This resource will help readers gain invaluable background information on the Bible's culture, its people, and how they lived. Each chapter furnishes an introduction to the historical, political, and physical setting of five basic periods in Israel's history. Drawing from clues in the biblical text, archaeological discoveries, and contemporary documents, Dr. Matthews opens up both difficult and overly familiar passages of Scripture. He explains cultural practices, religious tensions, and apparent contradictions in the Bible.

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.

This book provides a wealth of insight into life in Bible times, gathered from the biblical text, from important extra-biblical sources, as well as from the most recent archaeological findings. The book is enriched with abundant maps and illustrations.

This comprehensive volume provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and context for many of the Bible’s historical and cultural references. Bible stories are full of objects, manners, and customs that would have been easily recognized by people living in the Middle East during ancient times. Towns have their walls and gates; agriculture has its threshing instruments and carts; the tabernacle has its altars and lavers of brass. But while the terms used to describe these items were once common knowledge, they leave many modern readers wondering about their specific meanings. This volume offers a clearer understanding of the Bible through accessible information about its many historical references. Organized by subject matter, it includes chapters on everything from vegetation to coinage, matrimony, weaponry, transportation, idolatry, and holy places, among many other topics. Based on archeological research, The Illustrated Dictionary of Bible Manners & Customs helps readers attain a more vivid sense of the Bible’s rich background and longstanding influence.

Why did Bible people wash each other's feet? What was wrong with Leah's "tender eyes"? Why did Jesus say His "yoke" was "easy"? Find answers here!