Reviews (35)

A Classic
An excellent yet in depth (no pun intended) book on the Great Flood. It can get technical since Henry Morris was a scientist but that only goes to show the amount of effort he put forth into writing the book. The book shames old earth ages and Darwinistic evolution in general. Highly recommended reading.

Laughable book more than out of date
To Reveiewer Striped Knees: I read this book in depth. The only bits of science come in a few statements of stuff like about how animals can develop different chaaracterics due to selective breeding by their human owners. Most of the book is sheer nonsense. Already pointed out about DNA studies showing conclusively that humanity is far more than 10,000 years old (the maximum age the GF writers would allot to humankind and then only grudgingly--see I read the book in detail) but also there is not anywhere near enough water on the earth's surface and under it's surface to produce of a flood of the type seen in the Bible. The water-canopy theories are ridiculous with a capital "r" also Noah and his family would have suffocated in a flood so enormous as what is described by the Bible as the earth's atmoshere would become unbreathable if there was suddenly that much water everywhere.

Age of Grand Canyon
The original edition of this book greatly impressed me
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (13)

Fascinating and well written
As the author points out, most books on the Bible come from either of two points of view: 1) historical, how did the book come about? or 2) from a particular religious tradition.
provides a richer understanding ofthe nature of the Hebrew Bible
This wonderful book makes the study of Genesis relevant to seekers of wisdom on many levels. The author states that he wrote this book for skeptics and the children of skeptics. This means that one can approach this book without necessarily being "religious" and still find much that is meaningful and relevant to contemporary lives lived. Most significantly Kass eliminates the need for many to deny the validity of the Torah on the basis of its historicity. After reading the Creation narrative only , one can easily understand why the book's historical reality should not stand in the way of its value. Kass' book is a commentary on the Book of Genesis, whichhas been around for 1000's of years and has provided wisdom, insight , comfort and an understanding of the human condition to countless readers. While Kass's interpretation is not be the only valid approach , it is an example of how the "slow reading" of the text by a sensitive and discerning reader can transform what seems to be an ahistorical and seemingly unscientific document into an astute observation on the nature and psyche of humanity and the existential challenges that we face. The author seeks to demonstrate how the Biblical text provides us with prescriptions for overcoming the hubris that affects so many of us. I have used this text as a teaching tool in my Grade 12 Torah class and in Adult Education and can report that it has contributed to thought provoking discussions and stimulated a fair amount of introspection by the audience. For the right reader , this book can contribute to alife altering experience , offering a vision of life not grounded the morass of postmodernistic nihilism.
Excellent discourse on Genesis
Genesis is one of my very favorite books in the Bible, and Kass's coverage has given me new insight into this wonderful book.I have just preached a series on the Patriarchs and used this book extensively.It's really good and full of new ideas.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Commentaries    7. General    8. Genesis    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Religion    12. Religion - Biblical Studies    13. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    14. Philosophy / General   

Editorial Review

James Kugel's Read more

Reviews (10)

A definite must have for anyone interested in the Pentateuch
Dr. Kugel sets out to produce a mixture of ancient and modern interpretations and does a wonderful job at it.While most of the interpretations are ancient coming from interpreters such as Philo, and others, Dr. Kugel helps explain them more smoothly by writing a brief analysis of each interpretation presented.The Bible as it Was, is truly a great way to learn about different interpretations other than the ones you hear in church.It offers a variety of interpretations, so that the reader can make up his own mind.While this book offers interpretations of the text, it might also offer some hard times to the devoted Christian, if they are not willing to accept that there may be other interpretations of these narratives.
Stripped down version ofKugel's Traditions of the Bible: A Guide to the Bible As It Was at the Start of the Common Era
An "affordable" condensed version of an expansive and also "expensive" scholarly effort called Traditions of the Bible: A Guide to the Bible As It Was at the Start of the Common Era
What did the Bible say before other people's interpretations
"The Bible as it was" is a wonderful and exhaustive work regarding scriptural interpretation and the first five books of the Bible.Early Jewish tradition was to fill in interpretive information when necessary to resolve items that were ambiguous or unclear.In addition, notes and commentary were often passed along with the texts and over time tended to become a part of the text.As a result, the Bible of today includes a lot of commentary as well as the original texts.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Old Testament Commentary    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    8. Criticism & exegesis of sacred texts    9. Judaism    10. Religion / Bible / Criticism, Interpretation / Old Testament   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc.    6. History    7. Middle Ages, 600-1500    8. O.T    9. O.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Song of Solomon    13. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    14. Books of the Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

My Bible Class Was Disappointed
As a pastor, I am very interested in theology but sometimes I have trouble applying it to the daily lives of my parishoners.I bought this book hoping it would help bridge that gap. Great Study
This is the first of Lucado's studies that we have used.This book rocks.I am most impressed by the diversity of disciplines utilized as Lucado helps us look at the Psalms.As believers, the format of the bookencourages us to read, pray, journal, contemplate and listen for God'svoice on a weekly basis.The topics covered are easily accessible toChristian and PreChristian alike.Our small group has been greatly helpedby this understandable, yet weighty study. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Institutions & Organizations    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Christianity    6. Religion / Bible / Study / Old Testament    7. Study Guides   

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible.    6. Criticism, Form    7. Criticism, interpretation, etc    8. Job    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Old Testament Commentary    12. Religion    13. Religion - Biblical Studies    14. Ruth    15. Wisdom literature   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Bible.    3. Christian women    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    6. Criticism, interpretation, etc    7. O.T.    8. Religion    9. Religion - Biblical Studies    10. Religion - Christian Living    11. Religious life    12. Ruth    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion & Beliefs    15. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (1)

Chumash Stone Editon - a wonderful translation
First, I would like to say that I received this item sooner than anticipated, which was my first surprise. Second, upon opening the package I find my books are truly beautiful.The embossed front cover is a wonderful work of art.The paper is of a fine quality, and the print is easy to read, both in Hebrew as well as in English.The commentary is astounding in its insights and quality.I would highly recommend this treasure to any who was asking for the word's of Hashem in English as well as in His Holy language. ... Read more

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

Reviews (5)

Excellent Book for Men's Bible Study
Although this book carries a recent date, it is actually a reprint of a book that was first published over 40 years ago.It is not a revised edition, or anything.Just the latest printing.I make a point of mentioning that, because there are some statements in the book that obviously date it and are a bit distracting.But this is a devotional text on the life of David, who lived quite a bit more than 40 years ago, so if you can get past some of the outdated references, this really is a very good book. One of the best books I have read
This is an incredible book we used for a guys small group.Every chapter has been highlighted an re-read many times, and I continue to get more from it every time I read it.I can't recommend this book any higher.

Excellent Christian reading and very practical
Alan Redpath gives precious insights in his study of the life of David and relates them to modern day Christian life extremely well. An excellent book for serious Christians! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Biography - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. General    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies   

Reviews (1)

An excellent resource for understanding the Old Testament!
This guide along with Celia Marshall's guide to the New Testament provides the reader with a clear understanding of the composition of the Bible.She also provides ways for the reader to interpret the Bible.I like theworkbook format and the tear out pages.I am a pastor who teaches theBible in a church.I use this guide often in my classes.I find Celia'sexplanation of things to make so much sense.I find that church people whouse this guide on their own have a better understanding of the OldTestament.It makes my work easier when trying to explain difficultpassages from the Old Testament to them.I would recommend this guidealong with the guide to the New Testament to anyone who wants to know theBible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. O.T    5. O.T.    6. Old Testament Commentary    7. Religion    8. Religion - Biblical Studies    9. Textbooks    10. Youth Ministry    11. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (1)

Knowledge intensifier
This bible study by Max Lucado brings scripture to a whole new level.He starts out with simple questions that trigger thoughts in your mind.And moves toward more introvert questions that cause you to evaluate that areaof your life.This study is good for those who are seeking to know Godbetter and understand his love letter to us more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - New Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Religion    4. Religion - Biblical Studies    5. Religion / Bible / Study / New Testament    6. Study Guides   

Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Christianity - Education - General    5. Criticism, interpretation, etc    6. O.T.    7. Preaching    8. Psalms    9. Religion    10. Religion - Church Music    11. Religion - Worship - Preaching    12. Sermons    13. Sermons, American   

Reviews (3)

A secular version
If you believe in divine revelation, this book is not for you.If you regard the bible as written by humans and interesting to you for cultural reasons and also have some knowledge of Hebrew, I think this is easily the best commentary on Exodus.It treats Exodus largely as folklore.I was particularly impressed by how Propp explains the parting of the sea by Yahweh as a demythologizing of earlier myths in which Yahweh defeats Yamm, the god of waters.But the book is hard work and you need to study it together with a Hebrew Bible.

Worth Buying
Propp's commentary is certainly worth buying for any serious scholar. However, after such a long wait for the Anchor to come out on Exodus, I must say it is a disappointment.His theological presuppositions cause him to leap from A to Z without displaying solid reasons.His distinction between what is hypothesized and what is fact is an interesting one, since the bulk of Biblical studies is hypothesis (not to mention that the source and redactional elements are, although held at some consensus in general, are certainly in the details to be considered speculative). His attention to narrative pattern (lack, initiator, hero, etc.) is to be commended, but his conclusion that the story is fiction (from that standpoint alone) does not logically follow. All narrative (true or false) follows this pattern in one way or another.His constant modernist judgements upon the text are a bit tiring, since one pays to see facts and theological insights in its historical context, not a commentator with an attitude against the text (For instance, the irony of his statement that the author was ignorant concerning how one ought to capture a snake, since the Exodus story has YHWH telling Moses to pick up the serpent by the tail, is ironic, since it is Propp that obviously does not understand how a large snake is always caught in the wild to maneuver the snake in an effort to avoid being bitten---by the tail. Perhaps he should have asked a herpetologist on that one.) In any case, if one can get past Propp's "We're more informed than the primitive author/redactor, and his jumps in logic, the commentary has a lot to say and make one think over the issues. As a final note, Source and Redaction criticism are usually meant to give insight into the text and should not be used (as Propp does many times) to simply side-step an issue.A commentary on Exodus that really considers the issues, rather than blowing them off is, unfortunately, still needed. In any case, I wanted gold from Anchor, but I guess I'll settle for bronze.

The greatest work of scholarship, and totally readable
Worth every minute of the 35-year wait; that says it all.Any person with any life of the mind whatsoever should buy this book immediately. ... 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. Old Testament Commentary    7. Religion    8. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    9. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

Great for indepth study!
I have a very old paperback of this with a copyright of 1956.This "Doubleday Anchor Original" is a bold and interesting book for the laymen. Though my copy is not and should not be used for a scholarytool. It is a step in that direction.

Excellent translation
I 've read other translation of the scrolls butfind them not as appealling or poetic or powerful. This translation shows the intense care and knowledge of it's subject. It's very important to keep good writings like this available to all believers of those that think they can honerthe traditions of true caring for creation andGod. This book is very connected to the Essene Gospel of Peace of Jesus Christ by Edmond Bordeaux Szekely. I read these constantly together. The question is why do important writings likethis go out of print. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. History    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies    6. Judaism    7. Religion / Bible / Study / Old Testament   

Reviews (2)

O.T. word study dictionary
I had seen this book and known exactly what I was getting and it is all I expected.

An excellent tool!
I consider this dictionary a real tool for the study of the Old Testament words. I think it is better and more updated than the "Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon of the O.T." and more handy with bigger letters than the classic "The New Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius Hebrew-Aramaic-English Lexicon". I think the book is directed to the novice as well as to the scholar student of the Bible. It is a pity that is not so much known as many other Hebrew dictionaries. Perhaps it lacks somewhat of the apparent and refined scholarship of other dictionaries, but personally I prefer its simple, concise and direct analysis of the entries it uses. Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Reference - Dictionaries & Encyclopedias    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Bible.    4. Concordances, Hebrew    5. Dictionaries    6. English    7. General    8. Hebrew language    9. O.T.    10. Religion    11. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (3)

Essential read for the novice and serious student of the Bible
Brown gives advice on studying the Bible in a clear and succinct maner.The book is easy to read, yet deep in its message.I would recommend it to both the novice and advanced student of the Bible.

A great little book
This book packs a lot of punch in 156 pages. It is very well written and a very enjoyable read. While it is intended for people of faith, I highly recommend it to anybody interested in reading the bible intelligently.

What Brown Does Tell You
Faith threatened by Bible study? Well, it depends on what kind of Bible study you're speaking of. In the academic arena, the student of Scripture had better be prepared for more than Sunday School. Such a student will find a worthy introduction and guide to the field of biblical studies in what Brown has to say.I should add, that this is an introduction to the field as is it today represented in the mainline seminaries and universities, and therefore needs to be balanced with several conservative works for a fuller representation of the field.This said, the student of the Scriptures will get a good idea of where the field is at today.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - New Testament    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Religion    6. Religion - Biblical Studies    7. Study and teaching    8. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis   

Reviews (23)

The Good Book through very honest eyes
I've seen the Hebrew Bible explained by true believers of several kinds, or critics of various sorts. But never have I seen it examined with such open curiosity. With Rabbi Telushkin as a guide, I was struck as never before by the Bible's painful honesty. It faithfully records the pain of inhumanity and the cost of each moral victory. But I seem to need an unblinking guide like Telushkin to really expose this.
More than a surevey, Telushkin provides invaluabe insights
This is the third Telushkin book I have read, and I am not disappointed.The book is not merely a summary of the key events in the Tanach.Telushkin breaks down the events into easily digestable nuggets.This approach allows Telushkin to provide suprising depth of anaylsis, drawing from both Talmudic and medieval commentaries, as well as more modern Rabbinic scholarship.Reading this book is a very enriching experience that inspires the reader to study further.

A must have in your Jewish library
If you are looking to know more about Judaism one of your best investments is to buy any book written by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Especially, "Jewish Literacy" and "Biblical Literacy" because both of these books have all the essential information about pretty much everything and they are great reference to have in your library once you are done reading them for the first time.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    3. Bible - Reference - General    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible.    6. Introductions    7. Jewish Law    8. Judaism    9. Judaism - General    10. O.T    11. O.T.    12. Old Testament    13. Religion    14. Religion - Judaism    15. Concordances & commentaries    16. Religion / Bible / General   

Reviews (17)

Mount Sinai has been hidden for Centuries--This Book Reveals It
Ever yearn for some armchair adventure?Bob Cornuke is a former SWAT investigator and now turned explorer and adventurer.In this highly readable book, IN SEARCH OF THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD (Broadman & Holman Publishers) you can go along with Bob and Larry Williams as they search for the real location of Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
REVIEWING SOME REVIEWERS
[Originally posted on 2004, May 6.]
disappointed a bit but also intrigued...
I read the Search for the Missing Gold or whatever first and was VERY disappointed to see that this was basically the same story. Why couldn't they have presented the information in an orderly, systematic manner and not like a soap opera.Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Arabian Peninsula in the Bible    3. Bible    4. Bible - Study - Old Testament    5. Bible.    6. Exodus    7. Geography    8. History    9. O.T    10. O.T.    11. Old Testament    12. Religion    13. Religion - Church History    14. Revelation on Sinai    15. Travel    16. Voyages And Travels   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Stories - Old Testament    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Religion    5. Religion - Biblical Studies    6. Religion / Bible / Study / Old Testament    7. Study Guides   

Reviews (8)

great deal
thanks for the book, great service..shipping a bit slow..but was a big help to find discounted books

Historic & Insightful
Bright does nothing to insult or diminish the traditions of religous persons; nor does he ask those with pure scholastic interest to carry beliefs in line with any given tradition.Instead, he articulates the scripture's statements of history and infuses external sources in a lively narrative reading that provides much insight into the history of Israel. Hebrew Scripture is not dismissed with harsh disregard for its riches; external evidence is not dismissed either.Tensions are allowed to remain and presented to the reader.

Good, but not objective
I had to write this when I saw the other reviews.I purchased the book because I felt that it would be an objective analysis of the archeological findings from the region.Israel and Palestine are some of the most heavily excavated real estate in the world.If there had been a palace of Salomon and David, it would have been found by now - and properly identified in time.Much of the work in this book I would describe as wishful thinking.Its fine to take the Hebrew Bible as a guide, just as others took Homer's Iliad as a guide to Troy.But no one seriously feels that finding some evidence for a historical Troy means that Hector, Paris and Helena were real people.Nice story, but without some factual evidence, it's still just a nice story, no matter how strongly you believe.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. History    3. History - General History    4. Jews    5. Judaism - History    6. Middle East - Israel    7. Religion    8. To 70 A.D    9. Biblical studies, criticism & exegesis    10. History of religion    11. Judaism    12. Old Testament