Sunday, August 21, 2022

Old Testament Commentaries

 Here are three commentaries I'm currently using in some OT studies. Any other suggestions?



Saturday, March 12, 2022

Start Your Study of Biblical Archaeology with these Two Books

I've always found the archaeology in Palestine fascinating. I'm a self confessed armchair Biblical archaeologist. I just can't get enough. Its not only just plain interesting, it repeatedly confirms our Christian faith. So, if you want to get started in digging into our Christian past (pun intended) let me suggest two books, by the same author.

Doing Archaeology in the Land of the Bible: A Basic Guide by John Currid is the best place to start.

Within this slim and fact filled volume the reader will discover, a brief history on Biblical archaeology, definitions of basic archaeological terms, how archaeologists determine where and why to dig, what is a tel, why is stratigraphy and pottery so important, and much more.

If you want to go further, grab Currid's, The Case for Biblical Archaeology: Uncovering the Historical the Record of God's Old Testament People.

Though another introduction, this work is far more in depth (and worth every penny). Currid breaks down time periods (Bronze Age, Iron Age, etc.), definitions of terms are expanded, there are numerous maps, color photos, diagrams, and much more, all to assist the reader with a broader understanding of the subject. Many digs from north to south and east to west are detailed in their findings and each is given a "For Further Reading" section for the reader to explore much more.

Dig in friends, there is so much to learn!

There are paid links in this post.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Quick Book Review: Translation of the Seventy by Edmon L. Gallagher


My last book review of  The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters really whet my appetite for more history on the Septuagint. I dug deeper and found Edmon L. Gallagher's, Translation of the Seventy. It was a true delight to read, or maybe devour is a better way of putting it. 

Though still an introduction to the Septuagint (LXX), this work delves deeper into the many issues that surround the LXX. 

The book is written in three sections:

I. Starting points - The reader is introduced to the LXX, its origins and why its important.

II. Canon and Text in Early Judaism and Earliest Christianity - In this section Gallagher begins to go deep. Most interesting here is how the biblical canon affected the growth of the LXX. 

III. The Text of the Septuagint among the Fathers - What is most intriguing in this section is the roles that Jerome and Augustine played in the history of the LXX.

I've only highlighted some aspects of the work, there is far more the reader will find of interest within its pages.  If church history, text criticism, early Judaism, early Christianity, are your interests or field of study this book is for you.

This work extremely insightful and helpful in gaining a greater understanding of the Septuagint.

There are paid links in this post.