This comprehensive volume provides detailed descriptions, illustrations, and context for many of the Bible’s historical and cultural references. Bible stories are full of objects, manners, and customs that would have been easily recognized by people living in the Middle East during ancient times. Towns have their walls and gates; agriculture has its threshing instruments and carts; the tabernacle has its altars and lavers of brass. But while the terms used to describe these items were once common knowledge, they leave many modern readers wondering about their specific meanings. This volume offers a clearer understanding of the Bible through accessible information about its many historical references. Organized by subject matter, it includes chapters on everything from vegetation to coinage, matrimony, weaponry, transportation, idolatry, and holy places, among many other topics. Based on archeological research, The Illustrated Dictionary of Bible Manners & Customs helps readers attain a more vivid sense of the Bible’s rich background and longstanding influence.

The most comprehensive, up-to-date, accurate information on life in Bible times available in one volume for the general reader.

This is a valuable resourse book through the Bible, explaining many customs practiced in Bible times. Not only is it easy to understand, but it is also filled with many helpful illustrations.

In this new edition of a successful book (over 120,000 copies sold), now updated throughout, a leading expert on the social world of the Bible offers students a reliable guide to the manners and customs of the ancient world. From what people wore, ate, and built to how they exercised justice, mourned, and viewed family and legal customs, this illustrated introduction helps readers gain valuable cultural background on the biblical world. The attractive, full-color, user-friendly design will appeal to students, while numerous pedagogical features--including fifty photos, sidebars, callouts, maps, charts, a glossary of key terms, chapter outlines, and discussion questions--increase classroom utility. Previously published as Manners and Customs in the Bible.

The Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible gathers nearly 5,000 alphabetically ordered articles that thoroughly yet clearly explain all the books, persons, places, and significant terms found in the Bible. The Dictionary also explores the background of each biblical book and related writings and discusses cultural, natural, geographical, and literary phenomenae matters that Bible students at all levels may encounter in reading or discussion. Nearly 600 first-rate Bible authorities have contributed to the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible. Intended as a tool for practical Bible use, this illustrated dictionary reflects recent archaeological discoveries and the breadth of current biblical scholarship, including insights from critical analysis of literary, historical, sociological, and other methodological issues. The editorial team has also incorporated articles that explore and interpret important focuses of biblical theology, text and transmission, Near Eastern archaeology, extrabiblical writings, and pertinent ecclesiastical traditions - all of which help make the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible the most comprehensive and up-to-date one-volume Bible dictionary on the market today.

Students, laypeople, pastors, and teachers will enjoy this one-volume dictionary of the Bible and its world.

This book provides a wealth of insight into life in Bible times, gathered from the biblical text, from important extra-biblical sources, as well as from the most recent archaeological findings. The book is enriched with abundant maps and illustrations.

Any study of the Bible inevitably turns up situations that give us pause. We wonder: How could ancient peoples use slime for mortar? Why is lifting up your eyes a sign of respect? What were the images that Rachel stole from her father? Why would a grieving family hire mourners? How did people in biblical times cast lots? What made the housetop so important? Author James Midwinter Freeman (1827–1900) takes you through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, to explain different Oriental manners and customs that were common to people in ancient times, some of which are still evident in the East today. An Illustrated Reference to Manners & Customs of the Bible is a handy reference book filled with more than 140 helpful illustrations and fascinating information that you will turn to again and again. It will greatly aid anyone wishing to increase their understanding of the traditions, customs, and observances of biblical times.

The most comprehensive and up-to-date Bible dictionary available. With a fresh new look and updated photographs, this new and enhanced edition is a wealth of bible study information for any level of study. It includes more than 7,000 entries, plus more than 500 full-color photographs, maps, and pronunciation guides. Features include: Cross-references to all major translations More than 7,000 up-to-date entries More than 500 full-color photographs and maps Enlarged type size for easier reading Visual Survey of the Bible from The Open Bible