The Archaeology of the Bible [Hardcover]

James K. Hoffmeier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2008

How have the societies and events of the past affected the shape of the world as we know it today? How can we use archaeological data to help us understand the peoples and culture of the Ancient Near East? Can archaeological studies help us to understand the Bible, and if so, how? These are just some of the questions discussed in this fascinating journey around the archaeological remains of the Ancient Near East. James K. Hoffmeier provides the reader with a review of Bible history and examines the role of archaeology in understanding the Biblical text. Beginning with Genesis, this intriguing survey follows the Bible narrative right through to the early churches of Revelation. The book is divided into three sections—two of which cover the Old Testament and one to the New Testament—and is interspersed with stories from the author's own experience as an archaeologist, which bring the thrill of archaeological discovery vividly to life. Beautifully illustrated with photographs, charts, maps, diagrams, and illustrations of sites, this striking overview is for anyone interested in learning  more about the societies and events of the Ancient Near East and how they affect our understanding of the Bible.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James K. Hoffmeier teaches archaeology at Trinity International University Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author of Ancient Israel in Sinai and Israel in Egypt, and coauthor of Faith, Tradition and History.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Lion UK (May 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745952267
• ISBN-13: 978-0745952260
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #337,553 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James K. Hoffmeier (PhD, University of Toronto), who has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels for more than thirty years, is now professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern archaeology at Trinity International University. Born and raised in Egypt, he has been a refugee from war and an alien in two different countries, making him sensitive to immigration issues.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent survey of biblical archaeology, April 27, 2011

By 

John A. Battle (Tacoma, Washington) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Archaeology of the Bible (Hardcover)

If you're looking for an attractive, well balanced survey of biblical archaeology by a recognized expert, this volume would serve your purpose well. James Hoffmeier is an experienced archaeologist, specializing in the region of Egypt where the Israelites lived and through which they traversed to the Holy Land.

Hoffmeier, unlike many modern "minimalists," takes historical texts seriously, whether from the Bible or from Egyptian or other sources. While he teaches at a Christian institution and holds to an evangelical view of the Bible, he openly points out where the biblical record is strongly attested by archaeology and where that record has difficulties. He makes it clear that we do not presently have all the data, and probably never will; therefore, he says, we need to suspend judgment in some cases.

The book is well organized with an introduction to archaeology and its practice in the biblical lands. He then goes chronologically through the major periods of Israel's history and the times of the early church, showing the important archaeological discoveries that help to explain or illuminate the biblical text. Since his specialty is in the archaeology of the Egyptian settlement and exodus of Israel, his contributions in these chapters are especially interesting. He supports the so-called late date for the exodus. The materials he includes for the study of the united and divided monarchy of Israel are especially strong and well illustrated. The chapters on the New Testament trace the major locations and artifacts for the life of Jesus, the early Judean church, and the cities of Paul. Since the book is fairly recent, it includes major recent discoveries that further illumine the biblical narrative, including continuing debate on the Shroud of Turin and an interesting discussion on the disputed ossuary of James the brother of Jesus.

The Archaeology of the Bible is printed on high quality glossy paper, and the photography and graphics are excellent, making this book a good choice for a class or Bible study. Hoffmeier manages to cover a lot of material in fewer than 200 pages, and consequently many items are mentioned without much detail. This is a necessary tradeoff, and can be overcome by looking online for more details on any particular item. A helpful index makes looking up any particular city or event or artifact easy.

I recommend this book for anyone interested in biblical history or archaeology, especially to see the broad sweep of archaeology's contribution to the study of the Bible.

14 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Archaeology of the Bible, Hoffmeier, October 14, 2008

By 

S. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Archaeology of the Bible (Hardcover)

Hoffmeier's book has value for scholars and laypersons alike. Though simply written, the author's solid scholarship and on-site fieldwork are obvious at every point. Overall, I like Hoffmeier's work (though I disagree with Hoffmeier's 13th century B.C. date for the exodus--the evidence better fits a 15th century B.C. setting).

4.0 out of 5 stars From Genesis to NT, a look at biblical archaeology, January 29, 2012

By 

E. Johnson (El Cajon, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Archaeology of the Bible (Hardcover)

I love archaeology of the Holy Land, as there is just so much to find and new things are being discovered almost every month. Hoffmeier has put together a very nice book with good information. It is insightful and well laid out. There are good side articles that provide the reader with the ability to see how much can help verify the Bible names and places, though (as he points on page 30) not "prove" the Bible. If you like this, I think you will also like Hoerth & Mcray's Bible Archaeology, as I think it's a little easier read and better laid out. But generally, I would recommend this book, especially if you will be visiting the Holy Land any time soon.