eTeacher HebrewOnline Hebrew SeminarsHistorical Geography of Bible Lands

Historical Geography of Bible Lands

How can we understand the full importance of biblical events and why they took place if we don’t understand more about where they took place? This seminar will "set the scene" by introducing the geography of the land of Israel and exploring its significance for understanding Israel’s history. What were the main travel routes through the region of Israel, and how do these relate to the locations of major cities and historical battles? How did the topography and climate affect patterns of settlement in the land, and where exactly were the Israelites in relation to other people groups? We will make extensive use of visual tools like photographs and maps as we explore these general questions and examine specific examples in well-known biblical stories.
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Topics Covered

Topics Covered

Class One

We will introduce the subject of "historical geography" by drawing the general picture of ancient Israel’s physical setting. What were the climate patterns and topography? How did these influence the locations of travel routes and major areas of settlement?
 

Class Two

In our second meeting, we will examine more closely the implications of Israel’s geography for the history of the Israelite people. Where were the other ancient Near Eastern people groups located in relation to Israel? How does our understanding of the geography help us to understand the political, military, and religious history of the region?
 

Class Three

We will conclude our discussion with several case studies, using our geographical knowledge to illuminate specific biblical passages. For example, we all know the story of David and Goliath. But why was the location of this battle, and even the placement of the armies on the battlefield, so significant both to the narrative and to Israel's history?

 

For more information or to join the seminar CLICK HERE!