Archaeology and the Bible

by George Aaron Barton

Publisher:

American Sunday-School Union

, 1925

Overview

For many years, explorers and excavators have been busy all round the world, bringing to light monuments and texts that have often revolutionized our conceptions of history or shed new light on what was previously known. But in no other part of the world has all of this effort been more fruitful than in the lands of the Bible. Archaeology in Egypt and Babylonia has opened up great new perspectives on the culture and events that surround the Bible from beginning to end.

It is the purpose of Archaeology and the Bible to gather together into a single volume the most valuable information that the excavations in Bible lands have afforded and to make it available in a convenient format for the pastor, Sunday school teacher, or student. All of this material is presented in such a way that the reader might not only possess the illuminating archaeological information, but also a thorough outline of the history of exploration and excavation. In this way, the reader will be able view every item and subject in its proper perspective and context.

Archaeology and the Bible is divided into two main sections. The first presents archaeological study of Bible lands with their cultural artifacts and buildings—the physical remains of the Ancient Near East cultures with discussion of the history surrounding them and their relationship to the Biblical text. The second section presents numerous ancient texts in English translation. These include texts from Babylon, Assyrian, Egypt, Israel and Palestine, Phoenicia, Asia Minor, Greece, and Roman. Each translation is accompanied by a brief discussion in which its relevance to the Bible is presented.

Key Features

• Historical discussions that place both artifacts and excavations in their historical and cultural context
• English translations of many ancient texts that shed light on Scripture
• Detailed discussions of the cultures and civilizations relevant to the Bible
• Numerous maps, images, and charts that bring Biblical events to life in their proper historical contexts

Contents

Top Highlights

“twenty-second dynasty. This king is the Shishak of the Bible” (Page 31)

“When the pictures were first discovered, it was thought that they were the sons of Jacob” (Page 28)

“Merneptah, who is generally supposed to have been the Pharaoh under whom the Exodus” (Page 38)

“Ramses II, has been supposed to be the Pharaoh of the Exodus.” (Page 31)

Praise for the Print Edition

This compendium of the facts of biblical archaeology will stand as certainly the best in the English language.

—Bibliotheca Sacra, 1917

[Archaeology and the Bible] contains all the cuneiform parallels translated by one of the world's foremost Semitic scholars. It is a notable addition to the important bibliography of the distinguished author; and should be in the hands of every pastor, teacher of the Bible, and student of history.

—Art and Archaeology, 1917

There can be no difference of opinion that this book is in every respect, in its form, its contents, accuracy, and fullness, a most brilliant work.

—The Jewish Quarterly Review, 1921

Product Details

• Title: Archaeology and the Bible, 5th Edition
• Author: George A. Barton
• Publisher: American Sunday-School Union
• Publication Date: 1917
• Pages: xvi, 581 pages and 127 plates

About George Aaron Barton

George A. Barton taught at Haverford College, Bryn Mawr and the University of Pennsylvania where he was Professor of Semitic Languages from 1922-1931 and Professor Emeritus from 1932-1942. His many articles and books cover a wide range of topics in areas such as biblical studies, religion, and linguistics. He was also involved in archaeological projects throughout the Middle East and was the director of the American School of Oriental Research in Baghdad from 1921-1934. While Archaeology and the Bible represents his efforts to make Ancient Near East studies accessible to the pastor and Sunday school teacher, Barton's research and academic work continues to be recognized for its importance to this day, particularly his works The Religion of Israel and A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes.