The World of Biblical Israel

By: Cynthia R. Chapman, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Cynthia R. Chapman

From Genesis to Job, the Hebrew scriptures contain some of the most influential stories in Western civilization. But what do these stories tell us about daily life in ancient Israel? And why do they still speak to us today?

In 24 captivating lectures, Professor Chapman introduces you to the stories of the Judeans in exile and grounds them in their historical context, giving you a grand vision of history as presented in the scriptures. She compares the history in the Bible to the archaeological record so that you come away with a complete picture of life in biblical Israel.

Discover the complete literary power of the scriptures by investigating many of the Bible's key historical moments, from the origins of the Israelites in the Torah to the Babylonian Captivity and the resettlement under the Persian Empire, which is the very heart of the Hebrew scriptures. Learn how the exilic period motivated the community to reexamine its relationship to its God, its land, its religious practices, and its legacy to the children who would become the new Israel.

But you'll tackle more than the sweep of history. From the family compounds to the battlefields and from the kitchens to the temples, Professor Chapman puts flesh on the bones of the biblical stories. Spiritually engaging and historically fascinating, this course is unlike any other, and it will give you a new appreciation both for ancient history and for the foundation of the three Abrahamic faiths.

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

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

OK but not what I hoped for

I was hoping for a lot more insight to normal daily life in the region prior to the first century. There is detail of this kind on and off but the focus seems to be about the writing and the writers of the Hebrew Bible and whether or not a person should believe any of it.

Hard to listen to.

Didn't get through it. Hard to listen to someone reading a lecture. Her use of so many big words sounds like she's trying to prove that she knows her topic.

An Insight That Is Helpful

It can be taken as a fresh delving into biblical history for those novice learner of the Bible. Definitely this book encourages me to search more deeply to other aspects of Bible history.

Great Introduction to Complex and Confusing Information

This does an outstanding job of dealing with the touchy subject of the etiological mythopoeism of the Abrahamic religions. Far too often, attempts at treating this topic fail to acknowledge the fictional basis for the Torah of Judaism and the Holy Bible of Christianism. If they do address it, they do so crudely and without respect to the traditions of those faiths.

The archeology and ongoing scholarship of the mundane aspects of the lives of people living Ancient Israel are well attested here, and, again, treated respectfully.

The speaker is easy to listen to, and is an accomplished scholar. I recommend this Great Course.

RECOMMEND

These lectures are interesting and well presented by professor Chapman, no matter how familiar one is with the Torah.
When checking “Great Courses” for the course overview, I also recommend the “questions and answers “ section.
Do check Google Earth: “Ancient Israel”, for archeological sites and pictures.
I tried to find more courses and or books by professor Chapman, but was not successful.
My thanks to all involved to make this course available, JK.

Absolutely Fantastic

This was exactly what I hoped for—a scholarly treatment of life in Israel and the Levant during the events described in the New Testament. The lecturer structured the course around the Hebrew Bible but referenced many other sources along the way to provide a more complete & accurate picture. Her narrative helped me understand the otherwise confusing events & people described by the Hebrew Bible.

Informative & interesting

the orator talks a bit too slow for me, thankfully audible has a 1.2x speed option which was perfect. The subject matter & conclusions presented, however, were fascinating & captivating. Often found myself pausing to think over what was just said, & rewinding to relisten after completing my contemplation. All in all, a great listen well worth the time.

Great overview of ancient Jewish history

I had trouble finding a good overview of biblical Jewish history and this is it. Exactly what I was hoping for!

Educational and Well-Sourced

AT A GLANCE:
An incredibly informative (if dry) presentation of ancient Judean and Israelite history.

CONTENT:
Following a (mostly) chronological track, we are guided through the history of ancient Israel and its descendants. The individual lectures are polished and have a decided focus on solid content over heuristics. Professor Chapman relies heavily on original and contemporary sources, archaeology, and modern academic scholarship to reconstruct a probable account of the time period.
It should be noted that this series is based on the historical-critical method of Biblical study and does not reflect the beliefs of any religious tradition.

NARRATOR:
The narration is adequate. Pronunciation and cadence are all there, though there is very little change in tone or emphasis regardless of topic. I have heard others present much of the same material in a more engaging and memorable style.

OVERALL:
This is a good introductory course on the time period. If it's your first foray into the history it will carry many surprises, but few for those already familiar with the topic.

Remarkable

This was a marvelous journey thru ancient biblical Israel. I thank Professor Chapman for keeping me glued to her lectures. I wish I had the opportunity to hear this 40 year ago.