager to gain cursory insight into the history and cultures there. I think my problem with the book stems from my own experiences in the region and I found it difficult to separate my own perspective and memories from what the author was conveying. Many of her insights closely reflected my own memories of journeying to Israel and Palestine as a naive history and archeology buff during college. Ultimately, I based my rating on writing style and voice. Perhaps one of the reasons it felt so familiar is because the writing style was so informal. This will likely appeal to many readers who enjoy travel logs, but I found it a but distracting. Overall an interesting read and fun look at a fascinating part of the world.

[Karen McG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Hope Haley takes the reader on an adventure of a lifetime through historical and present day Israel. You’ll feel as if you are alongside her experiencing the excitement as she travels across the country.
The book gives the reader not only travel information, but also educates on the current state of Israel and also its past. I enjoyed learning new facts about the Bible and seeing pictures of locations where history took place. Her stories of the digs she’s been on made me want to quit my job and begin a new career. If you love history or are a Bible enthusiast this book is perfect for you!
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)

[Cynde · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quirky look at a young woman's life who has participated on archeological digs in Israel and then takes her husband and parents on a guided tour of the sights. They visit many of the towns and places that Jesus went. She relays the history and the cultures of these places in a way that brings the past alive. I have read books that are similar by Lynn Austin, a christian author and Kathie Lee Gifford , a TV host and this book would be another perspective if you were planning a trip to Israel. It was an enjoyable read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the ARC to read and review.

The Red-Haired Archaeologist Digs Israel by Amanda Hope Haley is part travel guide, part memoir of the authors adventures in Israel with her husband and parents. This book is packed full of real experiences of Israel that a traveler on a guided tour would never experience. She also intersperses lots of history of both the Land and the modern conflicts that make the Holy Land.

This book will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to dig further beneath the surface of Israel and learn more about their faith.

[Caroline Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Hope Haley has written a really fascinating book about her experiences as an archaeologist working in Israel. She searches, painstakingly, for archaeological finds which support Biblical truth and she is very successful in her life work. I found her book enlightening and reassuring as a Christian but I am certain that it will appeal to people of other faiths or no faith, who are interested from an historical point of view. A truly excellent and insightful read, highly recommended.

[G. Coby Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never had so much fun reading about archaeology and the cultural context of the Bible! The author is clearly an excellent scholar and a gifted wordsmith. That being said, I think what I loved most was her ability to sit in the messy middle and recognize that there are not always easy answers to unrest and conflict. She models compassion, curiosity, a posture of listening, and a commitment to loving both the neighbor and the enemy. This book was a breath of fresh air!

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the ARC to read and review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into Israeli archaeology and travel with Amanda. Her insights were both travelogue and archaeology which helped keep me interested unlike so many dry and dusty archaeology books. I hope to hear more from Amanda in the future!

[Sharon K F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which I started listening to when I was in Israel and then my husband and I listened to the whole thing together on a car ride shortly after our trip there. I would recommend it before and after trips to Israel to gain insight and remember the Biblical sites that one visits there.

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I love history and reading about archaeology - dig sites. I liked reading about the side trips, how GPS didnt always work, about sunstroke, and how driving in traffic circles is a wild ride.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Loved the information, the tone. Normally find these sorts of books quite hard to read but this one was easy to absorb. Fascinating on so many levels it really interested me. I will look out for more by the author and I have subscribed to her website. Great stuff! :-)