Holman Bible Atlas: A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of Biblical History

by Thomas V. Brisco

Publisher:

B&H

, 1998

Overview

The Holman Bible Atlas illuminates the Bible for a whole new generation of students and teachers by introducing them to the physical, cultural, and historical settings of the biblical narrative. Integrating insights from physical and historical geography, archaeology, ancient historical sources, and the Bible itself, the Holman Bible Atlas presents 132 newly designed full color maps complete with specific biblical texts to assist teachers and students alike in understanding. Beginning with the physical geography of the ancient Near East and Palestine, the Holman Bible Atlas illuminates various periods of biblical history by outlining eras from the Patriarchs through the Christian era and Constantine.

Key Features

• Discussion of great empires influential to the ancient Near East—Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Greece, and Rome
• Insight on Israel’s neighboring people groups—the Aramaeans, Moabites, Edomites, Amorites, and Phoenicians
• Discussion of road systems, economic life, and the recovery of ancient societies by archaeologists

Contents

Top Highlights

“The gospel story begins ‘In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus’ (Luke 2:1). These familiar words link the New Testament era with the most powerful state the ancient world ever produced. The Roman Empire provided the historical setting for all New Testament events and created the conditions necessary for the spread of the gospel. The Roman Peace (Pax Romana) established by Augustus ended centuries of bitter conflict and established safe borders within which Roman law governed. Travel and commerce flowed freely throughout the vast empire. In some sense, the political and cultural dominance of Rome over the Mediterranean basin was part of the ‘fulness of the time’ (Gal. 4:4 KJV) God prepared for His supreme revelation through His Son.” (Page 190)

“The emergence of powerful and enduring civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia gave strategic importance to Palestine. Palestine was a ‘land bridge’ linking the two great cultural centers. The major international route, the International Coastal Highway, crossed portions of Palestine. This geographical fact is crucial to the history of Palestine. As part of the corridor connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia, Palestine possessed a strategic importance far greater than its size or relatively few resources might suggest. Palestine sat astride the vital economic and military arteries of the Near East. Historically, this meant two things: (1) the people living in Palestine felt the imprint of many cultures, and (2) the major powers sought control of this small land.” (Page 4)

Product Details

• Title: Holman Bible Atlas
• Author: Thomas V. Brisco
• Publisher: Broadman & Holman
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 297

About Thomas V. Brisco

Dr. Brisco came to Logsdon from Baylor University where he taught in the Department of Religion. Prior to that, Dr. Brisco taught for 21 years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, serving also as the Associate Dean for the Doctor of Philosophy Program. Dr. Brisco specializes in ancient near eastern history and archaeology particularly as these subjects relate to the historical, cultural, and geographical setting of the Bible. His archaeological field experience includes work at Tel Aphek and Tel Batash in Israel. He has contributed articles to a number of periodicals and reference works and is the editor of the Holman Bible Atlas, a volume that received the Gold Medallion Book Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association in 1998. An ordained minister with pastoral experience, Dr. Brisco has served as interim pastor in over 20 churches in Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, and Switzerland.