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Subsections
Old Testament Background, Survey, Authenticity & Introduction 45+
New Testament Background, Survey, Authenticity & Introduction 65+
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Order of Contents
Authenticity of the Whole Bible 4
Bible Background, Survey & General Introduction 6
. Latin 1
Special Introduction to, & Authenticity of, each Book 3
Manners & Customs 1
Bible History 3
Chronology 46+
Geography & Topography 10
Archaeology 7
Coins 2
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Authenticity of the Whole Bible
See also our sections on the authenticity of the whole Old & New Testaments and on each book thereof on our Old Testament Commentaries and New Testament Commentaries pages
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1800’s
Rawlinson, George – The Historical Evidences of the Truth of the Scripture Records Stated Anew, with Special Reference to the Doubts and Discoveries of Modern Times, in 8 Lectures (1860) 460 pp.
Rawlinson (1812–1902) was a leading ancient historian of his day and goes through the confirmatory evidences of history to the truthfulness of the Old Testament books in Lectures 2-5. He does the same for the New Testament in the last 3 Lectures.
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Mid-1900’s
Bruce, F.F. – The Books & the Parchments: Some Chapters on the Transmission of the Bible Buy (1950; 1963) 265 pp. ToC
Broomall, Wick – Biblical Criticism Buy (1957) 316 pp.
Broomall was the student of Dr. Robert Dick Wilson of old Princeton and was a professor of Hebrew and Systematic Theology at Erskine Theological Seminary in South Carolina. The content is at an intermediate level, though is easy to read.
“The present volume is naturally a defense of what is no known as the conservative (which is often generally equated with the traditional or historic) view of the Bible. The author is thoroughly persuaded that this position is defensible–in fact, that it is the only view that will stand up under the scrutiny of historical research and investigation.” – Preface
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Late-1900’s
Linnemann, Eta – Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology Reflections of a Bultmannian Turned Evangelical trans. Robert W. Yarbrough Buy (Baker, 1990) 159 pp. ToC
Linnemann (1926-2009) was a high-ranking, liberal, German professor of New Testament who became converted to the Savior. She here exposes, from the inside, the secular ‘historical criticism’ of the Bible for what it is.
“As a student of Rudolph Bultmann and Earnst Fuchs… I had the best professors which historical-critical theology could offer to me… My first book turned out to be a best-seller… I was awarded the title of honorary professor of New Testament in the theology faculty of Philipps University, Marburg, West Germany… I became enslaved to watching television and fell into an increasing state of alcohol dependence… At that point God led me to vibrant Christians who knew Jesus personally as their Lord and Savior… He immediately took my life into his saving grasp… Suddenly it was clear to me that my teaching was a case of the blind leading the blind… I regard everything that I taught and wrote before I entrusted my life to Jesus as refuse. I wish to mention that I have pitched my two books… along with my contributions to journals, anthologies and Festschriften. Whatever of these writings I had in my possession I threw into the trash with my own hands in 1978.” – Author’s Introduction
Robert Yarbrough, who translated the work, was a professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary. See his article on Linnemann’s life and post-conversion literary works.
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Bible Background, Survey & General Introduction
See also our pages on Old Testament Background, Survey, Authenticity & Introduction and New Testament Background, Survey, Authenticity & Introduction
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1800’s
Horne, Thomas Hartwell – An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, vol. 1, 2, 3, 4 (NY: Robert Careter, 1854) ToC 1, 2, 3, 4 Vols. 1-3 contain General Introduction to the Bible, vol. 4 contains Special Introduction on each book of the Bible.
Horne (1780–1862) was a Church of England minister, a bibliographer and on staff at the British museum. This evangelical Introduction was used at Old Princeton for a time.
“Of great value to the Bible expositor. Provides a comprehensive compendium of Biblical knowledge covering hermeneutics, history and geography, and apologetics.” – Cyril J. Barber
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1900’s
Boyd, James & J. Gresham Machen – A Brief Bible History: A Survey of the Old & New Testaments (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1922) 135 pp. ToC
Hendriksen, William – Survey of the Bible: A Treasury of Bible Information Buy 1st ed. (1947) 470 pp.
Hendricksen (1900–1982) was a minister in the Christian Reformed Church and is well known for his commentary with Simon Kistemaker on the New Testament.
“Most helpful at a simple level [is] William Hendricksen, Survey of the Bible, which is reliable and short…” – Joel Beeke
Geisler, Norman & William Nix – A General Introduction to the Bible Buy 1968
Geisler is not Reformed, but is an evangelical author and teacher.
“Covers the inspiration, canonicity of the text, and translation of the entire Bible from an evangelical point of view.” – Cyril J. Barber
Deal, William – Pictorial Introduction to the Bible Buy (1967; 1975; Baker, 1982) ToC
“Most helpful at a simple level [is]… William Deal, Pictorial Introduction to the Bible, which excels in practical lessons to be gleaned from each Bible book.” – Joel Beeke
Richards, Lawrence O. – Teacher’s Commentary Buy (Victor Books, 1988) ToC
“Richards, Teacher’s Commentary… is weak on theology but excels as a practical guide for Sunday school teachers, Christian educators, and leaders of Bible-group studies.” – Joel Beeke
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Liberal
Briggs, Charles – A General Introduction to the Study of Holy Scripture: the Principles, Methods, History & Results of its Several Departments & of the Whole (NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1899) 720 pp. ToC
Briggs was a renowned, liberal, presbyterian professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, who got defrocked and excommunicated by the Northern Presbyterian Church in 1893. This work is not recommended, but is here as a historical example of what liberals were then saying, from their own mouth.
“Liberal. A classic treatment by a leading nineteenth-century theologian.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Latin
Rivet, Andrew – A General Introduction to the Sacred Scripture of the Old & New Testament (Leiden, 1627) ToC
Rivet (1572-1651) was a French Huguenot theologian who was called in 1620 to be a professor of theology and Old Testament Exegesis at Leiden, Netherlands.
“His most famous work in this field [of OT exegesis] was his Isagogue… which, according to Honders, may be considered a precursor to modern Biblical hermeneutics. This work was based on his lectures on the doctrine of Holy Scripture, and comprised thirty chapters in which he discussed questions brought forward by Roman Catholic controversialists regarding the status of Scripture.” – Theology of the French Reformed Churches (RHB, 2014), p. 259 See there for an outline of the work in English.
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Special Introduction to, & the Authenticity of, each Book of the Bible
Books
1800’s
Horne, Thomas Hartwell – An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, vol. 4 (1854) Vol. 4 contains Special Introduction on each book of the Bible
This Introduction was used at Old Princeton for a time, and defends the authenticity of each book of the Bible.
Fraser, Donald – Synoptical Lectures on the Books of Holy Scripture, vol. 1 (Gen-Hab), 2 (Zeph-Rev) (1885)
Fraser was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland. He wrote the Life of, and edited the Diary of, Ebenezer Erskine.
Jamieson, Robert, Andrew Fausset & David Brown – Commentary on the Whole Bible (1871)
This is one of the best, generally reformed commentaries available. Jamieson was of the Church of Scotland, Fausset of the Church of England, and Brown of the Free Church of Scotland.
‘Preface’ & ‘General Introduction to the Pentateuch’ 2 & 32 pp.
Genesis 6 pp.
Exodus 4 pp.
Leviticus 3 pp.
Numbers 2 pp.
Deuteronomy 6 pp.
The Historical Books
Joshua 5 pp. 1 & 2 Kings 3 pp.
Judges 6 pp. 1 & 2 Chronicles 4 pp.
Ruth 3 pp. Ezra 3 pp.
1 & 2 Samuel 3 pp. Nehemiah 1 p.
. Esther 1 p.
‘Preface’ & ‘Introduction to the Poetical Books’ 2 & 4 pp.
Job 3 pp.
Psalms 3 pp.
Proverbs 2 pp.
Ecclesiastes 2 pp.
The Song of Solomon 3 pp.
‘Introductions to the Prophetical Books’ 2 pp.
Isaiah 4 pp. Amos 1 p.
Jeremiah 3 pp. Obadiah 1 p.
Lamentations 1 p. Jonah 1 p.
Ezekiel 2 pp. Micah 1 p.
Daniel 4 pp. Nahum 1 p.
Hosea 1 p. Habakkuk 1 p.
Joel 1 p. Zephaniah 1 p.
‘Introduction to Prophets of the Restoration’ 3 pp.
Haggai 1 p.
Zechariah 1 p.
Malachi 1 p.
‘Introduction to the Gospels’ 24 pp.
Matthew 6 pp.
Mark 2 pp.
Luke 2 pp.
John 3 pp.
Acts 10 pp.
The Epistles
Romans Titus
1 Corinthians Philemon
2 Corinthians Hebrews
Galatians James
Ephesians 1 Peter
Philippians 2 Peter
Colossians 1 John
1 Thessalonians 2 & 3 John
2 Thessalonians Jude
1 Timothy Revelation
2 Timothy
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Series
Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary
Genesis John H. Walton 2013
Genesis – Deuteronomy 2019
Joshua – Samuel 2009
Kings – Esther 2009
Job 2009
Psalms John W. Hilber & John H. Walton 2013
Proverbs – Song 2009
Isaiah David W. Baker 2013
Isaiah – Daniel Baker, Voth, Ferris, Bodi, Lucas 2009
Minor Prophets 2009
Mathew – Luke Arnold, Baugh, Davids, Garland, Gill, et al. 2002
John Clinton Arnold 2007
John Craig Keener 2019
John – Acts Arnold, Baugh, Davids, Garland, Gill, et al. 2002
Acts Clinton Arnold 2019
Acts Clinton E. Arnold 2007
Romans to Philemon Arnold, Baugh, Davids, Garland, Gill et al. 2002
Romans Douglas J. Moo, Ralph P. Martin & Julie Wu 2007
1-2 Corinthians Arnold, Gill & Hubbard 2007
Galatians Douglas J. Moo, Ralph P. Martin & Julie Wu 2007
Ephesians – Colossians Frank Thielman & Steven Baugh 2007
Thessalonians – Titus Jeffrey Weima & Steven Baugh 2007
Philemon Frank Thielman & Steven Baugh 2007
Hebrews to Revelation Arnold, Baugh, Davids, Garland, Gill et al. 2002
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Manners & Customs
Mackie, G.M. – Bible Manners & Customs (NY: Fleming H. Revell, 1898) 180 pp. ToC
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Bible History
Blaikie, William G. – A Manual of Bible History, in Connection with the General History of the World (n.d.) 530 pp.
Blaikie was a minister in the Free Church of Scotland.
Lewis, Jack Pearl – Historical Backgrounds of Bible History Buy (Baker, 1971) ToC
“Presents in readable form the material from archaeological discoveries which highlights events during the lives of leading Biblical personalities. Greatly facilitates sermon preparation.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Chronology
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Geography & Topography
1800’s
Thomson, William – The Land & the Book, or Biblical Illustrations Drawn from the Manners & Customs, the Scenes and Scenery of the Holy Land, vol. 1 (Southern Palestine & Jerusalem), 2 (Central Palestine & Phoenicia), 3 (Lebanon, Damascus & Beyond Jordan) (1880)
“Thompson spent 30 years as a missionary in Bible lands, and this work is the result of his observations and travels in the Near East.” – Cyril J. Barber
Geikie, John Cunningham – The Holy Land and the Bible: a Book of Scripture Illustrations Gathered in Palestine, vol. 1 (Southern Israel to Jerusalem), 2 (Around Jerusalem to Northern Israel)
Geikie (1824 – 1906)
‘One of the best religious writers of the age.’ – Spurgeon
‘We can never know too much of that literature which throws side-lights on the Bible, and which unfolds the customs of the people, difficult allusions,historical coincidences, geographical details. Geikie’s Hours with the Bible; Kitto’s Daily Illustrations, edited by Dr. Porter; Dr. Smith’s Bible Dictionary; books like these are invaluable….’ – F.B. Meyer
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Early 1900’s
Sanday, William – Sacred Sites of the Gospels (1903) 270 pp.
Sanday was an Oxford professor.
“An old, moderately helpful survey of sights made famous by Christ during his earthly life and ministry.” – Cyril Barber
Smith, George Adam
Historical Geography of the Holy Land, Especially in Relation to the History of Israel and of the Early Church (1910) 760 pp. See below for the companion Atlas.
Smith was a liberal.
“A classic study by a renowned scholar of the past century.” – Cyril J. Barber
Jerusalem: the Topography, Economics & History from the Earliest Times to A.D. 70, vol. 1 (Topography, Economics, Politics), 2 (History)
“Provides considerable detail on the topography, economics, and history of Jerusalem from the earliest times to A.D. 70.” – Cyril J. Barber
Dalman, Gustav – Sacred Sites & Ways Buy (NY: MacMillan, 1935) ToC Here is a review.
“One of the best modern works on the geography of Palestine.” – Cyril Barber
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Mid-Late 1900’s
Bruin, Paul & Phillip Giegel – Jesus Lived Here: a Modern Pilgrimage through the Holy Land Buy (1958) 240 pp.
“A pictorial study of the places referred to in the Gospels. Clear illustrations chosen with taste and distinction. Enhanced by color as well as black and white prints.” – Cyril Barber
Adams, J. McKee – Biblical Backgrounds: a Geographical Survey of Bible Lands in the Light of the Scriptures & Recent Research Buy (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1934 / 1965) 475 pp. ToC
Adams was a professor of Biblical Introduction at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
“A well-illustrated, up-to-date [ed. 1965] work on the geography of the Ancient Near East.” – Cyril J. Barber
Pfeiffer, Charles & Howard Vos – Wycliff Historical Geography of Bible Lands Buy (1967)
“A modern, evangelical treatment of the ten areas of the Near Eastern and Mediterranean world. Blends the historical, geographical, Biblical, and archaeological material to form a factual, informative reference tool. Enhanced with 459 excellent illustrations, 45 black-and-white maps, 16 pages of color maps, and helpful diagrams of local areas and many ancient cities.” – Cyril J. Barber
Smick, Elmer – Archaeology of the Jordan Valley Buy (Baker, 1973) ToC
Turner, George Allen – Historical Geography of the Holy Land Buy (Baker, 1973)
“A well outlined, beautifully illustrated and admirably executed volume. Deserves a place on every Bible student’s book shelf.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Atlases
Smith, George Adam – Atlas of the Historical Geography of the Holy Land 1915 180 pp.
Pfeiffer, Charles – Baker’s Bible Atlas Buy (1961, 1973, 2003) ToC
“An important work incorporating a geographical gazetteer to assist the reader in identifying Biblical places with present-day name.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Archaeology
See also our separate sections on ‘Archaeology on the Old Testament’ and ‘Archaeology on the New Testament’
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Introductory Article
Climer, Phillip – ‘Archaeology and the Bible’ 1999 originally published in the Trinity Review, and reprinted as an appendix to Ussher’s Annals of the World. Here hosted at Answers in Genesis (2012), from their Answers in Depth.
Climer is a reformed Christian. This is an excellent introduction as to how the Bible (God’s truth) is related to the inferential and always inconclusive methodology of archaeology. Climer uses the excavation of Troy as an in-depth example of the wide ranging and contradictory, yet assured conclusions that the methods of modern archaeology come to.
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Books
Intermediate
Berkhof, Louis – Biblical Archaeology (1928) 200 pp.
Berkhof was a noted American-Dutch, reformed theologian.
Free, Joseph – Archaeology & Bible History rev. ed. Buy (1992) 320 pp.
Free was chairman of the department of archaeology at Wheaton College, IL.
“Shows how archaeology confirms Bible history and illuminates the events of the OT and NT. An introductory work.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
Kitchen, K.A. – The Bible in its World: the Bible & Archaeology Today Buy (2004)
See the ‘Buy’ link for a review.
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Reference
ed. Avi-Yonah, M. – Encyclopedia of Archeological Excavations in the Holy Land, vol. 1 (A-D), 2 (E-I), 3 (J-N), 4 (O-Z) Buy (Prentice-Hall, 1975-1958)
“This encyclopedia covers all the significant archeological activity in Palestine up to the time of publication. The information is given alphabetically by site. It is a wonderful reference work and covers all periods of antiquity.” – Tremper Longman, 5 out of 5 stars
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Cities
Pfeiffer, Charles – Jerusalem through the Ages Buy (1967) 94 pp.
“A brief treatment of the history of Jerusalem through the centuries. Incorporates a survey of both sacred and secular history and includes the significant archaeological findings and their bearing upon thee Biblical text.” – Cyril J. Barber
DeVries, LaMoine – Cities of the Biblical World Buy (1997) 385 pp. Hendrickson
This work is helpfully arranged according to Old and New Testament, and the major nations therein, with their significant cities listed and discussed.
Unfortunately the work walks a middle, broad path, being at ease with, and coming from the perspective of, status quo secular archaeology. Thus, it has numerous liberal concessions/assumptions which are not on par with the Biblical timeline. Likewise, the author’s writing, while providing some helpful information, is the opposite of invigorating and is not very engaging. But the work fills a void.
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Coins
Jewish
Madden, Frederic William – History of Jewish Coinage & Money in the Old & New Testaments & Supplement (1864, 1875)
“An extensive treatment of the history of currency and monetary exchange in the Ancient Near East, together with many illustrations of coins from the period of the Maccabean, Idumean, and Roman periods. Chapters include Arabic coins, Greek and Roman money, weights and measures, Talmudic writings on coinage, and ancient methods of counterfeiting.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Roman
Mattingly, Harold – Roman Coins: From the Earliest Times to the Fall of the Western Empire Buy 2nd ed. (London, 1928; 1960) 300 pp. ToC
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Related Pages