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History

On the context of the ancient world and the Bible ––– from daily life and practices to overarching historical narrative, events, and anthropology of empires, nations, tribes, religions, cultures, and more.

The Cyrus Cylinder —

How this famous cylinder and ancient historians verify the rebuilding of Jerusalem

The Cyrus Cylinder —

How this famous cylinder and ancient historians verify the rebuilding of Jerusalem

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The fall of the Neo-Babylonian Empire was finalized by the takeover of her capital city: Babylon. This takeover occurred in 539 BC by the Persian Empire and its unifying king, Cyrus the Great. The event is recorded in the Biblical Book of Daniel and by
Iron For All Men

Iron For All Men

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The Bible often uses everyday objects and experiences to convey spiritual truths. In some cases, it can take a bit of research to really get to the heart of the message, especially today since we’re now thousands of years removed from its date of writing.
The Cave Psalm

The Cave Psalm

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Israel has been home to a vast system of wadis from the most ancient of times. Wadis are dried waterways that experience seasonal flooding. They can vastly range in size from shallow to very deep, and narrow to very wide. They are beautiful, mysterious, and
Abel Beth Maacah —

When war, wisdom, and a wealth of archaeological evidence prove the Biblical account

Abel Beth Maacah —

When war, wisdom, and a wealth of archaeological evidence prove the Biblical account

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In 2 Samuel 20, we’re introduced to a city named Abel Beth Maacah. This city is brought to the forefront of Israel’s national drama after the end of Absalom’s rebellion against his father King David–––the tribes decided to invite David back to Jerusalem as their
On Sacrifices —

A quick look at the early history of sacrifices in the first five books of the Bible.

On Sacrifices —

A quick look at the early history of sacrifices in the first five books of the Bible.

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In the ancient Near East, religious sacrifices were extremely common. They were offered to various deities and consisted of valuable consumable resources like animals, grains, drink and oil, as well as culturally prized items like incense, clothing, jewelry, precious metals and stones. When thinking of
The Golden Calf —

Why did ancient Israel worship a golden calf in Exodus 32 and 1 Kings 12?

The Golden Calf —

Why did ancient Israel worship a golden calf in Exodus 32 and 1 Kings 12?

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Two major instances of idolatry in the Bible are directly connected with ancient Egypt. One occurred under the leadership of Aaron while Moses was delayed on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 32), and the other was initiated by Jeroboam after he successfully took control of a fragmented