This Zondervan Handbook of Biblical Archaeology is a real gem. Not only is it attractive, but it assists in the very area that many Bible students struggle: archaeology. Randall Price has both taught and participated in archaeological excavations, and is the perfect candidate to produce this book. H. Wayne House, a prolific biblical writer, assists.

Whatever you do, dont skip the introduction to biblical archaeology provided in this volume. It defines terms, helps you see were biblical archaeology is today, explains the major difference between minimalists and maximalists, explains the limitations of archaeology, its value, and its methodology. Theres a good description of what archaeology contributes to biblical studies too. Thats followed by a fascinating explanation of an archaeological site. It really brings archaeology to life. The introduction ends with an overview of archaeological periods.

The book is divided into three main sections, you have archaeology in the Old Testament, archaeology and the intertestamental period, and archaeology in the New Testament. This enables the reader to approach the Bible chronologically and apply archaeology to it.

You will love all the vivid, color photos, the helpful charts and diagrams, and the text itself. As a bonus, each of the main sections has a detailed chart of archaeological discoveries from that time. There are several helpful color maps at the end, as well as a thorough glossary.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book and highly recommended!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255.

Quite informative, this book reads very much like a college textbook. Being written by two university professors, it is a no nonsense, matter of fact account of the archaeological discoveries that have been made in the Holy Land and surrounding regions.

After the Introduction, it starts with Genesis, and goes book by book throughout the Bible providing evidence of the accuracy of the accounts recorded therein.

There is one looming faux pas on page 262. The book states, "...discovered a calendar inscription from the 9th century BC lauding Caesar Augustus's birth as that of a god,....".

Augustus was born in 63 BC. Further personal research revealed that the inscription was from 9 BC, rather than the 9th century BC.

Notwithstanding that and a few typos, this is an excellent resource for the discoveries made in the last few centuries. The book has a Glossary, a Bibliography, a Scripture and Extra-Biblical Index, and Notes citing the information given in the book.

There are also 17 maps, but oddly enough, the maps contain many locations not mentioned in the book and omits many locations are are mentioned in the book. Not ideal, but not enough to get bent about.

Great book. Focuses on most important archaeological relating to books of the bible, and not EVERY discovery related to scripture. Easy to read, loaded with photographs and illustrations. EVERY christian should have this in their library. A great aid towards strengthening one's faith in the veracity of the historical nature of the bible.

I had wanted this book from the time it was published and finally buckled and got one for myself when I bought one for my son-in-law for Christmas. I am so glad that I did! I am using this every morning as I am reading through my Bible. Since the archaeological finds are organized as they fit into the order of the books of the Bible, this works great! Not only is the Zondervan Handbook of Biblical Archaeology very interesting, but the layout, pictures, and charts are attractive and add clarity and understanding. In the confused times we live in, it is essential for every Christian (let alone our pastors), be able to give reasons why we can trust our Bibles from cover to cover - this handbook is not only a great resource to aid with that, but a fascinating one as well. I purchased one to give to our youth pastor and would heartily recommend folks purchase them as thank you gifts to sunday school teachers and pastors who serve at their church. It is a great resource and one that they would use over and over for years to come.