Old Testament professor Timothy Laniak follows the figure of the shepherd through the pages of Scripture to help today's leaders find their place in the ancient pastoral tradition.

“A complex and fascinating portrait of Israel . . . .an engaging book that combines anthropology, culture, and history.” —Anita Shapira, author of Ben-Gurion: Father of Modern Israel At once an ecological phenomenon and a cultural construction, the desert has varied associations within Zionist and Israeli culture. In the Judaic textual tradition, it evokes exile and punishment, yet is also a site for origin myths, the divine presence, and sanctity. Secular Zionism developed its own spin on the duality of the desert as the romantic site of Jews’ biblical roots that inspired the Hebrew culture, and as the barren land outside the Jewish settlements in Palestine, featuring them as an oasis of order and technological progress within a symbolic desert. Yael Zerubavel tells the story of the desert from the early twentieth century to the present, shedding light on romantic-mythical associations, settlement and security concerns, environmental sympathies, and the commodifying tourist gaze. Drawing on literary narratives, educational texts, newspaper articles, tourist materials, films, popular songs, posters, photographs, and cartoons, Zerubavel reveals the complexities and contradictions that mark Israeli society’s semiotics of space in relation to the Middle East, and the central role of the “besieged island” trope in Israeli culture and politics.

This seven-session small group Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan, is volume twelve of the That the World May Know series. Are you going through a difficult period of life? The loss of a loved one? Unemployment? A crisis of faith? During these desert times, it’s easy to think God has disappeared. In Walking with God in the Desert you’ll discover that it’s only when we are totally dependent on him that we find God is closer than ever and can experience his amazing grace and provision. Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers. Each lesson: Focuses on passages of Scripture explored in the DVD Includes sidebars, maps, photos and other study tools Features questions that facilitate discussion and inspire personal reflection Includes 25 personal Bible studies to help you deepen your learning experience between sessions, and turn lessons from the past into applications that impact how you live out your faith today. Filmed on location in the Sinai Desert, Wadi Nasb, Judea Wilderness, Mount Sinai, Negev and En Gedi, these illuminating "faith lessons" afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life. The Faith Lessons video series is ideal for use in small groups, personal and family Bible studies, and adult Sunday school. Individual believers and families will gain vital insights from long-ago times and cultures through this innovative approach to Bible study. Lessons include: Join the Journey – Filmed in the Sinai Desert It’s Hot Here and There’s No Way Out – Filmed in Wabi Nasb Help is Here – Filmed in Wadi Nasb When Your Heart Cries Out – Filmed in the Judea Wilderness They Were Not Wandering – Filmed on Mount Sinai Ears to Hear – Filmed in Negev There’s Hope in the Desert – Filmed in En Gedi Designed for use with the Walking with God in the Desert Video Study (sold separately).

Learn from the Good Shepherd how to lead in your home, church, or community. After spending months among Bedouin shepherds in the Middle East, Tim Laniak offers 40 short readings that explore every leader’s responsibility to provide, protect, and guide. Each chapter begins with observations from Tim’s travels, continues with insights into Bible stories about shepherding, and concludes with what this means for you in your own spheres of influence.

Brilliant commentary on the most cherished book of the Bible

Gardening is America's number-one family hobby. This book focuses on the glories of biblical flowers and explains how to grow them yourself. Featured is a compilation of all the scriptural references to flowers, and information on: -- Planting and culture -- Choosing locations and preparing the soil -- Wildflowers of the Bible -- Sources for seeds, bulbs, and gardening supplies, including the latest suppliers for biblical plants from specialists and horticultural firms in Israel -- Plans for Bible gardens for church, synagogue, school, and community Readers will also be delighted to find a complete guide to biblical gardens around the U.S. and the rest of the world, and a special chapter on the magnificent Biblical Garden Preserve outside Tel Aviv.