The History and Archaeology of the Bible

By: Jean-Pierre Isbouts, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Jean-Pierre Isbouts

The findings of historians and archaeologists open a thrilling world of discovery as they bring their methods and insights to the iconic stories of the Bible. These 24 content-rich lessons take you on a multidimensional journey through the Bible, from Genesis to the Crucifixion, through the lens of the latest historical and archaeological research.

Through Professor Isbouts’ enthralling commentary, you’ll uncover eye-opening perspectives on biblical events such as:

• Genesis - Examine evidence from ancient Sumer of a monumental flood that happened 5,000 years ago and study Mesopotamian architectural forms that may correlate with the story of the Tower of Babel;
• The Exodus from Egypt - Follow the actual path of Moses and the Israelites, a well-traveled artery through mining regions, oases, and trade routes from Egypt to the Midian, the region southeast of Sinai;
• The Kingship of David - Relive David’s divisive rule as king of the Hebrews and visit structures excavated in the “City of David”, which may be the core of David’s residential and administrative complex;
• Israel under the Assyrians - Learn how an ancient Assyrian clay document confirms the Bible’s account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah and view the magnificent Assyrian tableaux that depict the siege of the city of Lachish, described in the Bible; and
• The Early Life of Jesus - Take a penetrating look at the peasant revolts and bloodshed in Galilee during the youth of Jesus, after which Joseph and Jesus were likely to have been conscripted laborers for the Romans.

Deeply fascinating for those who have an interest in the Abrahamic faiths, ancient civilizations, and archaeology, The History and Archaeology of the Bible throws fresh and revealing light on the iconic scriptures that - in far-reaching ways - have shaped our world.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 The Great Courses (P)2021 The Teaching Company, LLC

Not done as a audiobook that well

Lot of clips from a video series that doesn't translate to audio only well. Other than that its ok, didn't learn alot of new info compared to other lectures but it was enjoyable. Jean is a good speaker and that definitely helped, his little added details were nice.

OK up to the Gospels

This is my first real forray into this subject. It's a decent overview of the Old Testament, though with less actual archeology than I would have liked. When it gets to the Gospels, he just retells the stories minus the miracles. There are a few comments about the historical circumstances, bur not much.

By the way, the lecturer assumes there were no miracles and Jesus wasn't God's son and basically invents Jesus's motives and beliefs.

I wanted more.

Best 2

I've listened to over 50 great courses and this is in my top two.

Enlightening

This is a stellar and engaging review of the cultures and geography throughout the Biblical period. Where appropriate, Biblical stories are correlated with modern archeological discoveries.

Discouraging

I found this book, while no doubt well researched and skillfully written, discouraging from a Christian point of view. I don’t want to know why every single detail of the history of Israel and of Jesus isn’t plausible or even probable. I get it. Detail by detail is gleefully disputed. But it can’t possibly be encouraging to Christians or Jews. it may be endorsing to non believers. I listened to the entire book and the reader us great. Just felt it was discouraging to my faith and belief system.

Interesting, but definitely lectures developed out of one persons perspective

It was interesting to listen to but it definitely reflected a lot of personal opinions and interpretation.

More Story than Context

I was very excited to start this book. A lot of the histories I have been reading lately have had moments in which they shed light on biblical events and I really looked forward to having someone take me through the bible, adding historical context to major stories, but while Isbouts did do that, it never felt like it was his primary purpose as I listened to this audiobook.

Isbouts really just tells the biblical story. For the first six lectures (25% of the course) he does little more than make reference to other ancient stories with similar themes as he walks the listener through Genesis and Exodus. I would recommend simply skipping these first six lectures.

After that, matters improved somewhat, especially when Isbouts gets into discussion of the northern and southern Jewish kingdoms, their origins, and to what extent they were truly united under Saul, David, and Solomon. I also found his section on Pontius Pilate and King Herod and the extent of their various authorities quite fascinating. But overall, I felt like the lectures were heavy on the story and light on the historical context.

Best so far

I have always enjoyed the Great Courses as they probably are the best ones online but this one takes the cake. I’ve read the Bible twice but I finally was able to land the facts. Mr. Isbouts manages to explain the main facts, justify why there’s information that is not factual and connect the Bible to concrete representations chronically. I suggest you listen to it at least twice.

Very educational

I thought it was well represented , very easy to listen to. I enjoyed it very much.

Excellent, well-presented

I have read quite a bit on this topic. Nonetheless, this book surprised me with a lot of very good information that was new to me, and increased my understanding of some of the more obscure and puzzling events in scripture. I plan to listen to it repeatedly until I get all the information I can absorb. Also, the narrator was pleasant and clear.