Reviews (7)

Selfless Leader Serves As Example
Swindoll takes references to Moses from both the Old and New Testaments and weaves them together with observations and reflections into a relational, nonacademic read that gives the reader a grip on not just what Moses did, but on who Moses was as a person--and how he became that person by God's grooming.Through his conversational, anecdotal style, Swindoll invites the reader to personally take note of and apply divine principles as fleshed out by Moses--for ex, total surrender toGod's will and timing, enablement for service, challenges of opposition from without and within, standing alone with God, passing on the baton, etc.

Moses and me
Swindoll has done a great job in this series putting YOU in the the sandals of heroes. You may start asking yourself ... "What would Moses Do". I started encouraging Moses ... "Think it through Moses!"; "Moses!, what are you thinking!" as he bumbles along like me. God's Grace prevails. Good bedtime reading.

Excellent Book About a Biblical Leader!
Contrary to what the first reveiwer says, I believe "Moses" is excellent and consistent with Swindoll's other titles - warts and all.Indeed, since the Bible does not gloss over a person's sin, then why should books about Biblical characters overlook their flaws?We can learn important lessons from people's failures, specifically:how not to repeat them!Read more

Subjects:  1. (Biblical leader)    2. Bible    3. Bible - Biography - Old Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible.    6. Biography    7. Inspirational - General    8. Moses    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Religion    12. Religion - Biblical Studies    13. Old Testament    14. Reference    15. Religion / Bible / Biography / Old Testament    16. Saints & hagiography   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Judaism    3. Judaism - Sacred Writings    4. Religion - Judaism   

Reviews (4)

Title should be, "The Old Testament and some archeology"
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!

A Good Read For the Curious.
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 excellentcombination of archaeological interpretation and biblical interpretationsuitable for anyone who wants to know more about the Bible.Students andcurious readers alike will find an introduction to the techniques andmethods of archaeology.The book points to a plethora of artifacts anddigs that tell the cultural framework in which the biblical accounts takeplace.The text also deals with many liberal ideas in Archaeology, likethe idea that Joseph did not live in Egypt or the idea that most of the OldTestament was written by the exiled nation of Israel, in a way that shouldleave people making such claims scratching their heads.Every main storyin the Bible, from Abraham to the Birth of Christ (and even a chapter aboutthe time before Abraham), are covered.The more interested reader, or anydisinterested reader in need of sleep, will be satisfied with the abundantfootnotes full of references and other notes from Dr. Hoerth himself.Theonly thing I did not like about this textbook was the lack of colorfulpictures. . . so grump.But who ever said a book needs those to be good? Three cheers to Dr. Hoerth for writing such a fine text!

Oh! So THAT'S what that means!
I admit I'm a little biased towards this book - my father wrote it. But, this means I also know how much careful research and thought went into it, as well as the years of field-testing the lessons on unwary collegefreshmen. If what you want is a layperson's guide to the Old Testament froma conservative evangelical standpoint which takes the Bible as literallytrue and authoritative, this is your book. The jargon is kept to a minimumand there are many helpful illustrations and suggestions for furtherreading if a particular topic draws you in. It is meant to combine withJohn McRay's "Archaeology & the New Testament." Dad's made alife's work of demonstrating to students of all levels of expertise thatthe Old Testament is not frightening or inaccessible, it's full of storiesabout people just like you and me. This book fills a niche I don't thinkanything else does, and provides serious archaeology to counteract theincredible amounts of nonsense one sees about archaeology on TV. Wonderinghow David & Goliath REALLY stacked up as opponents? Buy the book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Archaeology    4. Bible    5. Bible - Study - Old Testament    6. Bible.    7. Biblical Archaeology    8. History of Biblical events    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Old Testament Commentary    12. Religion - Church History    13. Social Science    14. Sociology    15. Biblical Studies: Old Testament Backgrounds/Historical Studies/Archaeology    16. Biblical concordances & commentaries    17. Old Testament    18. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology   

Reviews (2)

A Must for any serious student of the Bible
This book is FINALLY back in print in the USA and for a very reasonable price! this is part of Eerdman's "Biblical Resource Series". "The purpose of The Biblical Resource Series is to bring back titlesthat the scholarly community regards as ESSENTIAL RESOURCES for thebiblical thinker of today." This is well organzied so even thebeginner can easily find information, and covers Nomadism, FamilyInstitutions, Civil Institutions, Military Institutions, and ReligiousInstitutions. An encyclopedia of sorts!Roland de Vaux (1903-1971) wasesteemed both as a biblical historian and as an archaeologist.If you getthis book, you also need to purchase Archaeology of the Land of the Bibleby Amihai Mazar available here. Both will get you moving in the directionof biblical studies.

Well worth the time to read!
This is a indepth look at Ancient Israel, but not at all dry.The author has a dry wit and great enthusiasm for his subject.Although he uses alot of Hebrew language references, I was still able to understand his explanations.The author's personal faith in the Christian God is evident and refreshing.He is not out to tear apart the Old Testament, but to help other's better understand the life and times in which it was written.For anyone who has had questions after reading the Old Testament, I highly recommend this book. Submitted by Wendy Lang, Orillia, Canada ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Bible - Reference - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. History    5. History Of Jews    6. History Of Judaism    7. Jews    8. Judaism    9. Judaism - General    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Social life and customs    13. To 70 A.D    14. History of religion    15. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    16. Jewish studies    17. Social history   

Reviews (4)

A Diverse Anthology of Views
No book of the Bible so clearly calls for a women's commentary than the Book of Ruth.Not only are the two central characters both women, but their relationship is the engine which drives the plot and is what accounts for much of our affection for the book. Reading Ruth, edited by Judith Kates and Gail Twersky Reimer is so successful that no one wanting modern views of this book can ignore it. A variety of viewpoints on the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth is familiar to most of us- we traditionally read it during Shavuot.On the surface Ruth is a pleasant story of a young woman who returns to Israel with her mother-in-law after the deaths of thier husbands.But the very simplicity of the story raises many questions.Until this collection of midrashim - interpertations and extentions of the story to fill in the gaps- that is where the matter lay.Now is it possible to read what contemporary well educated women think about this story and the questions raised.If you've never studied a Midrash, this is a good place to begin.If you have studied Midrashim, you will see how different the prespectives are in this book. Other writings on Ruth are both very old and written exclusively by men.This book is a must for anyone who enjoys studying and values a full perspective.

An introduction to women's midrash
Have you ever read Jewish midrash? How about midrash written by women?Here is an exciting new style/genre of biblical interpretation, which has been developing over the last decade or so.Previously midrash had been written only by men, excluding women's voices.At last women have entered this world, as the introduction says, to "create a room of our own in the house of study." READING RUTH includes 30 wonderful, loving, powerful,essays, each by a different author with a different viewpoint, including women rabbis, teachers, poets and storytellers. Each midrash is a jewel providing a string of jewels for meditation, like a rosary. What makes midrash so unique is that it allows for a creative interpretion, including the development of new folklore, new imaginings of what is possible for the Ruth story. It fills in places in the text where the story suggests these possibilities.For instance the landscape on the road to Bethlehem, or the festivities at the threshing floor. It adds the thoughts, emotions and inner workings in the minds of the characters that hinted in their words.READING RUTH is a marvelous place to begin or expand the study of Ruth, of midrash, of women's biblical commentary, and is highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Biblical teaching    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. Feminism    7. Judaism    8. Moral and religious aspects    9. O.T    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Religious aspects    13. Ruth    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Religion / Judaism / Sacred Writings   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (2)

A neat little book
Sarna's book guides the reader through Exodus, and tries to place it in the context of other Middle Eastern cultures (while at the same time not ignoring the key differences between Israel and its polytheistic neighbors).The book is full of interesting little tidbits: for example, "Mose" (meaning "son" or "one who is born" in Egyptian) was commonly a part of ancient Egyptian names, and kings had names like "Thut-mose" (so it makes sense that the egyptians would name a baby "Moses" or some variant thereof).Basically a work of history rather than theology--that is, it doesn't really purport to address the big questions of who wrote Exodus, etc.Rather, it shows readers how Exodus made sense to ancient readers familiar with heathen customs.

A book to savor and keep
I first read this book ...and his Genesis work..in library copies for a study group. I am buying both because the insight and the language literally transported me! Do not read this alone because you will want toshare thoughts. Even when you are alone, you will want to return to a lineand say it aloud. This will be a cherished book regardless of yourprofessed faith. I plan to give extra copies as gifts! The only reason itis four stars is because Exodus is getting five! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. Exodus    7. Judaism - History    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Old Testament - Single Book Studies    11. Religion    12. Religion - Judaism    13. Biblical concordances & commentaries    14. Books of the Old Testament    15. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    16. Judaism    17. Religion / Bible / Criticism, Interpretation / General   

Reviews (2)

The literature of Second Temple Judaism in one book...
Well, not all of the literature, but this book is by far the best encapsulation of all of the literature of the period in one place. Other works, such as those by Charlesworth, present the actual writings but I have not encountered a work that summarizes thematically the various beliefs of the period so concisely. Worth it?
This is an expanded addition of Kugel's excellent work "The Bible As It Was."It contains the same introductory material and thediscussion of all the "exegetical motifs" from the smallerversion plus a lot more.The question for all potential buyers is whetherthe addtions are worth the price.With "Traditions of the Bible"you will get about 50% more material for about three times the price.Thefull list of motifs is available in the lenthy table of contents on theAmazon page.Thus, readers can examine the list to decide if the extramaterial is what they need and, therefore, worth the price.Beyond thepure fascination of encountering the ways in which ancient interpretersaddressed the exegetical difficulties of the Torah, both volumes serve, inthe long term, as reference works.Anyone working on specific texts fromthe Torah will not want to be without all of the resources that Kugel haspulled together in these books. For some, these resources will be ample forthe task.For other, they will be a great starting point for furtherresearch.If the text you are working on is not in "The Bible As ItWas," that can be frustrating.If your intent is to have a referencework in your library to use for years to come while working on a widevariety of passages from the Torah, then "Traditions" may be agood buy on a cost-per-use basis.Certainly, any library will want topurchase the larger volume. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible - Topical Studies    6. Bible.    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Criticism, interpretation, etc.    9. History    10. O.T    11. O.T.    12. Old Testament Commentary    13. Pentateuch    14. Religion    15. Religion - Biblical Studies    16. Biblical concordances & commentaries    17. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    18. Judaism    19. Religion / Bible / Criticism, Interpretation / Old Testament   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible - General    4. Bible - Study - New Testament    5. Bible - Study - Old Testament    6. Bibles    7. History of Biblical events    8. Old Testament    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    11. Textbooks    12. Christian Interest    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion & Beliefs    15. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (3)

generally solid
Waltke (former Westminster prof) is a real master of the OT.This commentary is generally solid, but uneven.It has the feel of cleaned up lecture notes.In some places it is extremely rich and insightful, in others surprisingly thin and obvious.
Best of the best
Dr. Waltke has presented us with the best commentary on Genesis that I have read in a long time.As a Bible study leader this book is indispensable.He exegetes each section which he has divided up into Acts & Scenes - don't let this confuse you, it his own way of "separating" the contents.He not only give us exegetical notes but includes a theological review of each "Act".I have never read a book so designed to correctly use the Word of God.It not only is a delight to read but is a most helpful book for preparing a Bible study.His insights and high view of God are inspiring.

Not delivered
I ordered this book months back but it still has not arrived! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Commentaries    6. Genesis    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Religion    10. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    11. Christian Interest    12. Religion / Bible / Study / Old Testament    13. The Bible   

Reviews (8)

Secrets of the richest man who ever lived
Excellent book!I am going to get a Christian book clubgoing and this book is one I want to do.It is a keeper and great book to read over again.The author also recommends many other books too which was great.I agree with another reviewerit is better than a 5!

Top rating
This book is inspirational and packed with wisdom. I feel like I should be able to give this book more than five stars. If you can, get the hardcover Honor Books printing of this book.

EXCELLENT
Sometimes less is Best....I can go on about how EXCELLENT this book is...I've read some really good books, and this one is at the top of my list...It has fueled my passion to pursue my dreams. I came to realize from reading this book that I am an uncommon achiever and some of the very same things the author talks about, I have experienced in my life which strengthen me and let me know I'm on the right path.There are so many good and powerful nuggets in this book..I like the one that says "Solomon understood that you can only follow good advice when you recognize that you need it." I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about making changes in your life to be a blessing to the building of The Kingdom in all areas of your life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Christianity    3. Inspirational    4. Inspirational - Gifts    5. King of Israel    6. Religious aspects    7. Self-Help    8. Self-actualization (Psychology    9. Self-actualization (Psychology)    10. Solomon,    11. Success    12. Solomon   

Reviews (25)

This translation echos the real meaning behind these books
I have been studying the various aspects of the "Abrahamic" religions for a few years (Jewish, Christian, Islamic). I am fascinated by the grand debate among them and how it is based on interpretations of millennia old documents translated and retranslated with political intent, gender and social bias.
The Five Books Of Moses/ Fox' Version-- Critical Review
Until recently, I was unaware of the competing versions of the Bible by Biblical scholars Dr. Robert Alter and Dr. Everett Fox.Both have authored many books and critical essays about the Bible, culminating with parallel academic versions of The Torah (interestingly, they both chose the title, "The Five Books of Moses."), biography of David's life (both chose to use 1,2 Samuel) and both offered competing translations of Genesis.
What's a review if it doesn't review the book?
I happen to be a fan of Everett Fox's amazing translation of the Bible. Like all books there are positive things about it and some things I might have done differently. But the review by Ira Moon is what caused me to write. His so called "review"is a critique of the Bible itself--a critique that he is welcome to have of course; however, he would have that same critique of any edition of any Bible in any translation or the original. This review in no way reflects on Everett Fox's work either positively or negatively.I would hate to see someone not read this wonderful rendition of the Bible because Ira Moon dumped on it his opinions about the Bible in particular and religion in general. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. O.T    6. O.T.    7. Old Testament    8. Pentateuch    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    12. Judaism    13. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Inspirational    3. Inspirational - General    4. Old Testament Study Guide    5. Religion   

Reviews (5)

Foundational
Christianity contains the answer to the modern man's questions. This book provides the foundation for Christian belief and the understanding of an infinite personal God who is there.
Outstanding book, but should have been longer
It definitely would have gotten 5 stars had it been a little longer and more detailed.Here is my report on it for a class I had:
understanding Genesis
This is a very useful book to everyone who want to understand the main issues of Genesis like the Criation, the Fall and the Flood. Schaeffer apply the understanding of Genesis to our modern life. This way we can see how relevant is Genesis nowadays. If you are serius about Bible studying you should read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Genesis I-XI    6. O.T    7. Religion    8. Religion - Biblical Studies    9. Religion & Beliefs   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Christianity / Education / Adult    6. UNDATED ELECTIVE CURRICULUM ADULT BIBLE STUDY ELECTIVES TOPICAL   

Reviews (2)

has little to add to the old testament
This is a great book, very readable and scholarly. There exists one problem though: this book has practically nothing to add to what is written, just as clearly and just as easily accessible, in the old testament. A Nice Introduction to Ancient Israel
J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes' A History of Ancient Israel and Judah provides a solid introduction to the methods and problems of studying the development of the kingdoms that came to be known as Israel and Judah.Thebook deals with events from the time of Israel's origins (the Late Bronzeand Early Iron Ages) to the work of Ezra and Nehemiah (the fifth and fourthcenturies BCE).On the whole, A History is more cautious with the biblicaltexts than other histories of ancient Israel, such as John Bright's AHistory of Israel. Miller and Hayes spend less time offering guesses aboutthe more speculative aspects of Israel's history, such as the patriarchsand exodus, and concentrate their efforts on the later period (tenth tofifth centuries BCE) for which conclusions are more certain. From itsbeginning, this study is very much set within the geographical, political,economic, and religious context of the ancient Near East and Egypt as awhole.Perhaps the most attractive feature of this work is the inclusionof both photographs and fairly complete translations of extra-biblicaldocuments pertinent to various stages of Israel's history.A History isdivided into chronological segments, and the authors proceed by summarizingthe biblical texts germane to the time period, critically examining theseaccounts along with extra-biblical and archaeological evidence, and thendrawing conclusions.If the book has a major weakness, it is the absenceof either footnotes or endnotes, but the authors provide a sizable topicalbibliography at the conclusion of the book, and overall, A History ofAncient Israel and Judah is sound, readable scholarship. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Ethnic & Tribal    4. History    5. Jews    6. Judaism - History    7. Middle East - Israel    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. To 70 A.D    11. ASIA    12. Ancient World    13. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    14. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (2)

You'll never read Leviticus the same way again.
Dr. Allen Ross has taken what most Christians probably consider the most boring book of Scripture and opened it up theologically and historically to reveal the wealth and beauty God has placed there for those willing to learn and enjoy.
Excellent!
I had the priviledge of taking a class with Dr. Allen Ross.He is extremely qualified and is an expert on the Hebrew text.His commentary is right on, and deadly accurate.More importantly he gives information most authors skip over, reading his book gives anyone new insight into the Book of Leviticus ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - General    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Old Testament - Single Book Studies    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Biblical Studies: Pentateuch    9. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / Old Testament   

Reviews (5)

Challenging and Convicting - a Great Read!
This book has been the most challenging book I have read since "Experiencing God" by Blackaby. It forces you to look at what it really means to live out your Christian faith and seek to make a difference for God in this world.
Solid, Spiritual Advice
Chip Ingram here presents six characteristics needed to develop what he calls "holy ambition."Holy ambition is defined as living a life that leaves a spiritual legacy in the lives of others.The six traits he offers are:a dislocated heart, a broken spirit, a radical faith, a strategic plan, a personal commitment, and a courageous soul. Excellent
After seeing Chip Ingram at a conference, I was excited to get this book. If you are a Christian, just getting by ... read this book! It will challenge you, and make you re-think about your walk with Jesus. It is top notch, and lists many verses to study on the bible.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (33)

A must read for any one
This book was a great book in that the author was right on target.I learned alot about marriage and now my husband is reading the book.We have both agreed that our three daughters will read the dating and courtship sections before they are allowed to date.Then as they approach maturity and marriage, they will read the rest.The conflict resolution chapters for marriage gave great insight on how men and women think and how to approach a problem and resolve it.It is rare to come across a book on romance that is so biblically founded and so on target.I highly recommend it for everyone!!!

Bold Title
This book's title is "The Book of Romance: What Solomon Says About Love, Sex, and Intimacy"... from the way it is written, a better title might have been "The Book of Romance: What Tommy Nelson Says About Love, Sex, and Intimacy."
Christian Sexuality
Tommy Nelson does a great job of dispelling the myth that sensuality is not for us Christians.A really fun read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible - Topical Studies    4. Biblical teaching    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Criticism, interpretation, etc    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. Love & Romance    10. Marriage    11. O.T    12. Religion - Marriage & Family    13. Sex in the Bible    14. Song of Solomon    15. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance    16. Love & Marriage   

Reviews (2)

read it for the Song of Songs commentary alone
For centuries, rabbinic and Christian interpreters of the mysterious poem, Song of Songs, have argued over whether the dialogue is a mystical conversation between Israel/the believer and God on the one hand, or an erotic exchange between two human lovers on the other. Ellen Davis brilliantly and beautifully cuts through this false divide by showing how the Song is both these and more: a three-level presentation of the restored relationships between the people of God (Israel) and their lover (God); between human men and women (healing the rift from the Garden of Eden) and between Israel and the Land. With Davis' commentary, readers will suddenly experience the depth of this classic poem opened up with the spaciousness of the vast plains and the intimacy of the marital bed.
Exquisite Religious Reading of the Text
Ellen Davis is one of those rare scholars who is willing to go outside the mainstream to provide new and tantalizing interpretation of the Bible.Thinking particularly of her work on the Song of Songs, she gives a sensitive analysis that explores the religious metaphors of the Book. Rather than thinking of the Song as the least biblical of the Bible books, she argues that it is the most biblical of books. For example, the verse,"your nose is the tower of Lebanon" makes sense once you grasp that Lebanon is an exchange word for Jerusalem...since the temple of Solomon was built primarily from Lebanon wood.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Commentaries    5. Ecclesiastes    6. O.T.    7. Old Testament Commentary    8. Proverbs    9. Religion    10. Religion - Biblical Studies    11. Song of Solomon    12. Biblical concordances & commentaries    13. Books of the Old Testament