The Bible as History: Second Revised Edition

This book is so informative and amazing with images as well!

good condition

What is written in the Bible is true. God qualified the writers to write. In other words, God inspired them. When I write, I am inspired and so were they. What came into their minds was exactly what God wanted, as human as they were. They wrote in their present, which to us, is now history. From their perspective, they could only see mountain top, but not beyond, unless they walked to that mountain top and therefore, were able to expand their 'vision'. Get where I'm going? Now in our day, we have a greater perspective. We are able to gather facts far and near all happening at the same time We know where everyone was at the same moment--not so they. If we view history factually and truthfully, we can get a good idea of what was going on, in that time. God was collecting all that He wanted us to know, into a little book so we wouldn't have to cram too much into our minds and hearts; and keep us fascinated as to what is coming next. This book, "The Bible as History' is good at helping you understand. Then you will be better prepared to enter Heaven--knowledgeable and not ignorant.

I came across this book a while back when it was recommended to me by a professor. I was already fond of Christian books but this one was one of the more historically accurate books concerning pictures from an archaeological standpoint. It helps that the author, Werner Keller, included actual excavations from the various time periods in biblical history . However, there are few pictures of actual busts or statues of anyone from the old or new testaments and the pictures are very selective in relation to the scriptures in which they correspond. None of the pictures of the actual patriarchs or prophets (Abraham, Jacob, Solomon, David, etc) are included but rather, select artwork captured of wall paintings from Egyptian tombs, ancient Babylonia, and other areas of the Levant were substituted to give readers a visual image to lend interpretation to select scriptures and the important people in them. The strong point of this book is its coverage of the Old Testament, while not exactly strong, the best part of the biblical interpretation The Bible as History in Pictures has to offer. In saying that, this book is best used as an entry-level companion for those who don't have any or limited biblical knowledge and would like a practical reference to get them started. Likewise, this book really takes a dive in its coverage of the New Testament. You have zero images of early Christ, any of the disciples, Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary, or anyone from the new testament important to the faith. You only get the same repeat images of the dominant Roman Empire with the Caesars and company that flood mainstream media portrayal of history concerning the Christian faith. I also found it quite odd the author chose to include so many pictures from Egyptian art when the Hebrews lived in Israel for thousands of years after Exodus and had kings throughout their history in the land. Regarding the incoherence in the flow of events in biblical history, this book does not do well in taking a holistic approach to addressing what it set out to- cover the Bible as history in pictures. For those more studied on biblical literature, this book would be best in helping create a foundation in teaching young learners. In that respect, I would highly recommend it.

The pictures in here are of places and artifacts that archaeologists have discovered in Israel, Egypt, Iraq and a couple from other locations. Stele and other artifacts have their messages quoted - except for large items like Hammurabi's Code and "prisms". These quotes and items are matched up to Old Testament verses to help clarify the Scripture and are not quotes of Scripture. If you like and want proof of some of the events that make up history of the Biblical areas, this is a good one. Of course, there are several thousand items in museums around the world that were discovered in the Mideast. Read your Old Testament, Scriptures that Jesus studied and quoted. Why not learn of new stuff in "Biblical Archaeology Review" magazine? Google it. Then you'll really want this book.

Evident based content is very powerful

If you have any interest in archaeology, history, geography and even science you will enjoy Keller's book. Admittedly, I wasn't certain if I would like the book before ordering it, but it was referred to, and highly recommended, by the authors of several other books I had read. I am so glad I ordered it. Also, if you have any interest in the Old Testament in the Bible, I believe the information in Keller's book will amaze you. This is not a fast read but an incredible journey. I definitely recommend this book.

I liked how it starts from the beginning of Genesis to the end of 70 ad destruction. For every major event in the bible, there are reliefs/hieroglyphs to show you what it looked like. I also saw what Middle Eastern/North African people looked like which were all black except Canaanites and Hittites. It explains the Assyrian and Babylonian conquest perfectly and showing how the black Israelites were conquered. This is a great book and helps you under stand the bible historically in chronological order using the Scriptures in that order also to show what time in history the event happened.

Book is a great help with biblical historical context

I bought the paperback copy which was affordable for me. The text is very well written and packed with fascinating information. It is an honest and knowledgeable rendition 9in my opinion) and I love it. Only downside is the lack of maps or pictures but I have another book that I use with this one (Alfred Hoerth Archaeology of O.T.). which helps to fill that gap. I would highly recommend this book.

Was recommended by a friend, very interesting, and informative

Werner Keller's book, while out of print (thankfully available 2nd hand) is an excellent and easy reference for any student or enthusiast of the Middle East. I had had it as a child, read it again before going to the Middle East in May 2011, then again after. The history is so dense and almost overwhelming when you are in Egypt, Jordan, Israel or Syria etc.; having this book as a visual reference with its concise and insightful text was really helpful. Well written and accessible whether you're 55, 11 or what-you-will.

Wasn’t the exact book hubby wanted- but the next printing