The Land and the Book: An Introduction to the World of the Bible

Read in preparation for an educational tour if Israel. Really outlines the tribulations of this tortured land.

In the Preface, the authors state, "It is a readily apparent and unchallenged axiom that one's understanding of history or of the Bible requires some knowledge of geography..." I hate to say it, but this book failed to enrich my Biblical understanding in any significant way. One glaring lack, especially for a book about geography, was maps. They supplied only two, both introductory in nature. Another disappointment was the paltry amount of information about how the geography influenced lifestyle. The beginning of the first section includes an interesting discussion contrasting the geography of Jerusalem and Jericho. The altitude difference causes significant changes in the temperature and life-style of these cities, even though they are only 16 miles apart. I would have appreciated more of this type of information, especially as I know that Israel, small as it is, boasts a wide variety of climates, from the seashore to snowy mountaintops to dry desert. Biblical understanding is also not enlarged by information about locations of shrines and ancient churches built centuries after the fact. The historical accuracy of those places certainly ought to be called into question, and their inclusion gave the book the feeling of a travel guide. I rather hoped for a better understanding of "the world of the Bible" as is claimed in the subtitle.I agree with the reviewer who pointed out the lack of belief in the Bible's inerrancy. I occasionally wondered why the authors bothered to write a book to help people understand Biblical geography when they don't particularly believe it themselves. The discussion of Ai is actually amusing in this way. The first thing they tell you is that there is "some debate about the exact location of ancient Ai..." though it's "now generally identified with the modern site of et-Tell." At the end of the discussion, they say, "Excavations at the site have revealed the presence of a small, unwalled Iron Age village, but not of a large, fortified city, raising questions as to whether the biblical account of the Israelite conquest of Ai may have referred originally to the capture of nearby Bethel." So they aren't sure they got the right spot, but they still conclude that the Bible writers (who were there) must have been confused about what city they attacked, because thousands of years later archaeologists can't find it. Brilliant!There are some good points, however. I found the overview of history between the Testaments and after the close of the New Testament interesting and helpful. Also, I dug out a Bible atlas and looked up the cities as I read through the "Biblical Sites" section, so now I have a better idea of where the various cities are located.

We’re planning a trip to Israel and this book is recommended for our preparation to make the trip even better.

"The Land and the Book" is an excellent resource for those who wish to relate the Holy Bible to the geography of the Holy Land. Two irritants were the constant referencing to the politically correct BCE and CE (instead of BC and AD). On page 114 the author states, " ... nor can one be certain that the story found in Luke 2 is historically reliable." and "Luke mentions Bethsaida specifically in relation to the miracle, but no one can be certain where it took place." In summary: Geography 4 Stars. Belief in accuracy of Bible: 0 Stars.

I got his book for an upcoming trip to the Holy Land. The book came in very good condition. Very few highlights in it. Information prepares you well on not only what you will see but the history behind what you will see.

I gave it a 4 because in my mind I was not looking for the writing in the book even though it was used. In all it was good.

I purchased this book for information on Israel. I am planning a trip there and am needing information about the history of the land and the Bible. It is excellent and I highly recommend it to anyone considering a trip to the Holy Land. Chronologically arranged events with some pictures and a treasure of history. I am very satisfied.

Connecting the history and sites in the Holy Lands, particularly Israel, is done well in this book. We read it before a second trip to Israel.