THE BAKER ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO
EVERYDAY LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES 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. From the Back Cover
What was life really like in Bible times?
When we read the Bible, we encounter many manners and customs from the ancient world that the first readers of the Scriptures would have been familiar with. But being so far removed from that world, we modern readers often miss the full meaning--both literal and figurative--of biblical imagery.
This fully illustrated guide aims to restore clarity and vitality to these portions of God's Word in order to help us grasp the full meaning of Scripture. It covers a whole host of issues, imagery, and customs, such as
· anointing
· sacred days
· religious offices
· cleanliness laws
· burial of the dead
· divination
· family relationships
· social standing
· foods and eating
· agriculture
· warfare
· clothing
The cultural practices of the past are fascinating on their own, but even more so as they help us correctly interpret God's Word and apply it to our lives.
About the Author
John A. Beck (PhD, Trinity International University) has taught courses in Hebrew and Old Testament at various colleges and universities for more than 20 years. He currently is an adjunct faculty member at Jerusalem University College in Israel. His articles have appeared in numerous academic journals and books. His books include The Land of Milk and Honey: An Introduction to the Geography of Israel, God as Storyteller: Seeking Meaning in Biblical Narrative, A Visual Guide to Bible Events, A Visual Guide to Gospel Events, and Understand Your Bible. Beck lives in Wisconsin. Hardcover: 320 pages