Customer Reviews

Everyday Life in Bible Times

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This book journeys back into biblical times, where the reader may learn about ancient customs, jobs, food, and furnishings of the Old and New Testaments. Now in its third edition, Concordia Publishing House first published this book in 1947 as part of the Concordia Leadership Training Series. Later, in 1959, Dr. Klinck revised the first edition (therefore, the 2nd edition). Now in this 3rd edition, Dr. Kiehl has revised the text, bringing it up to date.

Each chapter of the text list dozens of specific Bible references, which will aid any reader from pastor to layperson. Also included in this little gem are simple line drawings and illustrations that show commonly used equipment, materials, structures, and raw goods. Last, the text includes review questions and exercises at the end of each chapter, which may or may not be used to increase biblical knowledge and strengthen the chapters' lessons.

Although this a short book (171 pgs.), it is filled with specific information on how people lived in Bible times. The sections are by tasks performed. The illustrations are small, black and white drawings used mainly to show what something looked like.

"Everyday Life in Bible Times" is a Bible background book about everyday life in Bible times. It covered the time period of the whole Bible and contained scripture references (usually just the chapter and verse so you can look it up) that might make more sense after reading that section. The book is a quick, easy read, but it contained a lot of information. The book covered many subjects and described the steps of how each activity was done (based on ancient literature, archeological findings, and how similar cultures still do it).

This book covered the topics of hunting, fishing, herding (including shepherding), grain growing from sowing to harvesting, vineyards, orchards, types of food and drink and it's preparation, different types of homes and how they were furnished, various trades (weaving, spinning, dying, carpenter, potter, metalworker, tanner, tent making, stonecutter, day laborer), writing, music, time keeping, traveling, weights and measures, how they dressed, marriage ceremony, child upbringing, toys, festivals, burials, and more.

There were black-and-white line drawings of what the various tools, foods, and such looked like. This is a good, informative book, especially if you're interested in the actual steps of how an activity was done (though this isn't a do-it-yourself guide) rather than simply learning which activities were done. I'd highly recommend it.

I looked for a textbook to use for a Bible study class that stepped outside the normal box we usually use. Everyday Life in Bible Times was the best I could find for a short term study that was very readable, interesting, informative, and made the Bible stories "human". Our class of 20 relish their copy of the book and will use it as a reference for future use. I really recommend this book for this kind of study.Everyday Life in Bible Times