Customer Reviews

Survey of Israel's History, A

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We had to read this book for our Survey of Israel's History class in Bible college. It does what it says; it provides an overview of the history of the nation of Israel from her foundation to the inter-testamental period. Both Wood, the original writer, and the editor for the revised edition, were theologically orthodox evangelical/fundamental folks who believed in verbal, plenary inspiration, and this true presupposition is demonstrated in their view of the history of God's chosen nation. Their commitment to Biblcial truth is demonstrated, for example, in their dating of the Exodus to the 1400's B. C., which accords with Biblical data correctly interpreted (and also fits the facts of history, as he demonstrates) while most of those who wish to have greater acceptability in the unconverted world opt for a 1200's date. Modernistic ideas about Israel's history, such as JEDP, alleged inaccuracies with archeological data, etc. are dealt with and refuted. Overall, it provides a fine introduction to its topic and is well worth the time of a reader. I did not give it five stars, not because it is not a fine book, but because it is not absolutely outstanding and one of a kind, which is presumably what five stars is for; in other reviews that I have read it seems that the entire spectrum of five stars is not much used, with the great majority of the books receiving either four or five stars. So, what I mean with my rating is that it is a very good book, but not absolutely field-determinative. Also, as a KJV/TR only fundamental Baptist, I disagree with their views on preservation and upon other details, but no book is perfect. Overall, despite these problems, it is a fine work.

This book, `A Survey of Israel's History' is basically a chronological narration of the history of Israel. It traces the history from before its inception as a nation during the time of Abraham, till the period just before Jesus' birth.

Together with a narration and slight commentary based on the biblical text, the authors also provide arguments mostly based on archeological evidence to ascertain dates and locations of events and places in Israel's history. Using these evidences, they also paint the local geographical and cultural background of the places and surroundings of the events that they narrate.

Along they way, the authors also tackle some common arguments against the historical accuracy of the Bible, and very soundly argue for the validity of the inerrancy of the Biblical accounts. They defend the traditional conservative views of dates, places and events against modern liberal thought that seek to undermine the inerrancy of scripture.

The stance of the book is a conservative one, using the literal approach to scripture, especially of dates and genealogies. It assumes the factuality of scripture and views it as the highest and most correct truth, over and against tradition or archeological evidence. They hold strongly to the plain sense of scripture, choosing to accept the possibility of miraculous events against modernistic thought that seeks to explain away the miracles into natural events.

However, the book has quite a strong archeological focus. Whilst focus is still on the facts of the Bible, the authors, especially the reviser, tends to concentrate more on using the archeology to prove his case then the Bible itself.

Also, at times the spiritual significance of certain events are neglected in the commentary. The event is simply mentioned without any explanation of why God allows such or why it is recorded in such a way. A large portion of the book explains the `what' aspect of the events, but less of it is focused on the why.

Therefore this book would be useful for getting a good overview of the events in Israel's history from a conservative traditional viewpoint. These views are further enforced with archeological evidence. However, for a more biblically focused in depth study, a commentary of the individual books of the Bible would be required.

If you like history, you'll like just sitting down and reading this book. For others it is an excellent reference surveying the geographical, social, political and religious context of Israel from Abraham to the first century BC. Gives an excellent treatment of the inter-testamental period. Wood's chronology does tend to be off by one year on many dates in comparison to more widely accepted sources. Solidly evangelical.

This is a great look at Israel's history from a conservative standpoint. Be ready for lots of material. If you are not deep into this stuff the book can get kinda dry.

Great historical book. Takes you on the journey from Abraham to the promise land and further. Highly recommend....

I purchased this book for a Bible class I took. It has some archaeology, and historical items that relate to the Bible, although new findings have been found since this book was published. It touches on the books of the Old Testament, and the time between the testaments, and how those stories agree with historical records and customs of the day. It has some good information, but is not well suited for a study in depth. Also, I don't agree with the statements in the book seeming to not take the Bible to be the literal Word of God. The jumping around between versions was also irritating. If they just used the KJV, they wouldn't have to worry about contradictions. But overall, it was an okay read.

Good used book as advertised. Serves my purpose of study at a cheaper price.