Archaeology and the Old Testament [Hardcover]

Alfred Hoerth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998

This richly illustrated books gives visual context to the study of the people, customs, and history of the Old Testament world. Over 250 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Archaeological discoveries can shed a flood of light on the biblical text. In this richly illustrated resource, Alfred Hoerth surveys the entire Old Testament, pointing out the relevant archaeological material and explaining how it enriches biblical studies."Teachers and students alike will welcome the combination of Hoerth's informed scholarship and engaging style of presentation as he skillfully guides them through the many facets of biblical archaeology. His careful selection of material and his sensible approach to showing the reader how to use that material to gain understanding of the Old Testament combine to make this a superb introduction to the discipline. Hoerth's archaeological expertise is evident on every page. His years of teaching experience also yield their subtle fruits as he masterfully intertwines the biblical story with the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Archaeology and its finds become the tools of his craft as he artfully portrays the rich culture of the biblical world."--John Walton, Wheaton College"The book gives a wealth of information on ancient documents whose relevance for the biblical world is beyond dispute. The book includes good illustrations and charts, and all readers will profit from this eminently learned work."--Internationale Zeitschriftenschau für Bibelwissenschaft und Grenzgebiete"This volume is richly illustrated with over two-hundred photographs, line-drawings, chronological charts, maps, and tables. Each chapter is enhanced by a full reference list, as well as Scripture and subject indexes. Indeed, Hoerth has achieved what few have attempted, an integration of the Bible and recent archaeological discoveries in the ancient Near East, while retaining a generally high view of Scripture. This volume makes a significant contribution to the field and is essential for anyone interested in Near Eastern archaeology and the Bible. . . . Archaeology and the Old Testament will undoubtedly serve as a reference source for interested students of the Bible and a textbook for introductory archaeology courses in seminaries and parochial schools for many years to come."--Michael G. Hasel, Andrews University Seminary Studies"This volume provides a thoughtful introduction for students of the discipline and those preparing for ministry in the church."--Arie C. Leder, Calvin Theological Journal --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Alfred J. Hoerth taught archaeology at Wheaton College for almost thirty years, and has participated in numerous archaeological digs. He served as a coeditor for Peoples of the Old Testament World.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801011299
• ISBN-13: 978-0801011290
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Title should be, "The Old Testament and some archeology", February 22, 2001

By 

Gary Van Daele (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Archaeology and the Old Testament (Hardcover)

I am going to seminary and am reading this book as required for and archeology class. The book works from a chronological basis. Very readable, conservative, and generaly reliable information. Not much archeology! Mostly relates the Biblical narritive. Very weak on Jerico, Babylon, and Ur. Companion book by McRay is better by far!

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read For the Curious., January 3, 2000

By 

Nathaniel J. Wentzel (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Archaeology and the Old Testament (Hardcover)

Who would ever think that a textbook could be interesting? This textbook, which I studied during my Archaeology class taught by the author, focuses on the illumination of scriptures. Dr. Hoerth provides an excellent combination of archaeological interpretation and biblical interpretation suitable for anyone who wants to know more about the Bible. Students and curious readers alike will find an introduction to the techniques and methods of archaeology. The book points to a plethora of artifacts and digs that tell the cultural framework in which the biblical accounts take place. The text also deals with many liberal ideas in Archaeology, like the idea that Joseph did not live in Egypt or the idea that most of the Old Testament was written by the exiled nation of Israel, in a way that should leave people making such claims open to the possibility of more traditional accounts. Every main story in the Bible, from Abraham to the Birth of Christ, is covered. The more interested reader, or any disinterested reader in need of sleep, will be satisfied with the abundant footnotes full of references and other notes from Dr. Hoerth himself. The only thing I did not like about this textbook was the lack of colorful pictures... so grump (to quote Dr. Hoerth). But who ever said a book needs those to be good?

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clairified chronological review of the Old Testament, February 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Archaeology and the Old Testament (Hardcover)

Archaeology and the Old Testament is a fabulous compilation of events in the Old Testament for any newcommer to the study of Biblical Archaeology. It summarizes and places specific biblical events into the context of the period inwhich the event occured in a very "Non-Biblical" fashion (In otherwords - English!). A great book. However, some events are a little too summarized, and the reader is left with a few questions about what really happened. What is fantastic about this book is the way it brings together facts spread throughout the Old Testament and gives true relevance to the specific issue or event at hand (i.e., the story and history of Daniel!)