Holy Land Travel

Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul by David deSilva

/ jimmyreagan / Leave a comment

This book is a fascinating resource. Its varied uses cover more territory than you’d ever imagine. It is so profusely illustrated that I’d love to take it on a trip to the sites of Paul. I can imagine reading it every evening as a precursor to the next day’s adventures. As nice as that is, it’s not a travel guide though, but a Bible study guide. Written in the order of Paul’s ministry, this book would be phenomenal to have at your side as you work through Paul’s itinerary.

It addresses what archaeology tells us about these sites, but that’s not the lead. Foremost it’s the biblical background that makes the book what it is. David deSilva is a scholar rather than an archaeologist. He’s quite an accomplished one at that. Most books of this type totally get immersed into archaeology at a level that is beyond what Bible students are looking for. Here the balance is perfect.

My only criticism is that he is a bit more critical in his scholarship in a few places than I’d prefer. You might add that a few maps would have helped. Its gorgeous content probably would have been appropriate for a hardback as well, but maybe the publishers anticipated that many might carry the book to these Bible sites. The pictures more than make up for any deficiencies and the text reads well too. I’d call this one a winner right out of the gate.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Two New Titles From Carta Jerusalem

/ jimmyreagan / Leave a comment

It is always exciting to see what new releases Carta Jerusalem has out. Here are two–one on a technical subject and another that makes for great history and touring.

Understanding The Alphabet of the Dead Sea Scrolls by Ada Yardeni

Dr. Yardeni is one of the world’s leading authorities on Hebrew paleography, or the study of Hebrew handwriting. In this short, but profusely illustrated volume, she reviews the Dead Sea Scrolls to evaluate the development of the handwriting with an eye to dating. Though that is not my field, you can see a distinct evolution of the texts in the samples she provides.

If you are studying this subject, this title will be indispensable. She gives a page of hints that students will love at the end. This will likely be the definitive volume that will be all anyone would ever need.

Jerusalem: The Temple Mount by Leen and Kathleen Ritmeyer

In a word, this book is incredible. It is small enough (160 pages) and has a durable enough cover to be easy to carry on your next visit to Jerusalem. Even if you don’t make it to Jerusalem in the near future, this book can enlighten you as an armchair traveler. It holds its own as a small reference volume on your shelves as well.

The Ritmeyers are experts whose comments are trustworthy and well stated.(I am told they have other Carta titles that take this history farther).  Add to that superb photos and those awesome Carta maps and you have a winner.

The first chapter gives a succint history of the Temple Mount. Check out the illustration of Mt. Moriah before any building took place (page 13). With that map, later Temples are superimposed upon it that gives eye-opening perspective.  The history comes down to modern times and is captivating.

The other two chapters offer self-guided tours of outside the walls and upon the Temple Mount itself. I went to the Temple Mount a few years ago and loved it though I went along willy nilly; but I would so love to have had this book. It would have doubled what I got out of the visit. What better could I say about this volume? Don’t visit the Temple Mount without it!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.