Product Description

Featuring a four-color interior, over 500 full-color photographs, in-text maps, detailed charts, study notes and cultural facts that bring the ancient biblical world to life … The Archaeological Study Bible will opens your eyes to the archaeological, historical, and cultural contexts of the stories you read and the people you meet in Scripture.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4147 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 2336 pages

From the Back Cover
"Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God’s Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers’ personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world. Features include: • Four-color interior throughout • Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts • Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts • Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout • Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information • Detailed charts on pertinent topics • In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action "

About the Author
Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (PhD, Brandeis University) is distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over 40 books, including Toward an Exegetical Theology: Biblical Exegesis for Preaching and Teaching; The Messiah in the Old Testament; and The Promise-Plan of God; and coauthored An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Dr. Kaiser and his wife, Marge, currently reside at Kerith Farm in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Dr. Kaiser’s website is www.walterckaiserjr.com.

Walter C. Kaiser, (hijo) (Ph.D., Brandeis University) es profesor distinguido de Antiguo Testamento en el Seminario Teológico de Gordon-Conwell.

Duane Garrett (Ph.D., Baylor Univerity) is John R. Sampey Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The Holy Bible, New International Version ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society NIV Archaeological Study Bible Copyright © 2005 by The Zondervan Corporation All rights reserved Published by Zondervan Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, U.S.A. www.zondervan.com Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2005934075 The NIV Side-Column Cross-reference System, copyright © 1984. The NIV Concordance, copyright © 1982, 1984. Color Maps, copyright © 2000, 2005 by Zondervan. Photography: See Acknowledgements and Photographic Permissions on page xvii. Cover image displays the ruins of Ephesus. The “NIV” and “New International Version” trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society. The NIV text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic or audio), up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, providing the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible nor do the verses quoted account for 25 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted. Notice of copyright must appear on the title or copyright page of the work as follows: Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. When quotations from the NIV text are used in non-saleable media, such as church bulletins, orders of service, posters, transparencies or similar media, a complete copyright notice is not required, but the initials (NIV) must appear at the end of each quotation. Any commentary or other Biblical reference work produced for commercial sale that uses the New International Version must obtain written permission for use of the NIV text. Permission requests for commercial use within the U.S. and Canada that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530. Permission requests for commercial use within the U.K., EEC, and EFTA countries that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., a member of the Hodder Headline Plc. Group, 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH, England. Permission requests for non-commercial use that exceed the above guidelines must be directed to, and approved in writing by, International Bible Society, 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. Printed in China 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 /CTC/ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 You will be pleased to know that a portion of the purchase price of your new NIV Bible has been provided to International Bible Society to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world! www.ibs.org The purpose and passion of International Bible Society is to faithfully translate, publish and reach out with God's Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of his Body. Introduction to 2200 B.C. 2100 2000 1900 1800 1700 1600 1500 1400 Creation, fall The flood The Tower of Babel Abraham’s life (c. 2166–1991 B.C.) Isaac’s life (c. 2066–1886 B.C.) Jacob’s life (c. 2006–1859 B.C.) Joseph’s life (c. 1915–1805 B.C.) Book of Genesis written (c. 1446–1406 B.C.) Genesis A U T H O R , P L A C E A N D DAT E O F W R I T I N G Genesis is, strictly speaking, an anonymous work. Historical tradition, however, as well as Biblical attestation, assigns authorship to Moses (see, e.g., Mk 12:26; Lk 24:27; Jn 1:45; Ro 10:5; 2Co 3:15). MosesÕ author ship would not have required him to write the entire book. In fact, all of the Genesis events took place long before Moses was born, indicating that he must have used sources.We might view Moses as an editor/historian who, in addition to receiving God’s direct and supernatural communication, drew together details of the family histories of Abraham and his descendants, as they existed in the Israelite community in Egypt, into a single text. Scholars who question Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch (Ge–Dt) generally support one or another variant of the Documentary Hypothesis (see “The Documentary Hypothesis” on p. 15). If Moses did indeed write/compile Genesis, he must have done so during the Israelites’ exodus wandering period, probably between 1440 and 1400 B.C. (see “The Store Cities of Pithom and Rameses” on p. 86, “The Pharaoh of the Exodus” on p. 98, “The Date of the Exodus” on p. 106, “The Hyksos and the Old Testament” on p. 121 and “The Conquest of Canaan” on p. 310). Those scholars who suggest that the Pentateuch was written as a single work during the exile typically place the date of authorship at about 550 B.C. A U D I E N C E Genesis records the stories of the creation, the fall into sin, the flood, the call of Abraham and the early history of the ancestors of Israel. The Genesis stories were probably circulated among the Israelites living in Egypt, reminding them of their familial and spiritual heritage and explaining their current situation. Genesis preserved individual stories (like those about Joseph) that could afford hope to God’s enslaved people. Promises to Abraham about the future of his progeny (e.g., 15:1–7) also would have encouraged them. Later, Israelites directly involved in the exodus, as well as their succeeding generations, no doubt read Genesis in order to understand this piece of the great saga of their national origin. The fulfillment of God’s historical promises to the patriarchs served as a testimony to his continuing faithfulness. C U LT U R A L FA C T S A N D H I G H L I G H T S Genesis records the birth and early history of humankind. Not only did God create the physical world, but he also formed man and woman in his own image and endowed them with the gift of free will. Over time changes took place, including humanity’s fall into sin and the resultant great flood. Tribes, cities and civilizations ebbed and flowed, rising and declining in a rhythm that has characterized human history ever since. Centuries passed, and at some point God chose to concentrate his particular attention on one individual from an ordinary, idol-worshiping family—who in his turn opted to listen and obey. From such unimpressive roots began the triumphant—if often temporarily tragic— saga of redemption history. T I M E L I N E INTRODUCTION TO G E N E S I S 3 A S Y O U R E A D Note how quickly and irreversibly the human race turned its back on Eden and on perfect fellowship with God (chs. 2–3) and how God responded (chs. 4–8). Then, through the unlikely choice of a still-childless patriarch, God began to form the family from which the Israelite nation would spring (chs. 11–30; 49). Study the life of Joseph, from his years of slavery to his meteoric rise to power in a strange land to his revelation to his unsuspecting brothers (chs. 42–45). This book explains how and why the Israelites came to live in Egypt, setting the stage for what would happen to this special people in Exodus and beyond. D I D Y O U K N O W ? • An individual in the ancient Near East could claim rights to a well on someone else’s land (21:25–30). • The bride price paid by a husband’s family was to be held in trust to provide for the wife if she were to find herself abandoned or widowed (31:14–16). • A man’s seal, cord and staff were symbols of his individual and corporate identity—the ancient equivalent of an I.D. card or signature (38:17–18). • Both the Egyptians and the Babylonians compiled “dream books,” containing sample dreams with keys to their interpretation (40:8). • The philosophy behind the Egyptian practice of embalming was a belief that the body was to be preserved as a repository

Customer Reviews

A Truly Great Publishing Event!

I have been using the New King James Bible since 1984, but prior had bought an NIV published by Zondervan back in the early 1980's that was called the NIV Pictorial Bible. Have searched many times unsuccessfully to find a newer copy, since my original is pretty beaten up.

Coming upon this new Archaeological Study Bible by Zondervan in NIV I could hardly believe my eyes. Finally this was the bible I had been seaching for, but this copy is a vast improvement over the older NIV Pictorial Bible. Where the old Pictorial, for example, had 1266 pages, this newer Bible has 2306.

I differ from several reviewers in that I am now using this Bible as my main, daily study Bible. Yes, the print is small, but even at 62 years of age and retired, I can handle that without difficulty. Plus the added feature of the CD-ROM included with this Bible allows one to load it into the computer to read off-line when desired. Thank you Zondervan, a very nice added feature to this Bible.

Since I purchased a black, top grain leather covered Bible, the only smell I receive is one of newness, and leather. Possibly the glue on the bonded or lesser copies accounts for that. But since I will be using the Bible as an everyday one, I opted for the leather. When active in ministry I had a few bonded leather copies, and they just don't hold up. I have found through experience the full leather is the best for my use.

I could not be happier with this Bible. And though it is termed an "archaeological" Bible, it is much, much more than that. While it does offer archaeological information, it equally offers social, historical, and cultural as well. This is the best well rounded Bible I have ever seen.

If you are seeking a very exceptional Bible, I would suggest you at least look this one over.

Semper Fi.

Excellent concept that needs refining
The concept of the Archaeological Study Bible is a unique one. Our understanding of Biblical times, places, and customs have been greatly advanced (especially in the last century) by the work of archaeologists. It seems natural to have a study Bible that provides the reader insight into the archaeological discoveries that directly relate to Biblical accounts. While the concept is good, and while this study Bible has many solid and interesting insights, the product is not yet refined.

The Bible is the account of God's activity in the world from its creation through its redemption, through its end, to the establishment of the New Heavens and the New Earth. The text of the various Biblical books finds their center of gravity in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Indeed every book of the Bible is about Jesus. The NIV is translation that has enjoyed widespread use over the past several decades...even if its popularity is waning. The NIV translation strives to strike a balance between faithfulness to the original language of the text and readability; but if a difficult reading occurs and the translators have to make a choice between a wooden-yet-accurate translation or a readable-yet-paraphrased translation, they go with the latter. The NIV is easy to read "in your head," but doesn't sound very majestic when read out loud (e.g. in a worship service).

The footnotes and articles provided by the editors of the Archaeological Study Bible provide insights into the culture, customs, geography, and other idiosyncrasies of the period covered by the Biblical text. Common building techniques are covered; unique aspects of language (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic) are brought out; important historical persons (who may or may not appear in the text) are analyzed; and the state of world-politics is emphasized. The conservative view that holds the authority of the Bible highly and presumes the historical accuracy of accounts is the paradigm through which the editors devise their notes--although they started out de-emphasizing the Biblical account of creation (hinging on the Hebrew "yom") and questioning the world-wide nature of the Flood (citing watermarks on local mountains only). But beyond these debatable points, the footnotes are solid. They often address points of isogogical/archaeological debate (e.g. who authored a particular book).

Yet, the Archaeological Study Bible is still not as good as it could be. Many of their notes only tangentially relate to the text and do not aid in the reader's understanding. One example occurs in Job 3 where Scripture reads that Job scratched his sores with potsherds. A large box then explains the great importance of potsherds in archaeology (dating, identifying cultures, trading partners, etc.). It is interesting, but knowing about the archaeological importance of potsherds doesn't deepen my understanding of Job. A photograph or artistic rendering of what one of those potsherds (or pots) might have looked like would have been much more helpful. Further, many of the photographs included have little (if anything) to do with the text or note. Few maps and diagrams are included that would have greatly illuminated my understanding of the layout of cities, characteristics of evolving technology, travelogues of the Israelites, Paul, Joshua's army, etc.

Unique neither-good-nor-bad aspects of this study Bible should be mentioned. One understandable aspect of the notes is that the historical portions of the Bible receive a fuller treatment in the footnotes than poetry or the epistles. Again, while the Archaeological Study Bible does a good job of keeping itself free of testy doctrinal debates, it will often point out Old Testament Messianic prophesy, summaries of Paul's points in his epistles, and possible explanations of John's visions in Revelation.

I neither recommend this study Bible, nor advise against buying it. The overall impression I get is that the editors or publishers couldn't decide if they wanted to attract a wide readership (hence the less-accurate NIV translation and notes about doctrine and prophesy) or a narrow, specialized audience (use of jargon, lack of maps). The end result is that neither group will be entirely satisfied. If you do decide that this would be a helpful study Bible for you, I would recommend buying the least expensive available--future editions will certainly be forthcoming featuring streamlined notes and updated archaeological discoveries (which are new every year; indeed, I cannot recall whether the recently-discovered ossuary of James or remnants of the first-century Christian church is mentioned in the notes). In all: an excellent concept with strong indications that the scholars and editors worked hard on this study Bible, but the end result leaves room for improvement, which I expect will come in future editions.

A Beautiful Book
Hardcover Edition

Like: This is a beautiful Bible and the parchment-type pages add to the beauty. The colorful artwork and articles are interesting and helpful, as are the footnotes. It's a temptation to go through and read all the archaeological and historical notes right away just because they look cool. There is a sense, with the articles and info right with the Scriptures, that I'm gaining a great deal more. I've gone back to reading the Bible every night...THAT makes it worth it.

Dislike: I did find the type to be extremely small, especially the footnotes, and this was with my reading glasses on; however, with very good light it's not a problem.

Also disliked the fact that the writers had to put NIV disclaimers in some of the articles. I found that to be odd.

Note: The Bible is rather large, but no larger than a four version parallel one and it fits into an extra-large Bible cover.

Added Note: At the time of purchase I was using reading glasses, it was hard to read even WITH the glasses on and worse without---blurry. :)