Reading the land enables us to read the Bible with greater insight. Though the truths of the Bible transcend time and place, they are rooted in them. Geographical data inform our understanding of activity in the land of the Bible, while the Bible’s own description of these events, embedded deeply in the realia of the land itself, helps us better understand the living context in which these events took place. When we develop a skill set that allows us to read the land of the Bible as fluently as we might read the text, we stand not only to gain a better appreciation of the divine-human events of Scripture, we also gain an understanding of how these events become relevant to us in our own particular living contexts. Chapters include: Exploring the World of the Bible Building Blocks of Biblical Geography The Land of Ancient Israel: The Southern Regions (Judah/Judea) The Land of Ancient Israel: The Central Regions (Israel/Samaria) The Land of Ancient Israel: The Northern Regions (Galilee) Transjordan Afterword: Geography of the Heart Biblical geography has great apologetic value. The biblical writers had to be accurate when presenting geographical material. Unlike some matters of history and doctrine, their assertions about the realities of land forms and climate, or about the relation of one city to another, or about the use of strategic routes could easily be verified both by their first readers as well as by contemporary readers. Verifiable geographic information provides a solid foundation on which to place and evaluate the veracity of other truth claims in the biblical text.

With scores of full-color maps, photographs, detailed commentary, and much more, the Discovery House Bible Atlas helps you grasp the vital connection between the land of the Bible and the teachings and events of Scripture. Covering the full sweep of the Holy Land--the Coastal Plain, the Central Mountain Range, the Jordan Valley, and the Transjordan Plateau--this fascinating volume provides big-picture and on-site views that bring new vibrancy and meaning to God’s Word. From little-known cities to famous landmarks, you’ll learn the significance of these locations and why, even today, they are relevant to your relationship with the Lord.

From Genesis to Revelation, God revealed Himself and His story of redemption. He used people and animals in backdrops of mountains and valleys, rivers and seas, empires and villages. But how much do we really know about the places and customs where these stories happened? In The Lands of the Bible, Dr. John Beck engages us in the fascinating geography of Scripture and shows how we can discover new and exciting insights into the stories we thought we already knew.