THE BENEFITS OF
UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCING
THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF ISRAEL
___________________
A Dissertation
Presented to
The Faculty of The Doctor of Ministry Program
Dallas Theological Seminary
___________________
In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of Ministry
___________________
by
D. Wayne Stiles II
May 2004
Accepted by the Faculty of the Dallas Theological Seminary in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Ministry
Examining Committee
Charles H. Dyer
David B. Wyrtzen
ii
ABSTRACT
THE BENEFITS OF UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCING
THE HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY OF ISRAEL
D. Wayne Stiles II
Readers: Charles H. Dyer, David B. Wyrtzen
The thesis of this dissertation is that believers who understand and experience
the historical geography of Israel enjoy a clearer comprehension of the Bible, clearer
direction to its application, and more effective communication of the text. In the realm of
the spiritual life, historical geography provides a greater confidence in the Bible as God’s
Word and instills a greater love for God and the Bible. Those who study historical
geography, coupled with a study-trip to Israel, experience even greater benefits than those
who study in the classroom alone.
The state of geographic apathy in the American church and seminary simply
reflects the geographic illiteracy of its culture. Out of ten leading evangelical seminaries,
seven offer only occasional elective courses on historical geography (some have not
taught it for years), and not one seminary requires the subject. In addition, historical
geography has not played a major role in our popular Bible study methods even though it
offers a sizeable contribution to biblical understanding.
Interpreting a passage in context remains a basic rule of Bible study for
evangelicals, but Scripture’s geographical context remains largely underrated. For
evangelicals who believe in interpreting the Bible in context, historical geography must
be considered basic to that context. The research in this dissertation has demonstrated that
historical geography is indispensable to biblical interpretation and to a comprehensive
understanding of biblical history.
iii
Since there was no literature to date expressly researching the benefits of
understanding and experiencing historical geography, this dissertation contributes to the
need that existed as far as evaluation of how historical geography affects Christians. A
full 98% of survey respondents noted that historical geography helps their memory of
biblical events and applications, while 87% agreed that the study better directs them
toward biblical application. In relation to the spiritual life, 96% have increased in their
love for God and the Bible through the study of historical geography. And 99% agree that
experiencing the land of Israel has strengthened their spiritual life.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................................................................v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...........................................................................viii
CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION..................................................................1
Introduction to Historical Geography .........................................................1
Previous Research and Literature Review...................................................3
Procedure and Research Method ................................................................5
Anticipated Results ....................................................................................6
Conclusions and Implications for Further Study .........................................7
CHAPTER 2 - PREVIOUS RESEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW .....9
America’s Geographical Illiteracy ..............................................................9
The Church’s Geographical Apathy..........................................................11
The Church’s Need for Historical Geography...........................................12
History Values Historical Geography: Eusebius’ Onomasticon.............12
Modern Methods Overlook the Value of Historical Geography ............14
Resources for Studying Historical Geography ..........................................17
Bible Atlases ........................................................................................17
Historical Geography Textbooks ..........................................................18
Bible Encyclopedias and Electronic Media...........................................19
Studying Historical Geography in a Class.............................................19
Studying Historical Geography in Israel ...............................................20
Evaluation of the Benefits of Studying Historical Geography ...................22
Scripture Validates the Benefits of Historical Geography .........................22
v
Location, Location, Location....................................................................26
Israel’s Location Among the Nations....................................................27
The Importance of Israel’s Roads .........................................................28
Geography as Opportunity: Influence or Be Influenced ........................32
Solomon’s Use of Geography ...........................................................32
“Galilee of the Gentiles”...................................................................34
“This is Jerusalem . . . the Center of the Nations” .............................35
Jesus’ Use of Geography ..................................................................35
Location and the True Source of Security .............................................36
God Tied Geography to His Promises...................................................38
Geography Helps Biblical Interpretation...............................................41
The Validity of Historical Geography is Context ......................................42
CHAPTER 3 - PROCEDURE AND RESEARCH METHOD ......................44
The Rationale for This Project..................................................................44
The Research Method...............................................................................47
When, How, and with Whom the Survey was Conducted .........................49
CHAPTER 4 - SURVEY RESULTS............................................................51
Understanding and Experiencing Historical Geography............................52
Historical Geography in Relation to Study of the Bible ............................58
Historical Geography in Relation to Application of the Bible ...................62
Historical Geography in Relation to Teaching the Bible ...........................70
Summary of Results .................................................................................73
vi
CHAPTER 5 - CONCLUSIONS..................................................................76
General Conclusions ................................................................................76
Conclusions for Bible Study and Application ...........................................77
Conclusions for Teaching the Bible..........................................................78
Mingling Geography With Personal Experience .......................................79
BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................83
Books.......................................................................................................83
Journal/Encyclopedia Articles ..................................................................88
Theses, Dissertations, and Unpublished Material......................................88
Non-Print Media ......................................................................................89
Web-based Material .................................................................................89
APPENDIX A - HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY SURVEY...........................91
APPENDIX B - OPEN RESPONSES TO THE SURVEY ...........................94
APPENDIX C - DVD DEMONSTRATING THE BENEFITS OF
TRAVELING TO ISRAEL ............................................ 119
APPENDIX D - EXAMPLE OF HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY’S BENEFITS
IN BIBLE STUDY THROUGH AN INDUCTIVE STUDY
OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL, AND
SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SHECHEM .............. 120
Introduction............................................................................................ 120
The Geographical Significance of Shechem ........................................... 120
The Historical Significance of Shechem ................................................. 121
The Spiritual Significance of Shechem: Joshua’s Challenge ................... 125
vii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Pascal wrote in his Pensées, “The last thing one settles in writing a book is
what one should put in first.” Many people have contributed to this dissertation other than
myself, and they should be acknowledged at the outset.
My thanks goes to James Monson who provided the initial direction that
helped crystallize the need which this study addresses. I am grateful to Todd Bolen who
introduced my survey to his students at the Israel Bible Extension. Without his help this
research would not have been as complete.
I appreciate my associate, Bryan Collins, and the elders with whom I labor for
giving me the time needed and taking some of my load in ministry during this process.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Charlie Dyer for awakening my
love for historical geography in his class, capably leading my wife and me on our first
tour of Israel, and patiently honing my skills during the course of this dissertation.
I am grateful to Dave Wyrtzen, my mentor and friend, for the very practical
input he provided throughout this project. His pastoral emphasis helped to bridge the gap
between academics and ministry, and his personal encouragement provided the strength I
needed to persevere.
Additionally, I must express my indebtedness to my wife, Cathy, and our
daughters, Sarah and Katie, for their love and support throughout the nine years it took to
complete this degree and dissertation.
I especially wish to thank the Lord Jesus for renewing in me a love for
Himself and the Scriptures through the study of His Land. I have walked where He
walked, and it has changed my life.
viii
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Historical Geography
Beside the place where water gushes from the ground, there a man drives his
tent stake—and so lays the foundation of a city. The rains run through immovable
ravines, and beside those rivers people cultivate their fields and water their livestock.
Where the easiest ground to travel lies, there a wayfarer walks—and so a highway begins.
Geography affects history. Trace any civilization back to its origin, and
geography provides the stage of history’s drama. Be it a strategic military position, an
abundant water supply, or a convenient traveling route, geography determines, to a great
extent, where historical events occur.
While the usual means of overland travel in the biblical world were walking
or riding a donkey, horse, or camel,1 today we live in an age where getting around
obstacles, traveling across great distances, and finding something to drink no longer
prove a challenge. With a transportation system that requires little more than a basic
understanding of road signs and airline gates, our culture gives little attention to the
importance of geography. In addition, America finds itself land-locked between two
oceans with friendly countries to our north and south; we have become an island of
culture. Consequently, we feel very little need to know historical geography.
Teaching the Bible begins with studying and understanding the Bible. And
within this discipline, evangelicals strongly believe in interpreting a passage in its
context—a discipline that also includes its historical and geographical context.
1
Barry J. Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 8.
1
Ministering in an age of images and sound-bytes, evangelicals often find
themselves following a marketing approach to the Great Commission. With an emphasis
on communication over content—on methods over message—the church can succumb to
expediency and miss many essentials needed for proper understanding and teaching of
the Bible. Making disciples includes not only creatively introducing people to Jesus
Christ, but teaching them all of God’s Word and obedience to it.
Historical geography provides a wonderful contribution to our careful
understanding of Scripture. The more someone understands the land of the Bible, the
more one understands the Bible itself. Its message is enabled to have a more profound
impact on one’s spiritual life and ministry. Because the land of Israel serves as the basic
canvas unto which the message of the Bible can be painted in vivid reality, I have sought
to incorporate historical geography into my teaching whenever possible; this helps the
passage come alive to an audience in a way they can see, feel, hear, and thus, more
properly understand and apply. An even greater benefit can occur when one uses his or
her understanding of historical geography to experience the land of the Bible first-hand
through a trip to Israel.
This dissertation investigated some of the benefits of understanding and
experiencing Israel’s historical geography. The findings of this research provide helpful
insights to those who want to study the Bible in context, teach historical geography
classes, and prepare groups to go to Israel. It should also prove instructive to those who
may not recognize these advantages. The results will show the benefits of actually
traveling to the land itself beyond classroom study. The conclusions are available to
travel agencies and interested organizations so that they may encourage people to enjoy
the benefits of going to Israel. In short, the research revealed the advantages believers can
gain by incorporating historical geography into their personal Bible study and public
ministries.
2
Previous Research and Literature Review
Those who study the Scriptures are blessed with tools providing rich insights
into God’s Word. In seeking to learn how to study the Bible itself, one may begin by
looking to masters on the subject. Many good books exist today in order to teach
believers how to study and apply the Bible for themselves, and many of them mention
geography as part of a thorough study. But beyond the token reference to the subject, few
authors emphasize or illustrate the clarity historical geography brings to a passage.
Interpreting a passage in context is held up to evangelicals as a basic rule of Bible study,
but Scripture’s geographical context remains largely underrated.
Beyond an individual’s study with maps and atlases, studying geography in
the classroom and also on location in Israel introduces the student to fuller understanding
and appreciation of “context.” The benefit of seeing what one reads, both in media and on
location, increases the capacity to retain and recall biblical truth.
Most of what has been written in texts, atlases, and tour books provides
information on the land of Israel but does not reveal the transformation of those who
study it.1 In fact no published research has been found that has evaluated how historical
geography has influenced the lives of its students and travelers.
When one reads the Bible, it becomes clear how geography is the stage on
which the redemptive narrative takes place. The land God chose was not arbitrary, for He
designed even the land itself to develop the spiritual lives of His people. One of God’s
stated purposes in bringing the Hebrews from Egypt was to give them a land that fostered
faith. God told the Hebrews who were about to enter the land:
1
Historical geography texts, atlases, and other pertinent literature are reviewed in Chapter 2.
3
For the land, into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of
Egypt from which you came, where you used to sow your seed and water it with
your foot like a vegetable garden. But the land into which you are about to cross
to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a
land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are
always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year. And it shall come
about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding
you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all
your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late
rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. And He
will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you shall eat and be satisfied
(Deut 11:10-15).
The land’s dependency on rain for water and its location as a land bridge
between world powers forced the Jews to trust God or starve, to influence the world or be
influenced by it. In his excellent volume, The Land Between, James Monson observed,
“This land served as God’s testing ground of faith. It was here, in this land where both
personal and national existence were threatened, that Israel’s leaders and people were
called upon to learn the true meaning of security and well-being, of trust in the Lord their
God.”2
This study examined the biblical and extra-biblical literature which
demonstrates how historical geography remains essential to Bible study and, ultimately,
to the spiritual lives of believers both ancient and modern. In addition, the lack of
evaluation on how the subject affects real people today reveals the need for this
dissertation’s research on the benefits of understanding and experiencing the historical
geography of Israel.
2
James M. Monson, The Land Between: A Regional Study Guide to the Land of the Bible,
Fourth ed. (Rockfork, Ill.: Biblical Backgrounds, Inc., 1996), 14.
4
Procedure and Research Method
Administer a test and you can assess how much knowledge a student has of
historical geography. But how can the more difficult emphasis on a changed life be
measured? What difference has historical geography made to the hearts as well as the
heads of modern students and travelers?
Studying historical geography, in my own experience, has permanently
marked my life and changed the way I understand the Bible. Places and names which I
used to pass over now immediately bring to mind a site’s history, its geographical pros
and cons, its scenery, and even its smells. Having knowledge of a passage’s geography
gives me a head start as I attempt to understand why events took place—sometimes
repeatedly—in certain locations. Walking the land of Israel has provided me with a
deeper appreciation of God as Lord of world history and of seemingly minor
details—both of which bring comfort to my life.
My experience is not unique. I have conducted and videotaped a number of
interviews with those who have both studied geography and also been to Israel. Those
interviewed include a Ph.D. student, a middle-aged couple, a retired couple, a travel
agent, an Israeli tour guide, a pastor, and a professor who has taught historical geography
in Israel for years. Their testimonies illustrate the importance of understanding and
experiencing historical geography—not just from a knowledge-based perspective but also
as it benefits one’s spiritual life. I have integrated their testimonies into a DVD, filmed in
Israel, which can be found as Appendix C to this dissertation. This DVD visually
demonstrates some of the benefits of experiencing the land.
The purpose for this dissertation project has been to survey the extent to
which historical geography has impacted the spiritual lives and ministries of those who
have taken historical geography courses and traveled to Israel. I distributed a survey to
5
various students of historical geography (the survey appears in Appendix A). Dallas
Theological Seminary gave me access to the class rosters of past historical geography
students. Jerusalem University College introduced the survey to some its former students,
and the Master’s College Israel Bible Extension (IBEX) sent my survey to many of its
alumni. In addition, several private individuals and participants from a local church’s tour
to Israel participated in the survey.
Anticipated Results
The research revealed those who understand and experience historical
geography enjoy a clearer comprehension of the text, a clearer direction to its application,
and more effective communication. The study of historical geography provides a greater
confidence in the Bible as God’s Word and instills a greater love for the God of the Bible.
Those who study geography, coupled with a study-trip to Israel, experience an even
greater benefit than those who simply study in class.
The spiritual lives of those who study historical geography are enriched.
Whether they limit their study to the classroom, or enlarge it by traveling to Israel, their
experience adds a dimension of authenticity and confidence to their faith.
A knowledge of Israel’s geography serves as an additional way to retain the
truth of a passage. Remembering what a location looks like enables one to picture the
action, to remember the event, to imagine its occurrence in a way that enables retention.
Also many events took place in the same location, which also helps to tie the Bible
together better. “No study is more fascinating and none brings richer rewards than the
faithful study of the lands in which God revealed himself to his people.”3
3
E. S. Young, The Bible Geography, 6th ed. (Claremont, Calif.: Bible Students League, 1923),
3.
6
In anticipating how those surveyed would respond, I asked James Monson
what reactions or life-change he has seen in his students over the years. Monson, an
expert in the field of historical geography, taught the subject at Jerusalem University
College (formerly The Institute of Holy Land Studies) for many years and lived in
Jerusalem for over thirty years. His reply is worth repeating:
The question you raise is a good one. I often questioned students when groups
came over to our home in Jerusalem, and everyone was excited . . . but none could
put into words exactly what had changed in their lives since studying in the land
itself. Usually, it is something like, “The Bible came alive,” which is difficult to
catalog. I am not aware of anything formally written on the subject, but I have not
really searched diligently. . . . Again, the problem you will have is that most
tourists have fuzzy answers. . . . My impression is that most would answer that
their experience gave them the ‘first person’ perspective of the land, something
like speaking a language rather than simply knowing all the rules or paradigms.4
Conclusions and Implications for Further Study
My prayer for this dissertation project has been that it will contribute to the
body of Christ in several key areas. First, since there is no current literature expressly
researching the benefits of understanding and experiencing historical geography, the
project will help provide an evaluation of these benefits. Many have taught the
subject—both in and out of the land—but there has been little evaluation of how
historical geography benefits a believer. The project will give much-needed insight into a
valuable tool for Bible study and communication. Hopefully, the study’s positive findings
will encourage those who teach both in and out of the land to do their own evaluation of
historical geography’s benefits.
I also plan to use the study’s findings to give me direction as I prepare and
teach an ongoing class on historical geography at my local church. In discovering the
4
Correspondence from an e-mail dated September 30, 2002.
7
areas where people tend to benefit the most, I will be better able to incorporate them into
the class. The findings will also help me prepare the groups that I lead on trips to Israel
throughout my ministry. And the results of this study will continue to enhance my pulpit
ministry each week as I incorporate historical geography into the messages.
This study’s results should generate interest in historical geography by helping
others realize the many benefits it offers. Tour companies, pastors, seminaries, and other
interested parties could use the findings to encourage believers to make the subject a
worthy investment of their time for the glory of God. What once the believer neglected
out of ignorance becomes instead a fresh source of familiarity, insight, and inspiration.
It may seem an overstatement to claim that a person must study historical
geography to understand the Word of God, but it is fair to say that the study will take a
person much further toward an accurate understanding of God’s Word. Geography occurs
on almost every page of Scripture. God used it to mold the lives of His people in the
biblical narrative, and God uses it to shape the lives of believers today.
8
CHAPTER 2
PREVIOUS RESEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW
America’s Geographical Illiteracy
Marking its one hundredth anniversary in 1988, the National Geographic
Society commissioned a Gallup survey to test the geographical knowledge of young
adults worldwide. Americans ranked sixth out of the eight countries surveyed, ahead of
Italy and Mexico. Twenty-four years later the Society commissioned the survey again.
The National Geographic–Roper 2002 Global Geographic Literacy Survey, released in
November 2002, surveyed over 3,000 young adults in nine countries, including the
United States. After twenty-four years American students fared no better, ranking next to
last. Out of fifty-six questions asked, the average American answered only twenty-three
correctly. Robert Pastor, professor of International Relations at American University,
said, “The survey demonstrates the geographic illiteracy of the United States. The results
are particularly appalling in light of September 11, which traumatized America and
revealed that our destiny is connected to the rest of the world.”1 Almost 11% of the young
adult citizens of America were unable to find the United States on a map! The location of
the largest body of water on Earth, the Pacific Ocean, eluded 29% of respondents. And in
spite of daily news on the nation of Israel, “More . . . in the study knew that the island
featured in last season’s TV show ‘Survivor’ is in the South Pacific than could find Israel
[on a map].”2 In fact, one quarter of young adults worldwide could not locate Israel.
1
Robert Pastor from Bijal P. Trivedi, Survey Reveals Geographic Illiteracy [Website Article]
(National Geographic Today, 2002, accessed 20 November 2002); available from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1120_021120_GeoRoperSurvey.html.
2
Ibid.(accessed).
9
When seeking a reason for America’s geographical illiteracy, the survey
traced it in part to education. Although since the 1988 survey, “the percentage of young
U.S. citizens who reported taking a geography course in school rose from 30 to 55
percent”3 (and those who studied geography did better on the current survey), America’s
education system has, for the most part, still minimized geography’s importance. Eric
Ransdell, a documentary filmmaker and foreign correspondent, blames the American
education system for citizens who do not care about the decline in foreign affairs news
coverage.
For decades we’ve been reading about how American schoolchildren can’t
find Mexico or Canada on a map, and yet nothing seems to change. These people
who don’t know the difference between Switzerland and Swaziland then become
the main consumers of news. And in poll after poll they tell us that they want less
foreign news and more of what I call “selfish journalism” —which stocks to buy,
sex and beauty tips, 10 steps to a healthier colon and so on. It becomes this
horrible feedback loop where people are sent out of our schools in a state of
complete ignorance of the rest of the world and then, maybe because they’re
embarrassed, clamor for even less information on something they know almost
4
nothing about.
In his book, Don’t Know Much About Geography, Kenneth Davis presented
his thoughts on why Americans did not learn geography in school, “The reason so many
people don’t remember anything about the geography we learned in school is that it was
dull. . . . The typical response to these subjects is a glazed eye and an expression like
‘How dry.’”5 Roger Downs, head of the geography department at Pennsylvania State
University, observed, “If geography is not in the curriculum, it’s not tested—and that
3
Ibid.(accessed).
4
Laura Miller, America the Ignorant [Website Article] (Salon.com, 2001, accessed 27
September 2001); available from http://archive.salon.com/news/feature/2001/09/27/stupidity/.
5
Kenneth C. Davis, Don't Know Much About Geography: Everything You Need to Know
About the World but Never Learned (New York: W. Morrow, 1992), 17.
10
says to the students that it is not valued.”6 Geography courses are almost always available
as graduate and post-graduate electives, but it is assuming too much to believe a student
will pursue that which no one has guided him or her to recognize as valuable.
What is so sad about the failure to understand geography is that it reveals a
complete misunderstanding of what geography is. In its simplest expression,
geography asks humanity’s oldest, most fundamental questions, ‘Where am I?’
‘How do I get there?’ ‘What is on the other side of the mountain?’ . . . Eventually,
these questions have pushed us off the face of the Earth and into the heavens in
search of answers to even bigger questions, ‘Where do we come from?’ ‘Is there
anybody else out there?’ ‘Who or what put this universe together?’7
The Church’s Geographical Apathy
When we narrow the subject of geography to Israel and the Bible, we can see
how our culture’s general apathy and illiteracy toward geography has crept into our
theological education. In my own seminary education, the extent of the benefits of
historical geography was never emphasized except in an elective class I took on the
subject. In fact, out of ten leading evangelical seminaries, seven offer only occasional
elective courses on historical geography (some have not taught it for years), and not one
seminary requires the subject.8 Again, why would a student elect to take a course of
which he could not possibly know the value? With each revision of a seminary’s
curriculum, required courses in subjects like history, geography, and exegesis in the
biblical languages tend to be reduced to allow more room for courses in the “practical”
6
Roger Downs, from Trivedi, (accessed).
7
Davis, 16-7.
8
Fuller Theological Seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary, Bethel College and
Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary offer courses in historical geography as electives
only. Denver Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
do not even have an elective course on historical geography. This information was obtained in AugustSeptember 2003 through correspondence directly with these institutions.
11
disciplines. Many laity also view historical geography as a nice, but not essential,
skill—something perhaps for a pastor or professor, but not that valuable for the average
believer.
The Church’s Need for Historical Geography
The church’s illiteracy in historical geography poses a problem, because apart
from its inclusion in Bible study, believers cannot fully understand the context of a
passage. The Christian has the obligation to know the Word intimately, for as Paul told
young Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). “All Scripture,” is literally,
“every [individual] writing.” The biblical text in its minute detail remains God’s means
through which the believer becomes equipped to live the Christian life. The better a
believer knows the Word—including the geography of the text—the better equipped he
or she will be for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
History Values Historical Geography: Eusebius’ Onomasticon
In searching for relevant literature for this dissertation, I did not find much
that discussed the value of historical geography for the spiritual life. Dr. Robert Ibach
provided me some assistance and noted,
There are quite a few items dealing with pilgrimages to the Holy Land over
the centuries. Some of them go all the way back to the fourth century. Even
though these books may not deal with personal spiritual growth, the fact that
Christians over the centuries have found these pilgrimages to be important speaks
to their contribution to Christian life.9
As early as the third century A.D. the value of historical geography for Bible
study was recognized by Origen of Alexandria. “Once he had moved from Alexandria to
9
Correspondence from an e-mail dated August 15, 2003.
12
Caesarea, [he] went on ‘an investigation of the traces of Jesus and his disciples and the
prophets’ in order to understand the Bible better.”10
But it was not until the forth century that a historical geography was written
down for the purpose of assisting Bible study. Eusebius of Caesarea, a pupil of Origen,
remains best known for his Church History in which he “collected, organized, and
published practically all that is now known of many persons and episodes in the life of
the early church. Without him, our knowledge of the early history of Christianity would
be reduced in half.”11 Having lived in Palestine all of his life, Eusebius was well-suited to
the task of writing his Onomasticon (“a collection of names”) around A.D. 325, a work
that became the first historical geography text of its kind. He “is both the first church
historian and the first biblical geographer; without his Onomasticon many biblical sites
would never have been identified.”12
Eusebius recognized the value of geography to biblical study, and he
systematized his work—a venerable index and encyclopedia of sites and locations—with
the Bible student in mind. “Eusebius’ arrangement made sense in terms of what he
expected his readers to do. He apparently imagined them engaged in a study of a
particular Biblical book.”13
Here we have a painstakingly methodical work of scholarship in which
Eusebius maps out a landscape of sites that would become pilgrims’ goals for
10
G. S. P. Freeman-Grenville, Rupert L. Chapman, and Joan E. Taylor, The Onomasticon by
Eusebius of Caesarea: Palestine in the Fourth Century A.D. With Jerome's Latin Translation and
Expansion in Parallel from the Edition of E. Klostermann, ed. Joan E. Taylor, trans. G. S. P. FreemanGrenville, English ed. (Jerusalem: Carta, 2003), 2.
11
Justo L. Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity, vol. 1 (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984),
130.
12
Jerome. Murphy-O'Connor, The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide: From
Earliest Times to 1700, fourth ed. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), 208.
13
Freeman-Grenville, Chapman, and Taylor, 8.
13
centuries to come. Eusebius was probably an unwitting contributor to the huge
boom in Christian pilgrimage during the fourth century, and may well have been
amazed at how his study became a building block in the construction of ‘the Holy
Land’ as a uniting idea for Christians.14
Despite the Onomasticon becoming a resource for the creation of a kind of
Christian Palestine . . . , Eusebius’ work seems to be a kind of exegetical aid to
the study of the Bible, and perhaps an enticement to Christian scholars like
himself to investigate sites further. Eusebius’ intended audience was not the
ordinary (though usually wealthy) pious Christians who would come to see
Biblical sites after [A.D.] 325, but rather scholars like himself who wanted to
understand the sacred text as well as possible, even if they might not set foot in
the land.15
Having lived in Palestine, Eusebius recognized the value geography gave to
increase one’s understanding of the Bible’s message. And so his work was the first of
many tools providing a geography of the Holy Land for those Bible students who may
never see it. As Carl Rasmussen has noted, “Once one has a basic understanding of the
geography of the Middle East one has a much better chance of coming to grips with the
flow of historical events that occurred there.”16
Modern Methods Overlook the Value of Historical Geography
Most of the standard works today on how to study the Bible make mention of
the importance of geography in Bible study. Usually included in the sections on
interpretation, authors aptly relate how geography contributes to one’s understanding of a
passage’s historical context. In answering the question, “where did the action take
place?” one must think geographically. Therefore interpreting a passage in context must
include its historical and geographical context as well.
14
Ibid., 1.
15
Ibid., 1-2.
16
Carl Rasmussen, NIV Atlas of the Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House,
1989), 9.
14
However, the majority of authors give the subject such short, cursory remarks
as to imply it provides nice, but not critical, information. Virkler’s entire work devoted to
interpretation has no mention of geography except in a bibliography at the end of his
chapter on Historical-Cultural and Contextual Analysis.17 Traina’s exhaustive work
mentions geography only in passing and lists but a couple of geographical resources to
pursue.18 Osborne’s “comprehensive introduction” to hermeneutics presents two short
paragraphs on how the “topography of the land can add marvelous insights to the study of
a passage.”19 Hendricks places the importance of geography both in observation (asking
“where” a biblical event occurred) and interpretation (under the value of consulting other
sources). Hendricks makes a helpful comment when he relates how geography “. . . has
become a blind spot in our culture. When you read about places in the Bible, don’t
assume anything; you’ll seldom be disappointed. Most people don’t have a clue as to
where biblical events took place.”20 Of those major works consulted, only one actually
walks a person through an example of how geography gives aid to one’s understanding of
a passage.21
Usually the geographical discipline finds itself embedded as a sub-point under
interpretation, under context, under historical background. With so many other elements
17
Henry A. Virkler, Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation (Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 89.
18
Robert A. Traina, Methodical Bible Study: A New Approach to Hermeneutics (Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Francis Asbury Press, 1985), 153.
19
Grant R. Osborne, The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical
Interpretation (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1991), 129-30.
20
Howard G. Hendricks and William Hendricks, Living by the Book (Chicago: Moody Press,
21
Hans Finzel and Patricia H. Picardi, Observe, Interpret, Apply (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books,
1991), 93.
1994), 56, 61.
15
of hermeneutics to consider, most authors spend little time explaining the benefits of
understanding historical geography. Most list atlases and a few other recommended
resources but do not explain the benefit of using them.
With such a cursory emphasis on historical geography, many Bible students
may dismiss it as contributing little to one’s understanding of a passage—and so miss
many critical insights. One author laments, “The lack of interest in Bible study is due, at
least in part, to lack of a knowledge of Bible Geography. In order to understand the
history of any people it is necessary to understand the geography of the country in which
they lived.”22
People who study the historical geography of Palestine use information
derived from the Bible, inscriptions and other ancient texts, topography, geology,
and archaeology. Even a limited knowledge of these subjects can illuminate
biblical events and lead to a better understanding of the Bible itself.23
The historical/geographical context of the biblical message in many Scripture
texts is intrinsically related to the meaning of that message. . . . If, indeed, this
background is essential to a proper understanding of the text, then it is not
optional – it is an indispensable part of biblical studies.24
In our worthy desire to interpret and apply Scripture properly, therefore, we
must ensure as much as possible that the enterprise is built knowledgeably upon
the grid of the Bible’s own environment. At the outset, it is imperative for one to
see geography not as a superfluity that can be arbitrarily divorced from biblical
interpretation.25
22
Young, 3.
23
Richard Cleave, The Holy Land Satellite Atlas, English ed., vol. 2 “The Regions” (Nicosia,
Cyprus: Rohr Productions, 2000), 4.
24
Randy Cook, “Physical & Historical Geography of Israel: Geographical Introduction and the
Jerusalem Area,” ed. Bill Schlegal and Todd Bolen (Unpublished notes from the Israel Bible Extension,
The Master's College, 2001), 1.
25
Beitzel, 3.
16
The state of geographic apathy in the American church simply reflects the
geographic illiteracy of its culture. However, inspiration demands we give attention to the
details of biblical geography, for they contribute to the “context” in which every passage
lies. Understanding the context remains essential for interpretation, and thus, for spiritual
growth.
I am not suggesting if one learns historical geography all his or her questions
will be answered or that geography holds the hidden secret to a new level of spirituality.
But I am arguing that historical geography has not played a major role in our popular
Bible study methods even though it offers a sizeable contribution to biblical
understanding.
Resources for Studying Historical Geography
Bible Atlases
At the top of most recommended resources for studying historical geography
one finds the Bible atlas. Atlases reflect the wide variety of formats and theological
perspectives found in the Christian church—from liberal to conservative, from concise to
comprehensive, from reference-only to hands-on map marking. Good atlases reveal more
than maps; they teach the importance of geography as it relates to history, archeology,
topography, climate, and soils. Several outstanding atlases available today introduce one
to the benefits of historical geography, providing a “rich and decorative backdrop for the
dramatic events of biblical history—[which] heightens the sensory and emotional impact
of the narrative.”26
26
J. Carl Laney, Baker's Concise Bible Atlas: A Geographical Survey of Bible History (Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988), 12.
17
Historical Geography Textbooks
Beyond the atlas exist books written exclusively to describe the geography of
the land and its relation to the history of Israel. “A large part of the problem is that so
many books about subjects like history and geography are written by ‘experts’ to be read
by other ‘experts.’”27 For the most part, historical geography has a literary following of
students and scholars primarily because the texts for the subject are written on a scholarly
level. Though often cumbersome and detailed, some of these volumes still offer
impeccable and precise descriptions, imagery, and locations of biblical sites. One author
of such a work relates how “in the land of the Bible, geography and history are so deeply
interwoven that neither can be really understood without the help of the other.”28 George
Adam Smith, in his monumental volume on The Historical Geography of the Holy Land,
explains the value of including geography in the study of Scripture.
Students of the Bible desire to see a background and to feel an
atmosphere—to discover from “the lie of the land” why the story took certain
lines and the prophecy and gospel were expressed in certain styles—to learn what
geography has to contribute to questions of Biblical criticism—above all, to
discern between what physical nature contributed to the religious development of
Israel, and what was the product of purely moral and spiritual forces. On this last
point the geography of the Holy Land reaches its highest interest.29
27
Davis, 17.
28
Yohanan Aharoni, The Land of the Bible: A Historical Geography, trans. A. F. Rainey,
second ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1979), ix.
29
George Adam Smith, The Historical Geography of the Holy Land: Especially in Relation to
the History of Israel and of the Early Church (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1897), ix.
18
Bible Encyclopedias and Electronic Media
The study of historical geography can be greatly assisted with a good Bible
encyclopedia, such as the Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible.30 Such volumes
provide articles on sites and customs, rich background information and photographs,
complete with bibliographic data following each article.
With the advent of computers, students of historical geography can study
through excellent interactive websites,31 DVD’s,32 and pictorial compact discs33 which
hold a variety of educational materials and photographs of Israel. Many of these sources
also allow the use of their material to be used in educational contexts and ministries.
Studying Historical Geography in a Class
In addition to individual study through a variety of books and tools, today the
opportunity exists to study the historical geography of Israel in a classroom setting. Being
taught by one who has a passion for the subject tends to reveal more of its value, and the
class offers the additional benefit of seeing descriptive pictures of the geography as well.
When the teacher utilizes audiovisuals of maps and sites, doing so has been demonstrated
in one study to provide a more understandable and stimulating way to learn the Bible
30
Merrill Chapin Tenney and ed, The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, 5 vols.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975).
31
See for example Terry Hulbert, Walking in Their Sandals [Website] (2003, accessed);
available from http://www.ancientsandals.com.
32
See for example James C. Martin, Above Israel (Gaithersburg, Md.: Preserving Bible
Times, 2002), DVD Visual Material.
33
See for example Todd Bolen, Pictorial Library of Bible Lands, 10 Volumes (Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Kregel Publications, 2004), CD-Rom.
19
over a format not using audiovisuals.34 Employing visuals has been proven to “speed
learning . . . prevent misunderstanding . . . [and] improve retention.”35
With so many photographs, it is possible to memorize the land of the Bible
much as you would memorize the words of a text. Then, as you read the Bible,
you will visualize “the whole region of Galilee” (Mark 1:28), “the whole region
of the Jordan” (Matt. 3:5), and “throughout Judea and Samaria” (Acts 8:1). In
addition you will better appreciate biblical passages that use the land to convey
important thoughts or ideas.36
Studying Historical Geography in Israel
In the same way Eusebius’ Onomasticon did much to set in motion
pilgrimages to the Holy Land, so a classroom study of historical geography often ignites
a passion to visit the land itself. Studying while on tour in Israel takes the audiovisual
benefit to another level. Saint Jerome relates in his Commentary on Chronicles how,
In the same way that they who have seen Athens understand the Greek
histories better, and they who have sailed from Troy through Leucate, and from
Acroceraunia to Sicily, and from there to the mouth of the Tiber understand the
third book of Virgil, so he who has contemplated Judaea with his own eyes and
knows the sites of ancient cities, and knows the names of the places, whether the
same or changed, will regard Scripture more lucidly.37
34
See William P. Sanders, “Using a Relief Map of the Holy Land in Adult Biblical Education”
(D.Min. Dissertation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 1996).
35
Donald P. Regier, “Audiovisual Support for Your Teaching,” from Kenneth O. Gangel and
Howard G. Hendricks, The Christian Educator's Handbook on Teaching (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books,
1988), 196.
36
Cleave, 4.
37
J.-P. Migne, ed., Praefatio Hieronymi in Librum Paralipomenon Juxta Lxx Interpretes, 79
vols., Patrologiae Cursus Completus, Sive Biblioteca Universalis, Integra, Uniformis, Commoda,
Oeconomica, Omnium Ss. Patrum, Doctorum Scriptorumque Eccelesiasticorum Qui Ab Aevo Apostolico
Ad Usque Innocentii III Tempora Floruerunt . . . [Series Latina, in Qua Prodeunt Patres, Doctores
Scriptoresque Ecclesiae Latinae, a Tertulliano Ad Innocentium III], vol. 29 (Paris: 1846), col. 401-2. This
quote’s English translation is taken from Freeman-Grenville, Chapman, and Taylor, 2-3.
20
In a book devoted to techniques for increasing one’s memory, O’Brien
explains what he calls the “journey method” as “the most powerful of all mnemonic
techniques.”38 In using association and imagination, this memory technique adds
geography to its arsenal of memory-triggers. The example is given of golfers describing
the details of each hole played, including the clubs chosen and the number of strokes and
putts played.
Each golfer has used a mental route consisting of 18 stages around the golf
course. At each stage they have stationed specific facts about their game. When
they mentally retrace their steps, the golfers recall, by association, the details
stored along the journey. . . . When the items of information actually belong to the
context of the journey, it is obvious that mentally “walking” the route will bring
us to the data that we need.39
In a similar way, one’s memory of biblical events can be strengthened by
associating the events with their geographical locations. Taken beyond the limits of
simply imagination, it seems association would best be strengthened by actually
experiencing Israel’s geography first-hand.
One study reveals we learn far better when all five senses are involved, most
notably, 83% of what we learn we gain through sight. In addition, if we have been taught
using both sight and sound, our long-term memory is greatly improved over simply using
sight or sound alone. 40 This shows the value of not only teaching geography in the
classroom using visuals, but it shows the greater value of experiencing the geography of
Israel first-hand—employing all the senses.
38
Dominic O'Brien, Learn to Remember: Practical Techniques and Exercises to Improve Your
Memory (San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2000), 37.
39
Ibid., 38.
40
Terry Hall, Dynamic Bible Teaching with Overhead Transparencies (Elgin, Ill.: David C.
Cook, 1985), 8.
21
Evaluation of the Benefits of Studying Historical Geography
I searched through relevant literature and found nothing that surveyed
historical geography students and travelers to Israel to determine how the experience has
benefited them as students of the Word, as believers, or as communicators. Many works
discuss historical geography—particularly its necessity—but nothing was found that
evaluated how the subject had impacted real people.
Most literature devoted to the benefits of actually going to Israel are found in
tour books. As such they provide invaluable help with regard to the history of sites and
even spiritual and practical preparation for the trip.41 But as books of preparation and onsite information, their purpose is not to provide an evaluation of a study tour’s benefits.
Several experts who have taught historical geography, both in the class and on
location, were contacted and asked if they knew of any such studies or literature.42 To a
person they were unaware of any publications on the subject. One said he would be
surprised if such a study existed, because the discipline is relatively new, and most who
work in the field are so busy they have not done any direct analysis of its benefits.
Scripture Validates the Benefits of Historical Geography
God Himself reveals how geography is the stage on which the divine drama of
history takes place. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1,
emphasis mine). He created the earth with intent; from its formless, void beginning, God
fashioned it in its details. God asked Job,
41
, See most notably Charles H. Dyer and Greg Hatteberg, The Christian Traveler's Guide to
the Holy Land (Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 22-35.
42
I contacted Dr. Charlie Dyer, Dr. James Monson, and Professor Todd Bolen.
22
Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? . . . On what were its
bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who enclosed the sea with doors . . .
And I said, Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud
waves stop? (Job 38:4, 6-8, 11).
When Job questioned God on matters of heaven, God asked Job matters of
earth. In referring to His vast wisdom in Creation, God communicated spiritual truth to
Job through the physical realm. Likewise, Jesus told Nicodemus, “If I told you earthly
things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John
3:12). The veracity of the earthly things lends credence to the heavenly.
I find it interesting that the same elements required for believability surface in
the basics of writing a secular novel. In answering the question, “How can setting affect
your characters?” Tina Morgan directs budding novelists,
Whether your story takes place on an imaginary world or right here on present
day earth, setting is a crucial part of any story. How you build the world around
your characters will play a vital role in the overall believability of your novel. The
type of world you create will determine the reactions and behaviors of your
characters (emphasis mine).43
Just as setting plays a role in the believability of a novel, God intended His
created “setting” to support the believability of His divine drama. This was God’s point to
both Job and Nicodemus. Morgan’s last line ought to stand out to any creationist, for it
rings true. God created His world to elicit a particular reaction and behavior from His
people—faith and faithfulness.
God prepared the Promised Land for His chosen people with the same degree
of care that He prepared His chosen people for the Promised Land. The promised
Land might have been created an environment without blemish; it might have
exhibited ecological of climatological perfection. It might have been prepared a
tropical rain forest though which coursed an effusion of crystal-clear water; it
43
Tina Morgan, The Importance of Setting [website article] (Fiction Factor, 2001, accessed 1
November 2003); available from http://www.fictionfactor.com/articles/setting.html.
23
might have been created as a thickly-carpeted grassy meadow or as an elegant
garden suffused with the aroma of flowers and blossoms. It might have been—but
it was not. . . . God prepared for His chosen people a land that embodied the direst
of geographic hardship. Possessing meager physical and economic resources and
caught inescapably in a maelstrom of political upheaval, the Promised Land has
yielded up to its residents a simple, tenuous, mystifying, and precarious existence,
even under the best of circumstances. It is an important and helpful insight to
realize that God prepared a certain kind of land, positioned at a particular spot,
designed to elicit a specific and appropriate response. God has been at work in
both geography and history.44
The land God chose was not arbitrary, for He designed even the land itself to
develop the spiritual lives of His people. For example, one of the most important
geographical features of Canaan was its lack of a natural abundance of water. Thus God
used a simple, physical resource like water to teach the spiritual truth that He alone is the
true source of life. Unlike Egypt, which had the Nile, and unlike Mesopotamia, which
had the Tigris and Euphrates, God specifically told Israel He was taking them to a place
which “drinks water from the rain of heaven.” In Egypt and Mesopotamia, with no need
for rain, the main deities were gods of the sun, Amon-Re and Marduk respectively. But
when the Hebrews entered Canaan, they found the locals worshipped Baal, a god of rain.
Since water remained the most important variable in the land of Canaan, God used the
climate in His relationship with Israel to encourage them to trust and obey Him. For
obedience God sent rain; for disobedience God sent drought.
It is geographically significant that ancient civilizations emerged on the banks
of rivers. Ancient Egypt owed its existence to the Nile; Mesopotamia drew its life
sustenance from the Euphrates, Habur, and, beginning with the Seleucid period,
the Tigris; the Indus valley civilization was located along the river by the same
name; the Hittite empire rested astride the Halys; old Indian culture sprang to life
in the Brahmaputra and Ganges valleys; ancient China had its Hwang-Ho and
Yangtze; and European culture emerged on the banks of the Tiber, Danube,
Rhine, and Meuse. . . . Even in twentieth-century America, virtually all major
commercial and industrial cities have outlets to rivers, oceans, or the Great Lakes
44
Beitzel, (preface) xv.
24
network. Those few exceptions are themselves located at the hub of important
interstate highways or airline routes.45
Even in modern history, water remains a vital resource in Israel. In 1948,
during the War of Independence, the anticipation of the Arabs’ cutting off the Jews’
supply line proved a threat not only to food supplies, but to available water.
Even graver than the risk of famine in a besieged Jerusalem, however, would
be the risk of dying of thirst. Ninety percent of the city’s water came from the
springs of Ras el Ein, sixty miles to the west. The eighteen-inch pipe and the four
pumping stations required to get the water up three thousand feet to Jerusalem lay
in territory as Arab as the slopes of Bab el Wad. Even the little additional water
available to the city from one of its most ancient sources, King Solomon’s Pools,
lay in Arab-controlled territory. Once the British left, the Arabs could cripple
Jewish Jerusalem and force its surrender without a shot by depriving the city of
the most vital element of daily existence, water. A bundle of dynamite sticks
would be all they would need to do it.46
Still today the rains in Israel remain crucial and regularly make headlines. The
largest reservoir in the country is the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) which supplies its water to
most of the country via the National Water Carrier. How the rains affect the Kinneret’s
level is a constant source of concern. In February 2003, after a generous rain upon the
land, Arutz Sheva News Service referred to it as a “Blessed Rainfall.” This dependency
on rain for water dates back to God’s original design for His people to depend on Him.
In many places in Israel, such as Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, the
amount of rain this year has already passed the annual average. Heavy rains are
expected today and tomorrow throughout the country, and heavy snow has
already closed the Mt. Hermon area. The level of the Kinneret Sea was recorded
today at 212.81 meters below sea level.47
45
Ibid., 2.
46
Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, O Jerusalem! (London: Granada, 1982), 130.
47
Hillel Fendel, Blessed Rainfall, Arutz-7 News, English Edition [Website Article] (accessed
19 February 2003); available from http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=39228.
25
Because of water’s vitality to the land of Israel, God often drew upon its
imagery in Scripture to teach valuable lessons. Thirst for water is like a spiritual thirst
which only God can fulfill (Ps 42:1; 63:1). An enemy is likened to water which runs off
an impervious object; with God we are impervious to attacks outside His will (Ps 58:7).
Water represents God’s literal blessing on the earth through the giving of rain (Ps 65:913; 72:6-7; Mic 5:7). An increase, or a lack of water, represents God’s blessing, or lack
thereof, on the land (Ps 107:33-28). Water represents sexual joy in marriage; just as a
personal fountain was to be enjoyed privately, so the pleasure is not to be shared with
another but the spouse (Prov 5:15-18). Living water represents water drunk from its very
source, like a spring. Cisterns can represent that which someone provides for himself; the
imagery suggests that a direct relationship to the Lord is incomparable to any substitute
(Jer 2:12-13).
Location, Location, Location
Scripture validates the benefits of historical geography through repeatedly
stressing that Israel’s location among the nations was God’s choosing. The location of the
land provided not only the setting for Israel’s history, but it also provided the means by
which the Lord powerfully related to His people. The land developed the faith of the Jews
because it possessed little in and of itself to provide a living for its inhabitants. With scant
physical and economic resources, and sitting as the land bridge for world-powers, the
Jews immediately recognized the need to rely on the Lord or perish.
The geographical nature and position of this land do not inherently encourage
its independence nor its development as a natural center of political power.
Geological forces have made it a mixture of mountains, canyons, passes and
plains. Ripping through it from north to south is the Rift Valley, one of the great
cleavages in the earth’s crust. In this deep valley bodies of water, swamps or dry
and inhospitable plains have produced regions through which travel was difficult.
The slightest shift in world climatic conditions can render the country helpless,
producing drought and famine. In this context there also exists an almost
26
continual conflict between the herdsman and the farmer, between the desert and
the sown. . . . Such a land does not lend itself to unification or rule under any one
government. Natural routes are constricted by uplifted limestone hills, deeply
eroded canyons and sharp geological faults. At the same time the country lacks
natural frontiers and is vulnerable to attack on all sides.48
Israel’s Location Among the Nations
The Bible makes it clear how geography took both an active and passive role
in God’s dealing with people. George Adam Smith, in his fundamental volume on The
Historical Geography of the Holy Land, offers this excellent summary of Israel’s
placement among the nations.
The Semitic home is distinguished by its central position in geography—
between Asia and Africa, and between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean,
which is Europe; and the rôle in history of the Semitic race has been also
intermediary. The Semites have been the great middlemen of the world. Not
second-rate in war, they have risen to the first rank in commerce and religion.
They have been the carriers between East and West, they have stood between the
great ancient civilisations and those which go to make up the modern world;
while by a higher gift, for which their conditions neither in place nor in time fully
account, they have been mediary between God and man, and proved the religious
teachers of the world, through whom have come its three highest faiths, its only
universal religions. Syria’s [Israel’s] history is her share in this great function of
intermedium, which has endured from the earliest times to the present day.49
Smith’s emphasis on the mediatory role of Israel among the nations speaks
both of its physical and spiritual functions. As the “land between,” Israel sat in an
amazingly strategic geographical position, because it served as the only intercontinental
land bridge between the super-powers of the ancient world. God said in Ezekiel 5:5,
“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her at the center of the nations,
with lands around her.’”
48
Monson, 13-4.
49
Smith, 5-6.
27
The Importance of Israel’s Roads
The most important international roadway of the Fertile Crescent, called the
Great Trunk Road, or the International Highway, ran through the length of the land of
Israel. Any invading army coming to or from Egypt, or traveling from the Mediterranean
to the Gulf of Aqaba, had to go through Israel. Israel was the crossroads for international
imperialism, war, and trade.
As a “kingdom of priests” Israel’s mediatory role was to take advantage of its
geography for the glory of God. As world powers traveled through the land, Israel would
either influence them for the Lord or be influenced by them toward idolatry. The majority
of Israel’s history, unfortunately, reflects the latter.
The major routes that connected the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa
passed through the region of Israel and Syria. It was in this area that God placed
the descendants of Abraham, that they might live in obedience to his covenant.
There they were tested to see if they would keep themselves free from pagan
influences, if they would be a light to the nations around them, and if they would
trust in God rather than chariots, for their ultimate security.50
The tribes of Dan, Manasseh, Ephraim and Naphtali did not take control of the
major cities within their borders along the most important routes of the nation. Judges
1:27-35 laments this failure.
But Manasseh did not take possession of Beth-shean and its villages, or
Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the
inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its
villages; so the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. . . . Neither did
Ephraim drive out the Canaanites who were living in Gezer; so the Canaanites
lived in Gezer among them . . . Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, but lived among the Canaanites. . . .
Then the Amorites forced the sons of Dan into the hill country, for they did not
allow them to come down to the valley; yet the Amorites persisted in living in
Mount Heres, in Aijalon and in Shaalbim.
50
Rasmussen, 14.
28
Their failure to take possession of the land resulted in God’s judgment, for He
said the nations “shall become as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to
you” (Judg 2:3). This regional geography was one of Israel’s greatest opportunities lost.
Rather than influence other nations, Israel was influenced by them.
The main north-south highway east of the Jordan river was called the “King’s
Highway.” During the time of Abraham, a king named Chedorlaomer had the military
goal of controlling the highway. As he sought to deal with the rebellious cities of the
plain he first systematically defeated the strategic cities along the King’s
Highway—Ashteroth-karnaim, Ham, Shaveh-kiriathaim, and as far as El-paran on the
Gulf of Elath. Then he turned north “to En-mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and conquered all
the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, who lived in Hazazon-tamar” (Gen
14:7). It is at that point Chedorlaomer faced and defeated the cities of the plain. He used
geography to his advantage as he cut off the cities’ escape and any potential enemy allies
or reinforcements, because he controlled the region and highway surrounding the cities.
Several centuries later, the King’s Highway was used by the children of Israel as they
journeyed from the Sinai wilderness to the east of the Jordan River (Num 20:17; 21:22).
When Abraham followed God’s call to journey to Canaan, his major route of
travel was the vast international roadway system stretching across the Fertile Crescent.
Beginning in Ur, Abraham followed the highway up through Haran and down into
Canaan. As Abraham arrived at Damascus the text does not mention whether he took the
International Highway southwest or the alternate Transjordanian “King’s Highway.” The
latter is more likely, as it affords a straighter route to Shechem, Abraham’s first stop in
Canaan. Also, if Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, followed tradition and crossed the Jordan
where Abraham crossed, then Abraham must have forded close to the cities of Penuel,
Succoth, Mahanaim, and Adam (Gen 32:31). He then could have ascended the Judean
hills to Shechem via the Wadi Faria.
29
The route Abraham used during the majority of his sojourn in Canaan is called
the “Way of the Patriarchs,” a road that stretches south from Shechem in Samaria through
Bethel, Ramah, Gibeah, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and Beersheba in the Negev. It is
also called the “Ridge Route,” because it follows the watershed ridge of the Judean and
Ephraimite hills. Abraham spent most of his life wandering this ancient path, residing at
various times in Shechem (Gen 12:6), Bethel and Ai (Gen 12:8; 13:2), Hebron (Gen
13:18; 14:13), and particularly in the Negev (Gen 13:1; 20:1). These areas had
tremendous significance as Israel’s history unfolded.
Higher in elevation and away from the chariots of the plains, the hill country
of Judah enjoyed relative seclusion from the foreign influence of the coastal and
transjordanian highways. Experiencing mostly local traffic along the Ridge Route, the
hill country’s isolation afforded the inhabitants a measure of protection, though they still
had to defend the approaches into the hill country.
The most important junction that led up to the hill country, from both the east
and west, crossed a wide-open highland region called the Central Benjamin Plateau. A
buffer zone between the dominant, quarreling tribes of Ephraim and Judah, the plateau
hosted the crossroads of one of the major ascents to the hill country’s ridge route.
When Joshua began his conquest of Canaan, he first sought the Central
Benjamin Plateau. Jericho proved a necessary site for Joshua to conquer first, the ancient
city was built at the largest oasis in the area. Jericho also guarded the route that ascended
to the Central Benjamin Plateau. When Joshua conquered Ai and Bethel, and obtained the
surrender of the Gibeonite cities (Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, Kiriath-jearim), he
effectively divided the land of Canaan in half (Josh 9:17). The significance of this
geographical move allowed Joshua to conquer one area at a time without fear of the other
area coming to the enemy’s aid. The kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and
Eglon were concerned with Gibeon’s surrender “because Gibeon was a great city, like
30
one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty”
(Josh 10:2). In addition, the king of Jerusalem, Adoni-zedek, would have been
particularly concerned because Gibeon was the doorway from the coastland through the
Shephelah and the Central Benjamin Plateau to Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s main route to the
coast and to their Egyptian ally was now cut off. This made Jerusalem vulnerable to the
Israelite army. So the cities banded together to retake control of the strategic city of
Gibeon.
When Saul was named king of all Israel, he established his base of operations
in Gibeah. In addition to being his hometown, the city lay along the Ridge Route at the
southern part of the Central Benjamin Plateau. The Philistines knew its strategic
placement for both east-west travel (via the Beth-horon ridge route) and north-south
travel (via the “Way of the Patriarchs”). If the Philistines could control the plateau they
could keep the northern and southern tribes from uniting under their new king against
Philistine domination. They attempted the same “divide and conquer” strategy as Joshua
and tried to control the plateau. When they failed, they attempted to ascend to the hill
country through the Elah Valley in the Shephelah. This valley provided the next major
road to the hill country of Judah and Ephraim through Bethlehem. If the Philistines were
to come up through Bethlehem, they could travel north along the “Way of the Patriarchs”
and gain control again of the strategic Central Benjamin Plateau. The Philistines camped
on the mountain between Azekah and Socoh, and Israel camped on the mountain by
Socoh (1 Sam 17:1-3). Israel was poised to stop them at Socoh because there the road
forked, allowing two possible ascents to the hill country—one through Hushah on the
northern road, and one though Adullam and Beth-zur on the southern road. David came
to see his brothers in the battle by traveling from Bethlehem along the road that descends
into the Elah Valley. His victory over Goliath occurred in the valley between the two
encampments and provided security again for the hill country of Judah and Saul’s base of
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power in the Central Benjamin Plateau. Once Goliath was killed, the Hebrews ran the
Philistines out of the valley back towards their cities of Gath and Ekron.
Even in more recent history, the roads to Jerusalem proved a critical asset
which had to be guarded or obtained. In the 1948 War of Independence, the Chief of Staff
of the Haganah, Jacob Dori, said, “The war will be won or lost on the roads of Palestine.
Our survival will depend on our transportation.”51 One major road to Jerusalem started at
Tel-Aviv (ancient Joppa) and passed through the coastal plain to enter Judea’s lowrolling hills near Gezer, a site Solomon himself fortified to protect another critical ascent
to Jerusalem. As the road entered the hill country, it was called in Arabic, Bab El Wad
(“The Gate of the Valley”). The Arabs’ control of Bab El Wad gave them a strong
advantage in cutting off the Jewish supply line to Jerusalem and procuring a bona fide
siege much like the city endured in ancient times. What success the Arabs enjoyed from
Bab El Wad, they owed to geography, because
for twenty miles, the road twisted its way up a series of tight curves, its path
buried at the foot of the valley, each of its sides a sheer, impenetrable descent of
rock and forest. There every rock could hide a rifleman, every curve an ambush,
every clump of trees a company of attackers. . . . [For the Jews] Protecting that
fragile communication line was an immense, almost insurmountable problem.52
Geography as Opportunity: Influence or Be Influenced
Solomon’s Use of Geography
King Solomon used geography to fulfill Israel’s opportunity as the “land
between” and its obligation as a “Kingdom of Priests.” A simple notation in 1 Kings 9:15
records that Solomon fortified “Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.” By controlling these key
51
Collins and Lapierre, 50.
52
Ibid., 52-3.
32
cities, spread along the International Highway, Solomon also controlled trade and
communication between travelers and potential allied enemies. “These sites reflect
important political and economic advantages which made Israel a powerful country in the
eastern Mediterranean. It was Israel’s first period of relative greatness when her influence
extended over the international routes of the region and beyond.”53
Hazor, located in upper Galilee, held a strategic place on the International
Highway, for standing in Hazor, one could fully see to the north, northeast, and
southwest. Travelers, merchants, and armies had to pass through the slender plain by
Hazor because west of the city lay the mountains of Upper Galilee, and east of the city
lay a swampy valley. Since Solomon controlled Hazor, he controlled the northern
entrance into Galilee and Israel. Remains of the “Solomonic gate” are still visible in
Hazor today. Moreover, the modern Israeli army still considers Hazor a strategic
location.54
Megiddo was located at the main pass through Mount Carmel and stood as
arguably the most strategic city in Israel. Solomon fortified this city, south of Hazor,
because Megiddo not only lay along the International Highway, but it also crossed the
main road which connected Shechem and Ephraim to the Acco Plain’s ports of Tyre and
Sidon.55 It was also a major east/west crossing point from the Mediterranean coast to the
Transjordanian Highlands and King’s Highway. As with Hazor, one who controlled
Megiddo controlled both traffic and trade, levying taxes at will.
53
Monson, 26-7.
54
W. B. Coker, “Hazor,” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. Merrill
Chapin Tenney (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976), 50-3.
55
Anson F. Rainey, “Megiddo,” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed.
Merrill Chapin Tenney (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976), 164-76.
33
Gezer lay about twenty miles west of Jerusalem in the northern part of the
Shephelah. Solomon fortified Gezer because Jerusalem’s main highway through the
Aijalon valley intersected the International Highway at Gezer. By controlling Gezer
Solomon not only monitored travel along the International Highway, but he also
controlled the main route to Jerusalem from the coast.56 So from Galilee to the coastal
plains Solomon controlled all traffic through the nation. This played an integral role in
his national security as well as his wealth. The annual tribute brought to Solomon
amounted to 666 talents of gold (1 Kgs 10:11). This was in addition to the taxes levied
from traders, wares of the merchants, all the kings of the Arabs, and the governors of the
country (1 Kgs 10:15). These taxes evidently came from Solomon’s “toll booths” in the
key cities fortified along the International Highway—Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.
Solomon enjoyed a vast export system, by which he sent chariots and horses to all the
kings of the Hittites and to the kings of the Arameans (1 Kgs 10:29).
In addition to his wealth, Solomon used his position to fulfill Israel’s
mediatory role to the nations. As 1 Kings 10:24 notes, “And all the earth was seeking the
presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom which God had put in his heart. And they
brought every man his gift, articles of silver and gold, garments, weapons, spices, horses,
and mules, so much year by year” (italics added).
“Galilee of the Gentiles”
Because of Israel’s location among the nations, God’s people had the
opportunity to influence the nations for God (like Solomon) or to be influenced by the
nations away from God. Unfortunately the northern kingdom of Israel succumbed to the
56
Anson F. Rainey, “Gezer,” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. Merrill
Chapin Tenney (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976), 706-10.
34
latter to the extent that Isaiah would refer to the region of Galilee as “Galilee of the
Gentiles” (Isa 9:1). The northern tribes of Naphtali, Issachar, Zebulun, and Asher had
important international highways running through their midst, and pagan powers
continually sought control of these areas for economic and political benefit.57 Reflecting
this influence, the northern kingdom of Israel had not one king who followed the Lord,
but they pursued a syncretistic worship of false gods alongside Yahweh. This
disobedience resulted in judgment and eventual Gentile control of Galilee.
“This is Jerusalem . . . the Center of the Nations”
The southern kingdom of Judah also failed in the opportunity its geography
provided. In a context of judgment, God laments that Jerusalem’s placement among the
nations had borne no fruit.
Thus says the Lord GOD, “This is Jerusalem; I have set her at the center of the
nations, with lands around her. But she has rebelled against My ordinances more
wickedly than the nations and against My statutes more than the lands which
surround her; for they have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My
statutes.” Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Because you have more turmoil
than the nations which surround you, and have not walked in My statutes, nor
observed My ordinances, nor observed the ordinances of the nations which
surround you,” therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I, even I, am against
you, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations.
Moreover, I will make you a desolation and a reproach among the nations which
surround you, in the sight of all who pass by. So it will be a reproach, a reviling, a
warning and an object of horror to the nations who surround you, when I execute
judgments against you in anger, wrath, and raging rebukes. I, the LORD, have
spoken” (Ezek 5:5-15 NASB, italics added).
Jesus’ Use of Geography
Matthew 4:14-16 notes how the Lord Jesus particularly chose Capernaum as
the base of operation for His public ministry “to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah
57
Monson, 24.
35
the prophet, saying, ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea,
beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles —the people who were sitting in darkness saw
a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a
light dawned’” (emphasis added). Isaiah’s use of “the way of the sea” foretold that the
area by the Sea of Galilee would behold the light the Messiah would bring to a region
riddled with spiritual darkness. While several cities by the Sea of Galilee could have
fulfilled this prophecy, some suggest Jesus’ selection of Capernaum drew upon its
geographical benefits.
Capernaum rested astride the international artery of trade (Great Trunk Road)
that ultimately linked Egypt and Mesopotamia. . . . By anchoring His ministry at
Capernaum, it became unnecessary for Him to travel great distances, because
those who heard and believed His message in Capernaum became instant and farflung ambassadors.58
When Christ ministered in the region of Samaria, He stopped near the ancient
city of Shechem, a city with a major north-south and east-west crossroads. After
converting a woman by a well, He was welcomed by many Samaritans in the village of
Sychar, staying with them two days (John 4:40). Many travelers who passed within their
valley could then hear of the “One [who] is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Jesus’ final words to the church issue a commission outlined by geographical
parameters. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and
you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to
the remotest part of the earth (Acts 1:8).” The book of Acts reveals how the Holy Spirit
used the Church to spread the Gospel message successively in these specific areas: in
Jerusalem (Acts 1:1-6:7), in all Judea and Samaria (Acts 6:8-9:31), and even to the
remotest part of the earth (Acts 9:32-28:31). Antioch replaced Jerusalem as the base from
58
Beitzel, 171.
36
which the outreach to the nations took place. The book of Acts culminates in the most
important city of the Roman Empire, Rome.
Location and the True Source of Security
God used Israel’s strategic location to demonstrate the true source of security.
This was true on both the national and local levels. A number of factors helped determine
the location of cities in Israel. In addition to accessibility to water (as in Capernaum),
there was the availability of natural resources (i.e. Jericho and its proximity to water and
the Dead Sea’s bitumen),59 regional topography (Megiddo), local topography (Jerusalem,
Samaria, Masada), and easy lines of communication (Hazor). It was very common for a
location to experience continual settlement because the geographical factors that
determined it did not change. The same factors that determined the first choice of the site
usually attracted new settlers. In fact, as a city was rebuilt over and over on the same site
(called a “tell”), its walls became higher and thus even more attractive to settlers.
Geography played a major role in how the kings of the northern kingdom of
Israel selected their capital cities. Jeroboam chose Shechem as his capital, most likely
because of the significant religious history of the city. Shechem had great spiritual
significance for Abraham, Jacob, and Joshua. Also Shechem was situated on an essential
crossroads along the “Way of the Patriarchs.” In addition to this crucial north-south road,
another road also went northwest to the International Highway, and still another went east
toward the Transjordanian Highway. The Israelite kings Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri
chose Tirzah as their capital primarily because it is at the western end of the Wadi Faria,
the main route between the Jordan Valley and central Samaria. Since this wadi provided
the most important entrance into Israel’s hill country, Tirzah essentially controlled all
59
Ibid., 54-5.
37
traffic between the Transjordanian Highway and Shechem. In an aggressive move, Omri
later shifted his capital to Samaria, a location closer to the International Highway. The
city had steep slopes all around the high hill on which the city sat. It also provided room
for many people to live—perhaps 40,000—as the city covered twenty acres. It required
cisterns for water supply, which was a major drawback in times of siege. Samaria
enjoyed much produce since the valleys and the nearby Dothan Plain were very fertile.
Samaria also had a better location for trade than the previous three capitals.
But as with most strengths, cities had a potential for weakness. The
geographical benefit of a city could become its inhabitants’ source of trust rather than
God. For example, King Asa of Jerusalem trusted God against “Zerah the Ethiopian
[who] came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots” (2 Chr
14:9), and God gave Asa victory as he battled in the Shephelah. But when “Baasha king
of Israel came up against Judah and fortified Ramah in order to prevent anyone from
going out or coming in to Asa king of Judah” (2 Chr 16:1), Asa panicked and paid the
king of Aram to come to his aid. Asa’s response was to take “silver and gold”—all that
he had dedicated to God—to buy help from a pagan king. What was it that caused Asa,
who had such faith to gain victory over a million from the south, suddenly to become
terrified and look to his own devices for help? It was because God took from Asa
something Asa trusted in more than God —the Central Benjamin Plateau. Asa could not
imagine what he would do without that land, so he scrambled to try to get it back at all
costs; he felt he had to have it to be secure.
God Tied Geography to His Promises
Another way Scripture validates the benefits of historical geography is seen in
how God linked geography to His covenants with Israel. By obediently living in the land,
Israel could expect to enjoy the provisions God promised through the covenants. In the
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Abrahamic Covenant, land, seed, and blessing came through Abraham’s obedience to
leave one land and go to another God selected. The Mosaic Covenant promised rain on
the land (blessings), or drought (curses), depending on the obedience of Israel to the Law.
God’s promises to the Jews were always connected to the physical land, and the ultimate
judgment was for God to take from them the land He gave. The hope of ultimate
restoration also involved a return to the land. For example, Nehemiah found hope in his
belief in God’s promise to return His repentant people to the land (Neh 1:9). The Davidic
Covenant gave a messianic and eschatological promise directly tied to the land, for God
told David his descendant would rule on his throne over an eternal kingdom (2 Sam
7:16).
In anticipating the coming of Christ, Isaiah 40 clearly noted the voice
preparing the way for the Lord will be one crying in the wilderness (of Judea). All four
Gospels indicate that John the Baptist specifically fulfilled this geographical prophecy
(Matt 3:1; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:2; John 1:23). Isaiah’s words speak of changing the
geography of the land, “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made
low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain” (Isa 40:4). In light
of John’s ministry, the geography represents changing the hearts of the people. For to
make smooth what is rough would correspond to John’s message and baptism of
repentance (Matt 3:2; Mark 1:4), as well as to the general Old Testament command for
repentance in order to bring in restoration (Deut 30).
Some time later, when John the Baptist struggled with doubt during his
imprisonment at Machaerus by the Dead Sea, Jesus’ response would have been a personal
encouragement to him because of John’s familiarity with the area’s geography. “Go and
report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers
are cleansed and the deaf hear . . .” (Matt 11:4-5). Jesus quoted from Isaiah 35:5-6,
showing John, from Scripture, how Jesus’ ministry was fulfilling Old Testament
39
prophesies; Jesus was the “Expected One.” But the verses before and after these—which
John would have been familiar with as well—provided a more subtle form of
encouragement to John:
The wilderness and the desert will be glad,
And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus it will blossom profusely
And rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
The majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the LORD,
The majesty of our God . . .
And the scorched land will become a pool,
And the thirsty ground springs of water;
In the haunt of jackals, its resting place,
Grass becomes reeds and rushes (Isa 35:1-2, 7).
John was imprisoned in the “wilderness . . . and the Arabah”—the very place
God promised in Messiah’s kingdom to make as fertile as Lebanon, Mt. Carmel, and the
Plain of Sharon. John’s circumstances seemed to demand doubt, but Jesus’ words would
have reminded him the conditions would not always be that way—even the geography
around John would change when the kingdom comes. This context would have
encouraged John that Jesus was who He said He was.
Even in modern Israel, geography is linked to God’s promises, and the
importance of the land remains the major point of contention in the Middle East conflict.
In a recent gathering of Rabbis in Jerusalem, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu said, “No one,
from the simplest person to even the Prime Minister, has the right to cede even one
granule of the Land of Israel! The Holy One, blessed be He, gave it to us! To us alone He
gave it!”60 In another Jerusalem demonstration, a youth held a sign paraphrasing Joel 3:2,
60
Hillel Fendel, Rabbis Union: No One Has the Right to Give Away the Land, Arutz-7 News,
English Edition [Website Article] (accessed 24 June 2003); available from
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=45568.
40
“Dear Nations, ‘I will gather all (you) the nations . . . and enter in judgment with them on
behalf of my people, Israel, whom you scattered . . . and divided up my land!’ G-D.”
Geography Helps Biblical Interpretation
Historical geography also plays a vital role in biblical interpretation. For
example, geography bears importance as to how Jonathan and his armor-bearer—only
two men—could rout the entire Philistine army. The outnumbered and frightened Jews of
Saul’s day hid themselves in caves along the Valley of Zeboim. It is also by way of this
valley (the main route from the Ephraimite hills to the Jordan Valley) that many Jews
crossed the Jordan river into the land of Gad and Gilead (1 Sam 13:6). The Philistines
placed a garrison at Michmash where they could both monitor and use this valley road to
make periodic raids, maintaining control of the area (1 Sam 13:17-18). When Jonathan
determined to climb the ravine to assault the Philistine garrison, instead of traveling along
the normal ascent to Michmash, he attempted something very difficult, for it took the
Philistines by surprise.
I have seen this ravine; it is very steep. The names of the crags imply the
difficulty in scaling them. “Seneh” means “the Thorny One” (MT), and “Bozez” means
“the Gleaming One” or “the Miry One.”61 Ultimately, the victory was given to two men
over twenty because the Lord was with them (1 Sam 14:6, 12, 23). Once this area was
controlled, God intervened and sent panic throughout the Philistine army. Moreover, in
spite of the fact that Israel had no decent weapons of war, the author specifically notes
that it was “the LORD [who] delivered Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-
61
P. Kyle McCarter, I Samuel: A New Translation, The Anchor Bible, vol. 8 (Garden City,
N.Y.: Doubleday, 1983), 239.
41
aven” (1 Sam 14:23) and “from Michmash to Aijalon” (1 Sam 14:31). Evidently this is
the last time Philistine domination controlled the Central Benjamin Plateau.
Knowing the historical geography of Galilee gives insight as to why in later
history the people of Nain exclaimed of Jesus, “A great prophet has arisen among us!”
and “God has visited His people!” (Luke 7:16). The little city of Nain was located at the
Hill of Moreh on its northern edge, facing the Jezreel Valley. On the southern side of this
hill lay the city of Shunem. The people of this area had, as one of their few claims to Old
Testament fame, the memory of Elisha’s raising the dead son of a kind woman in
Shunem (2 Kgs 4). When Jesus came to Nain and raised the son of a widow, the two
similar events struck a chord in the hearts of the residents so that they exclaimed, “A
great prophet has arisen among us!” The emphasis on a “great prophet” indicates they
most likely thought of the greatest prophet of that locale: Elisha. Some may have even
put together the connection that just as Elijah came before Elisha, so John the Baptist
(who came in the spirit and power of Elijah) prepared the way for Jesus (who worked a
miracle in the same region as Elisha). It also is fascinating to note how Elijah passed the
prophetic mantel to Elisha by the Jordan River above Jericho. This is the traditional site
where John the Baptist (the New Testament “Elijah”) baptized Jesus, transferring the
prophetic mantel once again; the geography emphasizes this meaning.
The Validity of Historical Geography is Context
Geography occurs on almost every page of Scripture. In regard to Israel’s
water, highways, Joshua’s campaigns, Saul’s battles, Solomon’s wealth and influence,
northern capitals, the ministry of Jesus, John’s doubt and comfort, and hundreds of
unmentioned others, the often overlooked, but critical element is historical
42
geography—the stage upon which the divine drama plays out. “It has been said,
‘Geography is latent history.’ In fact, geography determines history.”62
Before we come to Scripture with the question, “What does this passage mean
to me?” we must understand what it means in context, including what it meant to the
original readers. “Even new Bible readers hear the warning to read the Bible ‘in its
context’ and not treat passages in an isolated fashion. However, many understand the
context to be literary only and then forget to read the Bible in its historical context, that
is, the time period in which it was written and about which it narrates.”63 Context includes
historical geography and thus validates its benefit in our study and application of the
Scriptures.
The 2002 National Geographic survey revealed that most young adults knew
that El Niño affected the weather and that the AIDS epidemic most affected Africa. Nick
Boyon, senior vice president for international research at RoperASW, noted, “When
geography and life intersect, people pay attention.”64 This is an outstanding observation,
for geography always intersected life in the biblical world.
In light of America’s geographical apathy and illiteracy—both in culture and
Christendom—this dissertation provides a useful contribution to the field of historical
geography, particularly with no previously published surveys on how understanding and
experiencing the land of Israel has benefited real people.
62
Timothy Tennent, The Historical Context of Islam, Lecture 1 (South Hamilton, Mass.:
Biblical Training), Audiocassette.
63
Raymond B. Dillard and Tremper Longman, An Introduction to the Old Testament (Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1994), 21.
64
Trivedi, (accessed).
43
CHAPTER 3
PROCEDURE AND RESEARCH METHOD
The Rationale for This Project
Many places in the land of Israel have familiar names to most Christians: the
Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Jericho, and the Mount of Olives. Yet without an
understanding of where each familiar name fits in relation to another, the places can seem
like a spilled box of puzzle pieces without the box top for perspective; there is no
cohesion.
I shared this frustration. I possessed a knowledge of the place-names, but they
played no role in my Bible study except to distract and confuse me. Because I could not
appreciate a site’s contribution to the biblical narrative, I dismissed what was not familiar
to me as irrelevant, or at the very least, of minor importance.
Then my wife and I took a seminary elective class on the historical geography
of Israel, and the following year we journeyed to Israel with a group of others. The year
after that I went again for an extended period of study both in the classroom and on site.
The advantages of historical geography surfaced in my classroom study and then leapt off
the page when I took my newfound knowledge to Israel. The benefits I found came not
from the joy of travel, or fascination with a foreign culture, but from discovering an
integral part of Bible study I had missed all my life. Like seeing an entire puzzle put
together, I was now able to see the individual sites in light of the whole. I became aware
of a cohesion and logic as to why God included geography in the Bible. What I had
dismissed earlier as irrelevant I began to recognize as an integral part of God’s dealing
with His people.
44
Thus the enthusiasm for this research project began with my own experience.
While there exist today many sites where one can still reasonably assert that “Jesus was
here,” most references to “here” have to be said in a general way. But Jacob’s well in
Israel, near modern day Nablus, provides a place where Christ truly stood. When my wife
and I stood beside the well and drew water from its deep source, we read the words Jesus
spoke in that very spot so long ago. The words did not seem more true to me, having read
them there, but the impact of Jesus’ words was deepened in my heart because the visual
He used was there before me and dripped from my hands, “Everyone who drinks of this
water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never
thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up
to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
Historical geography revealed to me that my relationship with Christ involves
my whole person, and God desires to employ all the senses He created in me to enhance
my relationship with Him. More than knowledge, the relationship involves my emotion
and imagination. Far from mysticism, these very subjective elements can be utilized in
studying the objective truth of God’s Word. As Smith says, “Sight and insight. These are
the objects of our journey. And where better to find them than when we meet God in the
holy places of his own choosing?”1
Along the same lines, Howard Hendricks, a master at teaching people how to
study the Bible, encourages his readers to study the Bible “imaginatively.” One of the
ways he suggests is to vary the setting in which one studies.
For example, many of Jesus’ parables were given by the Sea of Galilee. So if
you live near a lake or the seashore, consider taking your Bible there to read and
reflect on the Lord’s teaching. Likewise, many of the Psalms were composed by
1
F. LaGard Smith, Meeting God in Holy Places: A Devotional Journey (Eugene, Oreg.:
Harvest House, 1997), 11-2.
45
David when he was a shepherd, out in the fields. You might drive out to the
country to spend some time studying those passages. The idea here is to do
whatever it takes to see the Word of God from a different perspective.2
Alister McGrath notes that one of the downfalls of the Enlightenment’s
emphasis on knowledge came with the exclusion of the benefits of emotion:
The emphasis on reason has been at the expense of our imaginations and
emotions—two God-given faculties that are meant to be fully involved in our
Christian life. . . . I began to realize the importance of letting biblical ideas impact
on my imagination and experience. . . . I also began to explore the theme of
projecting oneself into the biblical narrative. In other words, when Scripture
recounts what happens, allow yourself to be caught up in that narrative. Up to this
point, I had thought that we were meant to increase our factual knowledge of
events. For example, when reading a text about the ministry of Jesus in Galilee, it
was important to be able to find Galilee on a map, understand its cultural history,
see how this fitted into the general patterns of Jesus’ ministry, and even try to date
the event. Yet this led to nothing more than the accumulation of facts. It did not
excite or challenge me. . . . I had to think of myself as being there, witnessing
what is said and done. . . . No longer was I simply registering ideas as I read. I
was reliving the historical events on which my faith was grounded.3
Having enjoyed a remarkable increase in my love for God and His Word
through historical geography, I informally began to ask others about their perspectives. I
noticed a pattern in their responses: it deeply impacted both their love for the Lord and
His Scriptures. I also noticed when I would incorporate the area of geography into my
teaching and preaching, the listeners continually commented how it helped them better
understand the text of Scripture. In addition they noted how seeing pictures and hearing
of the land gave the Bible more of a concrete reality to their faith. Thus I discovered what
I experienced personally in relation to historical geography’s benefits others also
experienced directly and indirectly through hearing it taught.
2
Hendricks and Hendricks, 106-7.
3
Alister E. McGrath, The Journey: A Pilgrim in the Lands of the Spirit, 1st ed. (New York:
Doubleday, 2000), 15-8.
46
Since most seminaries do not emphasize historical geography as an essential
element of Bible study, the benefits of the subject for the body of Christ are often left to
chance-experience—like my own. For that reason I felt a formal study would provide
objective results that could be examined and considered. My goal is that the conclusions
of this research will help believers discover, understand, and personally experience the
benefits of the historical geography of Israel in a way that will assist their study,
application, and communication of the Bible.
One of the things I’d love to see more people do when they study the Bible is
to pray this simple prayer, ‘Lord, cloth the facts with fascination. Help me crawl
into the skin of these people—to see through their eyes, to feel with their fingers,
to understand with their hearts, and to know with their minds.’ Then the Word of
God would come alive.4
The Research Method
By means of a survey (included in Appendix A), I determined to discover the
scenarios in which historical geography had most affected those who studied it. I
developed the survey to answer the question, “How can understanding and experiencing
the historical geography of Israel help believers in their study, application, and
communication of the Bible?”
I define “understanding and experiencing” as those who have simply taken a
class on historical geography (“understanding”) and those who have taken a tour to Israel
(“experiencing”). Of course, those who traveled to Israel grew in their understanding, and
those who only took a class also experienced geography in a limited way. But simply
said, I surveyed these two groups as well as those who are part of both groups, having
taken a class as well as traveled to Israel.
4
Hendricks and Hendricks, 104.
47
The survey compared the responses of these three groups in relation to their
varying degrees of exposure to historical geography. For example, how valuable was the
classroom instruction alone? To what degree, if any, did going to Israel benefit believers
over simply studying in a class? Was there an advantage to having the class before going
on the trip, or could the class just as easily be taken on location in Israel? Is a class even
necessary if one gets to go to Israel?
For each respondent, the survey employed seventeen questions to reveal the
extent to which historical geography has assisted him or her in three key areas: study of
the Bible, application of the Bible, and communication of the Bible. Each one who
responded was asked to rate the contribution historical geography has made to their
interpretation of the Bible and their confidence in the Bible as God’s Word. In addition,
to what extent did those surveyed see the Bible’s history and geography as bound
inseparably together? For those who had gone to Israel, the survey probed to see if their
time in Israel changed the way they read the Bible.
Following study and interpretation lies application of the Bible. What
difference has historical geography made to the hearts—as well as the heads—of those
who have studied it? While it may seem difficult to determine the level of one’s
spirituality through a survey, it is possible to reveal the respondent’s own sense of what
has contributed to his or her spiritual growth. One person’s perspective may seem
subjective and irrelevant, but if collectively the survey shows historical geography
contributes significantly to the spiritual life, its contribution—however subjective it
seems—cannot be ignored.
For example, how much has historical geography made a difference in one’s
love for the Word of God and the God of the Bible? Does historical geography clarify
application of biblical principles? Does the element of geography increase one’s memory
of the lessons of the Bible? Also what difference to the spiritual life does studying in the
48
class make in comparison with studying in Israel? Since this area of the survey is the
most subjective, I provided a place for all respondents to answer in their own words how
their study of historical geography affected their relationship with God.
In addition to asking basic demographics (age and sex), the survey inquired as
to who taught the respondents’ classes, who led their tours, and how much time they
spent in Israel, if applicable. Some of these elements were cross-tabulated to see any
relationships of significance.
When, How, and with Whom the Survey was Conducted
The survey itself was administered between June and October of 2003. I
limited the survey to those who could respond via e-mail. This method greatly reduced
the time and expense involved in obtaining results, and many of those who responded
preferred this method of communication. The immediacy of the correspondence also
allowed me to seek and obtain greater clarification from respondents when necessary.
Those who took the survey responded from a variety of sources which follow.
I chose these sources primarily to ensure a high level of quality in the instruction the
students received. When asking about their experience studying historical geography, I
did not want the quality of teaching to be a variable; all instructors are recognized as
experts by those in the field of historical geography.
Eleven responses came from private individuals and a local church’s tour to
Israel.5 James Monson graciously introduced my survey to the Jerusalem University
College Director, Dr. Paul Wright. Eight students from JUC responded to the survey. Dr.
Charlie Dyer, senior vice president and provost of Moody Bible Institute, taught at Dallas
5
My thanks go to Charles Stolfus for opening the files on Denton Bible Church’s trip to Israel
in June 2001. This trip’s guides were the popular Israeli tour guide, Amir Tsarfati, and Reverend Tommy
Nelson.
49
Theological Seminary for twenty years. A licensed tour guide for Israel, Dr. Dyer has
made close to fifty trips to Israel and has awakened a love for historical geography in
many students. DTS gave me access to the class rosters of Dr. Dyer’s past classes on
historical geography, and thirty-one responded to the survey. Professor Todd Bolen, from
The Master’s College Israel Bible Extension (IBEX), has lived in Israel for eight years.
He kindly distributed the survey to IBEX’s alumni, and 107 people replied. In total, 157
people took the survey.
50
CHAPTER 4
SURVEY RESULTS
My goal for this research is that the conclusions will help believers understand
and personally experience the benefits of the historical geography of Israel in a way that
will assist their study, application, and communication of the Bible. Rather than
reproduce the actual survey in this chapter I have included it in Appendix A. Also I have
arranged the results to each of the survey questions by category rather than the order in
which the survey asked them. These categories are arranged in accordance with the goal
stated above: (1) understanding and experiencing historical geography (those who have
taken a class and those who have gone to Israel), (2) historical geography in relation to
study of the Bible, (3) historical geography in relation to application of the Bible, and (4)
historical geography in relation to teaching the Bible.
In the survey the respondent was asked to rate certain statements by placing
an “X” on the line by the number most closely representing their view. For example, the
following answer reflects someone who “agreed” with a survey’s statement:
1———2———3———4X———5———6———7 N/A
disagree
agree
strongly agree not applicable
The survey listed three levels of agreement (“disagree,” “agree,” and “strongly
agree”) along a seven-number continuum to define the level of agreement to applicable
statements. In reporting the results, each of the seven possible positions will be illustrated
in a bar graph. But when discussing the results, I averaged the responses into clusters
closest to the three basic levels of agreement (“disagree,” “agree,” and “strongly agree”).
In regard to basic demographics, 45% of respondents were male and 55%
were female (as illustrated in Figure 1). The largest percentage of those answering the
51
survey were between the ages of 15-25 (50%), followed by those between 26-40 (30%),
those between 41-60 (17%), and finally, those over the age of 61 (3%) (see Figure 2).
Particularly with respect to age, this survey does not reflect the average age of those who
study in the classroom or those who go to Israel; the figures simply show the ages of
those who responded to the survey.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Sex of Respondent
100.00
Age of Respondent
100.00
90.00
percent
90.00
80.00
80.00
70.00
70.00
60.00
60.00
50.00
50.00
40.00
40.00
30.00
30.00
20.00
20.00
10.00
10.00
0.00
0.00
male
percent
female
15-25
26-40
41-60
61+
Flo•Stat™
Understanding and Experiencing Historical Geography
This category of survey questions reflects those who have taken a class on
historical geography and/or those who have taken a tour to Israel. Every respondent falls
into one or both of these groups.
Of those who took a class on historical geography, 73% “strongly agreed”
with the statement, “My classroom study of the historical geography of Israel improved
my understanding of the biblical narrative.” This percentage represents (as throughout
these reported results) the responses averaged into the clusters closest to the three basic
levels of agreement (“disagree,” “agree,” and “strongly agree”) (see Figure 3). In addition
52
to the 73% who answered they “strongly agree,” 24% “agree” and 3% “disagree” with
the statement.
Figure 3
“My classroom study of the historical geography of Israel improved my understanding of
the biblical narrative.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
disagree
percent
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
Of those who took a Valid
tour toPercent
Israel, 84%
“strongly agree” with the statement,
Distribution
“If I bought fifty books on historical geography, they could not
contribute what my trip to
Flo•Stat™
Israel has given me” (see Figure 4 on next page). It is noteworthy to mention that of those
who “strongly agree,” over two-thirds gave the statement the highest mark possible. 14%
simply “agree,” and 2% “disagree” with the statement.
53
80.00
90.00
Figure 4
“If I bought fifty books on historical geography, they could not contribute what my trip to
Israel has given me.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
disagree
percent
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
80.00
90.00
For those respondentsValid
who went
to Israel,
as well as took a class on historical
Percent
Distribution
geography, 87% “disagree” with the statement, “I gained moreFlo•Stat™
of an understanding of
historical geography in class than I did on-site in Israel” (Figure 5). 8% “agree” and 5%
“strongly agree” with the statement.
Figure 5
“I gained more of an understanding of historical geography in class than I did on-site in
Israel.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
percent
- disagree
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
Valid Percent Distribution
54
Flo•Stat™
60.00
70.00
In a statement also relevant to the category of Bible application, 68%
“strongly agree” and 25% “agree” with the statement, “My on-site study of the historical
geography of Israel contributed more to my spiritual life than my classroom study of the
same.” Only 7% “disagree” (see Figure 6).
Figure 6
“My on-site study of the historical geography of Israel contributed more to my spiritual
life than my classroom study of the same.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
disagree
percent
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
100
While those who took
thePercent
survey Distribution
can be classified in two general
Valid
groups—those who have and have not been to Israel—theFlo•Stat™
groups that has been to Israel
can be further classified into four groups. The five groups are listed in Figure 7.
Please
Figure 7
I took a class on historical geography but have never gone to Israel.
percent
I have gone to Israel but have never taken a class on historical geography.
I first took a class on historical geography and then went to Israel.
I first went to Israel and then took a class on historical geography.
I first went to Israel as part of an educational study tour that included a historical geography class.
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
100.00
Valid Percent Distribution
55
Flo•Stat™
Of those who took the survey, 9% took a class on historical geography but
have never gone to Israel; 6% have gone to Israel but have never taken a class on
historical geography; 15% first took a class on historical geography and then went to
Israel; 6% first went to Israel and then took a class on historical geography. But by far the
majority of those surveyed (64%) first went to Israel as part of an educational study tour
that also included a historical geography class. Again, these figures do not represent the
average experiences of all who do or do not travel to Israel; the percentages merely
represent those who took the survey.
Comparing the necessity of study prior to going to Israel, 45% of those
surveyed “strongly agree” with the statement, “A knowledge of historical geography
prior to going to Israel is essential in order to experience the most benefit in Israel,” while
35% “agree,” and 20% “disagree” (Figure 8).
Figure 8
“ A knowledge of historical geography prior to going to Israel is essential in order to
experience the most benefit in Israel.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
disagree
percent
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
Other group delineations
defined
by teachers, tour guides, and time spent
Validwere
Percent
Distribution
in Israel. Of those respondents who took a historical geography
class, 20% were taught
Flo•Stat™
56
80.00
90.00
by Dr. Charlie Dyer, 7% by Jerusalem University College, 71% by IBEX, and 2% by
various other instructors (Figure 9).
Figure 9
“If applicable, who taught your historical geography class(es)?”
Dyer
percent
IBEX
JUC
other
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
80.00
90.00
The distinctions by way
of tour
guides
fell into the same groupings. Of those
Valid
Percent
Distribution
who traveled to Israel, 8% were led by Dr. Charlie Dyer, 7% by
Jerusalem University
Flo•Stat™
College, 75% by IBEX, and 11% by various other tour guides (Figure 10).
Figure 10
“If applicable, who led your tour(s) to Israel?”
Dyer
percent
IBEX
JUC
other
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
Valid Percent Distribution
57
Flo•Stat™
70.00
As far as how much time was spent in Israel by those who went, 17% spent
one to four weeks, 72% spent one to six months, and 11% spent six months or more
(Figure 11).
Figure 11
“If applicable, how much time have you spent touring in Israel?”
percent
0-4 weeks
1-6 months
6 months or more
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
Valid Percent Distribution
Historical Geography in Relation to Study of the Bible
Flo•Stat™
The literature review has already demonstrated the importance of historical
geography in Bible study, particularly as it relates to context. The survey also documents
this fact based on real people who use the discipline in their study of God’s Word. For
example, 70% “strongly agree” with the statement, “If I excluded historical geography
from my Bible study, I would be eliminating an indispensable part of biblical
interpretation” (Figure 12 on next page). 24% agree with the statement, and only 6%
disagree.
58
80.00
90.00
Figure 12
“ If I excluded historical geography from my Bible study, I would be eliminating an
indispensable part of biblical interpretation.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.0
Responding to the statement, “The geography and history of the Bible are so
If I excluded
geography
from
Bible study,
I wouldwithout
be eliminating
anFlo•Stat™
indispensable part of bibli
Percent
Distribution
deeplyhistorical
intertwined
neither can
be my
completely
understood
the other,”
65%
“strongly agree,” 30% “agree,” and 5% “disagree” (Figure 13).
Figure 13
“The geography and history of the Bible are so deeply intertwined neither can be
completely understood without the other.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
percent
- disagree
disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.0
The geography and history of the Bible andPercent
are so deeply
intertwined neither can
be completely understoo
Distribution
Flo•Stat™
59
A full 60% of respondents “strongly agree” with the assertion, “The study of
historical geography has provided me a greater confidence in the Bible as God’s Word”
(Figure 14). 32% “agree” and 8% “disagree.”
Figure 14
“The study of historical geography has provided me a greater confidence in the Bible as
God’s Word.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
The study of historical geography has provided
me aDistribution
greater confidence in the Flo•Stat™
Bible as God's Word.
Percent
60
90.00
100
Traveling to Israel changes the way students of historical geography read the
Bible, for an overwhelming 95% of respondents “strongly agree” with the statement, “I
feel after going to Israel it is impossible to read the Bible the same as before going”
(Figure 15). In addition, only 4% “agree” and 1% “disagree.”
Figure 15
“I feel after going to Israel it is impossible to read the Bible the same as before going.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
percent
- disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
I feel after going to Israel it is impossible toPercent
read the Distribution
Bible the same as before going.
Flo•Stat™
61
80.00
90.00
100.00
Historical Geography in Relation to Application of the Bible
Historical geography also has a valuable contribution to the spiritual lives of
believers. In regards to remembering the Bible’s applications to life, geography was
found to assist in the process. Of those responding, 75% “strongly agree” that
“Geography has increased my ability to remember biblical events and the life-lessons
they teach” (Figure 16); 22% “agree,” and 3% “disagree” that historical geography
contributes to their memory of biblical events and their applications. Notably, every
person responded to this statement, and not one answered the lowest possible score
(indicating the most disagreement).
Figure 16
“Geography has increased my ability to remember biblical events and the life-lessons
they teach.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
percent
- disagree
disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
Respondents answered a more direct statement regarding historical
Geography
has increased
remember
and the
life-lessons
they
teach.
Percentbiblical
Flo•Stat™
geography’s
relationmy
to ability
biblicaltoapplication.
OfDistribution
thoseevents
responding,
44%
“strongly
agree”
with the assertion, “My study of the historical geography of Israel has given me clearer
direction for biblical application” (Figure 17 on next page); 43% “agree”; and a total of
13% “disagree.” Since fewer “strongly agree” with this statement over the previous one,
it implies that the emphasis for many in Figure 16’s statement was on memory over
62
90.00
application. Even still, 87% either “strongly agree” or “agree” that historical geography
directs them better toward biblical application.
Figure 17
“My study of the historical geography of Israel has given me clearer direction for biblical
application.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
The survey also asked all respondents to rate how historical geography has
My study
of the impacted
historicaltheir
geography
Israel
has
me
clearer
for biblical
application.
Percent
Distribution
Flo•Stat™
directly
love forofGod
and
His given
Word.
In doing
so,direction
80% “strongly
agree”
that “Historical geography has increased my love for the Word of God and the God of the
Bible” (Figure 18 on next page). Moreover 16% “agree,” and just 4% “disagree” that the
study increased their love for God and His Word.
63
90.0
Figure 18
“Historical geography has increased my love for the Word of God and the God of the
Bible.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.00
For those who have gone to Israel, the figures of historical geography’s
Historical geography has increased my love
for the Distribution
Word of God and the God of
the Bible.
Percent
Flo•Stat™
impact on their spiritual lives overshadow the general survey’s experience. For example,
99% either “strongly agree” (83%) or “agree” (16%) with the statement, “Experiencing
the land of the Bible first-hand has strengthened my spiritual life” (Figure 19). Only 1%
“disagree.”
Figure 19
“Experiencing the land of the Bible first-hand has strengthened my spiritual life.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
percent
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
64
Experiencing the land of the Bible first-handPercent
has strengthened
my spiritual life.
Distribution
70.00
Flo•Stat™
80.00
90.0
In comparing the spiritual value of studying historical geography in the class
versus studying on site in Israel (see Figure 6, discussed earlier), 93% either “strongly
agree”(68%) or “agree” (25%) with the statement, “My on-site study of the historical
geography of Israel contributed more to my spiritual life than my classroom study of the
same.” Only 7% “disagree.”
The survey also provided a place for respondents to write in a personal
response in relation to their spiritual life. Below are listed some of the more notable
answers. All responses are included in Appendix C. (Only two respondents objected to
the value of going to Israel; rather than comment here I have done so in the footnotes of
Appendix C.) The question was stated, “Please answer in your own words: How has your
study of historical geography affected your relationship with God?”
The study of historical geography adds a richer level of realism to biblical
events. Relating the biblical narrative to the place in which it may have taken
place adds to the visual experience of reading and understanding God’s Word. So
much of God’s Word occurs in REAL places and to neglect a study of those
places in the context of the passage under consideration is to miss a layer of
observation that helps in making the Bible the living book it is.1
. . . as I read God’s Word, I actually visualize the scenes, see the people, feel
the air, smell the aromas. I think you must know about the land a person is from
in order to fully understand that person. When you know the land of God’s chosen
people and see the places where ‘His only begotten Son’ actually walked, then
you can more fully understand HIM.2
I have much clearer images in my mind when I read the Bible of what may
have historically happened; I remember after my Israel trip feeling like my
religious experience was much more tangibly grounded in earthly realities.3
It adds depth to my personal and preparational Bible study, and as a result has
enriched my spiritual growth.4
1
Survey #002
2
Survey #006
3
Survey #018
65
Knowing the geography of Israel and how the Israelites had to really trust God
in those areas has helped me trust God in ‘unbearable’ situations. Knowing that
God sovereignly put the Israelites in Israel in those conditions (hot, desert, etc.)
reminds me regularly that God knows best what his people need and that I simply
need to trust Him completely.5
Historical Geography has shown me the reliability of the Bible—places are
really there. It has made more real the fact that God is in the physical realm and
not just the spiritual, and that Jesus came to earth. It has shown that His promise
to the Jews is still good.6
. . . It has also shown me that as I gaze upon a rather mundane-looking, arid
desert landscape in Israel and reflect upon the (by contrast) profound, history
altering events that took place there, I realize that God can and does do profound
and potentially history altering things TODAY in rather ‘mundane-looking’ and
‘arid’ and ‘desert-like’ landscapes.7
. . . When David talks about hiding in the cliffs, I know what these look like.
When the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, I know how barren it is.
All of this knowledge is because I lived there and studied there. If I had not had
this experience it would be a lot harder for me to comprehend these small things. I
need to be able to see things in order to understand them, and by my going to
Israel, while I can’t SEE God, I SEE where He was and what He lived with and
encountered.8
It has made me realize even more that God is a personal God, involved in
events and time on earth. He acted then, is acting now, and will act in the future. I
love God more!9
. . . It has helped me understand so many parts of the Bible more deeply than I
ever thought possible, therefore better helping me to understand the Great God
who created the universe, but knows me personally and dwells inside me.10
4
Survey #019
5
Survey #022
6
Survey #026
7
Survey #028
8
Survey #032
9
Survey #033
10
Survey #040
66
. . . Having a visual picture of where things took place helps me to remember
what I read better and helps me explain the setting better to others.11
. . . Before, I believed my faith to be true...but to see with my own eyes the
setting of my faith was priceless to me. . . . I don’t know that I would have been
impacted the same way if I had just taken a class.12
I think while I was in Israel I came to see God less as a subject to be studied,
with various categories, and more as a person who has stepped into human history
and interacted with his people. . . . God has revealed himself primarily through
real stories in real places, and not only through treatises and categorical data. The
same God who, sometimes visibly, manifested himself on the hills of Judah is the
same God who I walk with.13
. . . The major highways today, for the most part, follow the same route as
they did in biblical days. This recognition continues to give me a ‘connectedness’
to those people and God’s work among them. We are ‘regular people’ just as they
were ‘regular people’ and God may choose to work in our midst as he did then.
This encourages me in my relationship with Him.14
. . . Reading the Gospel of John while sitting on a mountain overlooking the
Sea of Galilee provides an ultimate PowerPoint presentation of Jesus’ life. No
classroom can hope to replicate that.15
. . . It’s an amazing experience to understand and see things first hand and to
be able to picture it in my mind forevermore. Seeing God’s Holy Land has had an
enormous effect of strengthening in my faith and relationship with God.16
. . . Every passage of Scripture puts my memories on the tip of my tongue and
makes me smile because I know the land so well. I would not trade my time in
Israel for anything.17
11
Survey #047
12
Survey #049
13
Survey #056
14
Survey #058
15
Survey #067
16
Survey #084
17
Survey #087
67
My first-hand study of the historical geography of Israel forever took
Scripture (especially the Old Testament) out of that category of hard-to-relate-to
historical literature (the category of Josephus, Homer, and the Epic of Gilgamesh)
and plunged it into the category of stories about people just like me.18
Understanding the historical geography of the land of Israel changed my life. .
. . Prior to going to Israel I used to scan over so much of the Scriptures relating
the geography because I simply did not understand it. Now I read those portions
intently because I have been there and I understand better what the text is saying. .
. . As a result the Lord brought me to a deeper dependence upon Him, learning to
trust in Him for everything in my life, no matter how big or small.19
It helps me to see the places mentioned in the Bible as actual places where
God interacted with people. I see that God is not merely a Creator who left the
world to its own devices, but rather, becomes involved in the actual people and
places that He created. I guess you could say, He has become more personal.20
Learning the text with my feet was a breaking point in my journey of faith.
After coming to Israel, my passion for the text, a passion to dig deeply and with
all my strength, was stirred so deeply that I really stepped into a faith of the heart
instead of a Christianity of the head. . . . It is important however that study tours
in the land raise questions of faith as well as issues of geography, maps, data and
all the other interesting information that this land yields.21
The proper response to understanding more of God’s Word is to be drawn into
a deeper relationship with Him. Context is especially important for understanding
the Bible, and historical geography is a vital resource for establishing this context.
. . . In summary, historical geography has significantly enhanced my own personal
walk with the Lord and is undoubtedly worth the effort to study it.22
. . . Insights learned through historical geography aid me in teaching and
preaching God’s Word. It helps me to paint a picture in the listener’s mind and to
bring the Bible to life.23
18
Survey #095
19
Survey #104
20
Survey #116
21
Survey #117
22
Survey #118
23
Survey #126
68
Historical Geography has added a dimension in the depth of my understanding
of the culture and historicity of the Bible, which has ultimately affected how I
view the God of the Bible. I feel that I have a richer, fuller understanding of Him,
and am better able to appreciate the realness of how He affects His people’s lives
and reaches out to them within their cultures.24
Geography clearly meant something to God. Using mountains, rivers, lakes
and deserts means there is much to learn in these contexts. People in the places
and circumstances they found themselves had to relate to God. As I identify with
the people in the Bible, I better understand what God requires of me.25
24
Survey #138
25
Survey #147
69
Historical Geography in Relation to Teaching the Bible
For those respondents who teach the Bible, 71% “strongly agree” with the
general statement, “When I teach the Bible I relate biblical events to the places where
they took place” (Figure 20). 23% “agree” and 6% “disagree,” indicating they do not
relate a passage to its historical geography in their teaching.
Figure 20
“When I teach the Bible I relate biblical events to the places where they took place.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
Flo•Stat™
When I teach the Bible I relate biblical
Percent
events
Distribution
to the places where they
took place.
70
80.00
90.0
A more pointed statement dealt with instances when a passage actually
mentions a site. For those who responded, 50% “strongly agree” with the assertion,
“When a passage mentions a biblical site, I explain its significance when teaching the
passage” (Figure 21). 39% “agree” and 11% “disagree.” These indicate an interesting
comparison to the previous statement. Generally speaking, 93% say they relate biblical
events to the places where they took place, but only 89% will do so when a passage
mentions a biblical site. Confirming this, the mention of a site in a passage increases the
number of teachers who generally do not include historical geography from 6% to 11%.
Figure 21
“When a passage mentions a biblical site, I explain its significance when teaching the
passage.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.0
historicalmentions
geography
assists
an
individual’s
personal
understanding
of
Flo•Stat™
When aIfpassage
a biblical
Percent
site,
IDistribution
explain its
significance
when
teaching
the passage.
Scripture, it would also follow that using historical geography in teaching helps the
understanding of the listener. The results also verify this reality, for 47% “strongly agree”
and 39% “agree” that “When I include historical geography in my communication of the
Bible, my listeners tell me they understand much better what I am teaching” (Figure 22).
71
14% “disagree,” indicating they receive no feedback as to how historical geography has
helped the listener.
Figure 22
“When I include historical geography in my communication of the Bible, my listeners tell
me they understand much better what I am teaching.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.0
majority
of respondents
(85%)
historical geography
should
belisteners
taught tell me they u
Flo•Stat™
When I The
include
historical
geography
Percent
in myfeel
Distribution
communication
of the Bible,
my
when the Bible is taught. 41% “strongly agree,” and 44% “agree” with the statement,
“When I am listening to a sermon, if the preacher does not relate the passage to its
historical geography, he has not given me the full picture” (Figure 23 on next page). Only
15% “disagree.”
72
Figure 23
“When I am listening to a sermon, if the preacher does not relate the passage to its
historical geography, he has not given me the full picture.”
+ strongly agree
strongly agree
+ agree
agree
- disagree
percent
disagree
+ disagree
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
40.00
50.00
60.00
70.00
80.00
90.0
Flo•Stat™ to its historical geo
When I am listening to a sermon,Percent
if the preacher
Distribution
does not relate the passage
Summary of Results
One might argue that surveying only students of historical geography can be
likened to asking those in a Mexican restaurant if they like Mexican food. With the study
of historical geography being almost entirely elective today, it would seem most of these
students would already have an affinity towards the subject. Yet there were some on the
survey who honestly answered that they felt historical geography played no role in their
on-going lives today. But these exceptions prove the rule, for while all had the freedom to
object, the overwhelming majority—from various backgrounds—supported the study. In
addition, students who had not studied the subject would have no basis for commenting
on it.
In the areas of Bible study, application, and teaching, historical geography
plays a significant role in the present lives and ministries of those surveyed. Historical
geography has provided 92% of respondents a greater confidence in the Bible as God’s
73
Word, and 97% reveal that their class on historical geography improved their
understanding of the Bible . Regarding the contribution of historical geography to biblical
interpretation, 94% agree that its role is indispensable, and 95% believe the Bible’s
history and geography cannot be completely understood without the other.
The overwhelming majority (98%) of respondents who have traveled to Israel
said that buying many books on historical geography could not equal what their trip to
Israel has given them. For those who took a class and also went to Israel, only 13% felt
they gained more of an understanding of historical geography in class than on-site in
Israel. The 87% who disagreed considered that being in the land itself offered more by
way of education. This illustrates that while there is a significant benefit to taking a class
on historical geography, the benefit increases when one studies historical geography on
location. Comparing this percentage (87%) with the 98% who felt books could not
compare with going to Israel, we see that there is more than knowledge to be gained by a
trip to Israel. In fact, 93% felt that their study in Israel contributed more to their spiritual
lives than their classroom study.
By cross-tabulating the different groups of Figure 7 with the statement of
Figure 8 we find that those who took a class prior to going to Israel see a prior education
as of greater necessity (61% “strongly agree”) than those who took the class while in
Israel (39%); each group’s answer seems to reflect their experience. But those who took a
class after going to Israel saw about the same degree of importance for prior education
(60%) as those who took a class before traveling. More surprising results came from
those who had never been to Israel. Of those who feel the question is applicable, not one
disagrees with the statement, and 83% “strongly agree” that education prior to going to
Israel is essential.
A full 98% noted that historical geography helped their memory of biblical
events and applications, while 87% agreed that the study better directs them toward
74
biblical application. More specifically in relation to the spiritual life, 96% have increased
in their love for God and the Bible through the study of historical geography. And 99%
agree that experiencing the land of Israel has strengthened their spiritual life (Figure 19).
An interesting pattern is noticed when the statement, “Experiencing the land
of the Bible first-hand has strengthened my spiritual life,” is cross-tabulated with the
amount of time people have spent in Israel. For those who have spent up to four weeks in
Israel, 71% “strongly agree” with the statement; of those who spent one to six months,
85% “strongly agree;” and those who have spent more than six months, 94% “strongly
agree.” This pattern reveals that the longer one spends in Israel, the greater impact the
land has on their walk with God.
The majority of respondents believe that historical geography should be
implemented in teaching as well as personal study. In fact 93% say they use historical
geography in their teaching, and 85% expect it to be included in sermons they hear.
Those respondents who actually teach on historical geography when a passage mentions a
site were 89%, and 86% of respondents who implement historical geography in their
teaching receive positive feedback.
The research clearly revealed those who understand and experience historical
geography enjoy a better memory of biblical events, clearer understanding of the text,
clearer direction to its application, and more effective communication of the Bible. In the
realm of the spiritual life, historical geography provides a greater confidence in the Bible
as God’s Word and instills a greater love for God and the Bible. Those who study
geography, coupled with a study-trip to Israel, experience even greater benefits than those
who simply study in the classroom.
75
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS
General Conclusions
Since there was no literature expressly researching the benefits of
understanding and experiencing historical geography, this dissertation contributes to the
need that exists as far as evaluation of how historical geography affects believers. Tour
companies, pastors, seminaries, and other interested parties should use the findings of this
dissertation to encourage believers to make historical geography a worthy investment of
their time and money for the glory of God. I also pray that the overwhelming statistics
will encourage others to engage in a more extensive evaluation and proclamation of
historical geography’s benefits.
Even the skeptic cannot ignore the statistics. Taking a class on historical
geography improved the understanding of the Bible for 97% of those who took the
survey. Also 98% reported that traveling to Israel provided them far more than what
books ever could. And an astounding 99% of those surveyed who have traveled to Israel
agree that experiencing the land of Israel has strengthened their spiritual life. And
anything that helps one understand and apply God’s Word better is a worthy investment.
The results of this study give evidence that those who implement historical
geography into their Bible study have had a greater understanding of the text and a
greater direction for its application. Teachers who include historical geography in their
instruction of the Bible are more effective at communicating the message of Scripture.
And studying historical geography in a class—especially in Israel—provides a rich
benefit to one’s personal study and spiritual life. These results provide a number of
conclusions and implications for further pursuit.
76
Conclusions for Bible Study and Application
Geography occurs on almost every page of Scripture. For evangelicals who
believe in interpreting the Bible in context, historical geography must be considered basic
to that context. The research has demonstrated that historical geography is indispensable
to biblical interpretation and to a comprehensive understanding of biblical history. In
addition, the majority of those who have studied historical geography admit it has helped
their memory of biblical events and their relevancy. Because God Himself included
historical geography in the inspired text, the subject should be a part of every believer’s
study of God’s Word. “Knowing the land of the Bible is as important to understanding
God’s Word as knowing the layout of a baseball diamond is to comprehending the game
of baseball!”1
The literature review (Chapter 2) revealed that many works have sought to
underscore the significance of historical geography, and this study’s survey has verified
that importance. But one of the most significant contributions of this dissertation relates
to the benefits of historical geography in the spiritual life. No published work was found
that evaluated how historical geography impacted the spiritual lives of it students. The
survey’s statistics show that the study of historical geography increases one’s love for
God and the Bible and provides clearer direction for application. The open responses
recorded in Chapter 4 reveal the significant spiritual benefits enjoyed by those who have
studied it, particularly those who have traveled to Israel.
I have included in Appendix C an example of historical geography’s benefits
in Bible Study through an inductive study of the geographical, historical, and spiritual
significance of Shechem, an ancient city in Israel. This appendix demonstrates how
1
Dyer and Hatteberg, 1.
77
including historical geography in Bible study provides insight into the text and the
continuity of various events in biblical history. This short study also provides an example
of how historical geography contributes to the spiritual lessons of the text.
Conclusions for Teaching the Bible
The survey clearly reveals that the majority of those who implement historical
geography in their teaching receive positive feedback. More specifically, the inclusion of
historical geography in Bible teaching gives the listeners a better understanding of what
is being taught. This makes sense if the context of the passage includes its historical
geography. It also follows that what benefits one in personal study can benefit many if
included as a teaching method.
The overwhelming majority of respondents reveal that their class on historical
geography improved their understanding of the Bible. This statistic sends a message to
our Bible colleges, seminaries, and even local churches. As true disciples of Christ,
believers should teach all that Jesus has commanded (Matt 28:30). These commandments
are imbedded within a grammatical-historical and geographical context. Therefore Bible
teachers, professors, and pastors should teach historical geography as a crucial part of
teaching biblical commands. The subject should be included as or with a required
seminary course in Bible study. At the very least it should be an elective offered each
semester.
In stressing the importance of teaching historical geography as an essential
part of context, James Monson wrote, “Personally, I feel that evangelicals have followed
the ‘marketing’ model and lost much of the biblical content needed in teaching (the
78
second part of the Great Commission). We are so busy relating to the world that we have
become like the world rather than pointing it to the biblical message.”2
The survey questions about teaching reveal that the respondents feel historical
geography should be included both when they teach the Bible and when they hear it
taught. But fewer people include it in their teaching than feel they should. With the
results of those who actually do implement historical geography receiving such positive
feedback, the subject should be included more frequently for more effective Bible
teaching. In responding to the survey’s statement, “When I include historical geography
in my communication of the Bible, my listeners tell me they understand much better what
I am teaching,” one lady wrote in the margin, “even with 1-3rd graders!!!”
Personally I plan to prepare and teach an ongoing class on historical
geography at my local church. The findings of this research also emphasize to me the
importance of preparing groups before I lead them on trips to Israel. Historical geography
continues to enhance my pulpit ministry each week as I implement all of the context into
my messages. This should be familiar ground for all teachers of the Bible.
Mingling Geography With Personal Experience
At its heart, a map is the distillation of the experience of travelers—those who
have journeyed in the past and recorded their memories in the form of pictures
and symbols. The map represents the cumulative wisdom of generations of
travelers, put together for the benefit of those now wishing to make that same
journey. To undertake a journey with a map is therefore to rely on the wisdom of
the past. It is to benefit from the hard-won knowledge of those who have explored
the unknown and braved danger in order to serve those who will follow in their
footsteps. Behind the lines and symbols of the map lie countless personal
stories—stories the map itself can never tell. Yet sometimes those stories need to
2
Correspondence from an e-mail dated November 23, 2001.
79
be told, just as the hard-won insights of coping with traveling can encourage,
inspire, and assist us.3
When my wife and I arrived at Jerusalem for the first time, we took a walk
through its streets together. In my excitement the words burst out, “Cathy, do you realize
the entire universe was redeemed in this city—right here?!” I could hardly contain my
enthusiasm. I can imagine the exhilaration in years to come when all nations will gather
to that same city and honor the Savior who redeemed the universe there (Zech 14:6).
One does not have to go to Israel to benefit from the study of historical
geography. However, when a person studies the Bible where its events actually occurred,
the Holy Spirit uses more than words to teach His people.
Why spend time and money to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? It is the means
of grace through which the Holy Spirit engenders a saving faith in one’s heart,
and through which the Spirit causes that faith to increase an grow. Obviously this
is not a mechanical or automatic process. The Spirit employs a person’s thought
processes, a person’s feelings and emotions, a person’s intelligence; in brief—the
whole person.4
Traveling to Israel helps an individual view the Bible through a new set of
geographical lenses. Simple phrases like ‘going up to Jerusalem’ jump off the
pages of God’s Word because they now make sense. Capernaum becomes more
than just a name on a page. Israel’s temptation in the wilderness comes alive
when your feet stumble over the desert rocks and your water bottle starts to run
dry.5
The Bible itself shows value in going to a biblical place to learn rather than
just studying about the place. When Joshua had a message to preach to Israel, he took the
nation to Shechem to hear it (Josh 24:1). For what Joshua had to say regarding idolatry
preached more effectively in Shechem than it could anywhere else (see Appendix D
3
McGrath, 21-2.
4
W. F. Hischke, “In the Footsteps of Jesus: Building the Faith through a Parish Visit to the
Holy Land” (D.Min. Dissertation, Concordia Seminary, 1992), 109.
5
Dyer and Hatteberg, 2.
80
study.) Sometime later God had the prophet Jeremiah tell Judah, “But go now to My
place which was in Shiloh, where I made My name dwell at the first, and see what I did
to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel” (Jer 7:12). In going north to Shiloh,
Judah could see with their eyes what happens when God’s people put their trust in
anything but God. This can still be done today, for Shiloh remains nothing but a pile of
rocks.
For the vast majority of my Christian life and ministry the benefits of
historical geography remained hidden from me. In a culture that overlooks the value of
historical geography, I stumbled upon its benefits unawares. Now having enjoyed the
richness of the study, I want to invite others to discover it also. I pray that those who are
made aware of the study’s results will become more interested in historical geography,
seeing that the benefits it offers are plenty. What once the believer ignored out of
ignorance can become a source of familiarity, insight, and inspiration. For just as God
used historical geography to mold the lives of His people in the Scriptures, so He uses it
to shape our lives today.
Studying historical geography does not provide some long-lost secret to a
higher spiritual life. And traveling to Israel will not gain you more favor with God. But
what these efforts provide is a deeper, more vibrant understanding of the truth God has
already revealed.
To a sixteenth-century seaman, a “rutter” was more than what physically
steered a ship. The “rutter” was also the name for the book revealing the routes of safe
passage, written by those who had sailed before them. “A rutter is thus more than a map.
It mingles geography with personal experience, explaining how the journey was made so
that others can do the same.”6
6
McGrath, 34.
81
This dissertation has sought to be a rutter for those who come after, mingling
geography with experience in hopes that others will follow. And the personal experience
is not just my own, as the results of this research have shown.
As with any journey, the purpose is not speed so much as it is direction. Begin
including historical geography in your study of God’s Word. Start implementing it in
your teaching of God’s Word. Go beyond the surface and take a class on historical
geography from one who has been there, and boldly, prayerfully plan for the opportunity
to travel to Israel as part of a group. My wife and I saved for nine years to go to Israel.
The idea that it costs too much disintegrates if you look at the trip as a long-term goal
providing rich educational and spiritual benefits for a lifetime. Use the time prior to
traveling to study the land through the vast array of tools available.
I pray you will unearth, as I have been blessed to do, rich nuggets from God’s
Word. I pray God blesses your study of historical geography so that you understand the
text with your mind, learn the text with your feet, apply the text with your heart, and
teach the text with passion.
82
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Interpretation. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1991.
Parrot, André. Land of Christ: Archaeology, History, Geography. Philadelphia: Fortress
Press, 1968.
Prescott, H. F. M. Friar Felix at Large: A Fifteenth-Century Pilgrimage to the Holy
Land. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950.
________. Jerusalem Journey, Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the Fifteenth Century.
London: Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1954.
Pritchard, James Bennett, Harper Corp Author, and Publishers Row. The Harper Atlas of
the Bible. New York: Harper & Row, 1987.
Rasmussen, Carl. NIV Atlas of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing
House, 1989.
Ritmeyer, Leen, and Kathleen Ritmeyer. Secrets of Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
Washington, D.C.: Biblical Archaeology Society, 1998.
86
Rogerson, J. W. Atlas of the Bible. New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985.
Schur, Nathan. Twenty Centuries of Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Tel Aviv,
Israel: Dvir Publishing House, 1992.
Shanks, Hershel. Jerusalem: An Archaeological Biography. New York: Random House,
1995.
Simons, Jan Jozef. The Geographical and Topographical Texts of the Old Testament; a
Concise Commentary in 32 Chapters. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1959.
Smith, F. LaGard. Meeting God in Holy Places: A Devotional Journey. Eugene, Oreg.:
Harvest House, 1997.
Smith, George Adam. The Historical Geography of the Holy Land: Especially in Relation
to the History of Israel and of the Early Church. London: Hodder and Stoughton,
1897.
Tarbell, Martha. In the Master's Country: A Geographical Aid to the Study of the Life of
Christ. New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 1910.
Tenney, Merrill Chapin. Galatians: The Charter of Christian Liberty. Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Eerdmans, 1989.
Tenney, Merrill Chapin, and ed. The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. 5
vols. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1975.
Traina, Robert A. Methodical Bible Study: A New Approach to Hermeneutics. Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Francis Asbury Press, 1985.
Virkler, Henry A. Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation.
Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988.
Vogel, Lester Irwin. To See a Promised Land: Americans and the Holy Land in the
Nineteenth Century. University Park, Pa.: Pennsylvania State University Press,
1993.
Wilkinson, John, Joyce Hill, and William F. Ryan. Jerusalem Pilgrimage, 1099-1185.
London: Hakluyt Society, 1988.
Wright, George Ernest, and Floyd Vivian Filson. The Westminster Historical Atlas to the
Bible. London: The S.C.M. Press Ltd., 1946.
Young, E. S. The Bible Geography. 6th ed. Claremont, Calif.: Bible Students League,
1923.
87
Journal/Encyclopedia Articles
Bar-Gal, Yoram. “Geographical Teaching in Israel: A Retrospective View.” Journal of
Geography 92, no. 2 (1993) : 64-68.
Coker, W. B. “Hazor.” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. Merrill
Chapin Tenney, Volume 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976.
Cross, Frank Moore. “A Philistine Ostracon from Ashkelon.” The Biblical Archaeology
Review 22, no. 1 (1996) : 64.
Cryer, Frederick H. “Of Epistemology, Northwest-Semitic Epigraphy and Irony: The
'House of David' Inscription Revisited.” Journal for the Study of the Old
Testament 69, no. 3 (1996) : 16.
Jacobson, David. “Herod's Roman Temple.” The Biblical Archaeology Review 28, no. 2
(2002) : 64.
Kouchoukos, Nicholas. “Articles - Satellite Images and the Representation of near
Eastern Landscapes.” Near Eastern Archaeology 64, no. 1 (2001) : 13.
Murphy-O'Connor, Jerome. “The Geography of Faith: Tracing the Via Dolorosa.” Bible
Review 12, no. 6 (1996) : 32.
Rainey, Anson F. “Gezer.” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed.
Merrill Chapin Tenney, Volume 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976.
________. “Megiddo.” The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, ed. Merrill
Chapin Tenney, Volume 4. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1976.
________. “Stones for Bread: Archaeology Versus History.” Near Eastern Archaeology
64, no. 3 (2001) : 10.
Wood, Bryant G. “The Walls of Jericho.” Bible and Spade: A Journal of Archaeology
and Biblical Research 6, no. 2 (1999) : 22.
Theses, Dissertations, and Unpublished Material
Baker, Larry J. “The Development and Implementation of a Bible Backgrounds Course
for the Adult/Community Education Program of the Ft. Osage R-1 School
District's Area Vocational-Technical School.” D.Min. Dissertation, Midwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary, 1992.
88
Briscoe, Jerry Lee, and Lawrence Joseph Ross. “The Viability of Teaching Biblical
Geography Via a Conflict Simulation Game on the Conquest of the Land.”
Unpublished Th.M. Thesis, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1980.
Cook, Randy. “Physical & Historical Geography of Israel: Geographical Introduction and
the Jerusalem Area.” ed. Bill Schlegal and Todd Bolen: Unpublished notes from
the Israel Bible Extension, The Master's College, 2001.
Hischke, W. F. “In the Footsteps of Jesus: Building the Faith through a Parish Visit to the
Holy Land.” D.Min. Dissertation, Concordia Seminary, 1992.
Kinnard, G. Steve. “New Wineskins: Formation of a Ministry of Multimedia Education
Integrating the Bible, Geography, and Archaeology.” D.Min. Dissertation, Drew
University, 1999.
Laney, J. Carl. “Selective Geographical Problems in the Life of Christ.” Th.D.
Dissertation, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1978.
Sanders, William P. “Using a Relief Map of the Holy Land in Adult Biblical Education.”
D.Min. Dissertation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 1996.
Wheat, Bill. “Any Pastor Can . . . Lead a Tour.” Th.M. Thesis, Dallas Theological
Seminary, 1979.
Non-Print Media
Bolen, Todd. Pictorial Library of Bible Lands, 10 Volumes. CD-Rom. Grand Rapids,
Mich.: Kregel Publications, 2004.
Martin, James C. Above Israel. DVD Visual Material. Gaithersburg, Md.: Preserving
Bible Times, 2002.
Tennent, Timothy. The Historical Context of Islam, Lecture 1. Audiocassette. South
Hamilton, Mass.: Biblical Training, 2002.
Web-based Material
Fendel, Hillel. Blessed Rainfall. Arutz-7 News, English Edition. Accessed 19 February
2003. Website Article. Available from
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=39228.
________. Rabbis Union: No One Has the Right to Give Away the Land. Arutz-7 News,
English Edition. Accessed 24 June 2003. Website Article. Available from
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=45568.
89
Hulbert, Terry. Walking in Their Sandals. 2003. Accessed Website. Available from
http://www.ancientsandals.com.
Miller, Laura. America the Ignorant. Salon.com, 2001. Accessed 27 September 2001.
Website Article. Available from
http://archive.salon.com/news/feature/2001/09/27/stupidity/.
Morgan, Tina. The Importance of Setting. Fiction Factor, 2001. Accessed 1 November
2003. Website article. Available from
http://www.fictionfactor.com/articles/setting.html.
Trivedi, Bijal P. Survey Reveals Geographic Illiteracy. National Geographic Today,
2002. Accessed 20 November 2002. Website Article. Available from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/11/1120_021120_GeoRoperSurve
y.html.
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APPENDIX A
HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY SURVEY
1. If I excluded historical geography from my Bible study, I would be eliminating an
indispensable part of biblical interpretation.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
2. I gained more of an understanding of historical geography in class than I did on-site in
Israel.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
3. When I include historical geography in my communication of the Bible, my listeners
tell me they understand much better what I am teaching.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
4. Historical geography has increased my love for the Word of God and the God of the
Bible.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
5. I feel after going to Israel it is impossible to read the Bible the same as before going.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
6. The geography and history of the Bible are so deeply intertwined neither can be
completely understood without the other.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
7. When I teach the Bible I relate biblical events to the places where they took place.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
8. Geography has increased my ability to remember biblical events and the life-lessons
they teach.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
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9. The study of historical geography has provided me a greater confidence in the Bible as
God’s Word.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
10. My study of the historical geography of Israel has given me clearer direction for
biblical application.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree
strongly agree not applicable
11. My classroom study of the historical geography of Israel improved my understanding
of the biblical narrative.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree
strongly agree not applicable
12. If I bought fifty books on historical geography, they could not contribute what my trip
to Israel has given me.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
13. When a passage mentions a biblical site, I explain its significance when teaching the
passage.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
14. My on-site study of the historical geography of Israel contributed more to my
spiritual life than my classroom study of the same.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
15. A knowledge of historical geography prior to going to Israel is essential in order to
experience the most benefit in Israel.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
16. Experiencing the land of the Bible first-hand has strengthened my spiritual life.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
17. When I am listening to a sermon, if the preacher does not relate the passage to its
historical geography, he has not given me the full picture.
1------2------3------4------5------6------7
N/A
disagree
agree strongly agree not applicable
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Please indicate which group most closely reflects your experience by placing an “X”
in front of the letter in parenthesis:
(a) I took a class on historical geography but have never gone to Israel.
(b) I have gone to Israel but have never taken a class on historical geography.
(c) I first took a class on historical geography and then went to Israel.
(d) I first went to Israel and then took a class on historical geography.
(e) I first went to Israel as part of an educational study tour that included a historical
geography class.
Please indicate:
Your age: ( ) 15-25 ( ) 26-40 ( ) 41-60 ( ) 61+
Your sex: ( ) male ( ) female
If applicable, how much time have you spent touring in Israel?
If applicable, who taught your historical geography class(es)?
If applicable, who led your tour(s) to Israel?
Please answer in your own words:
How has your study of historical geography affected your relationship with God?
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APPENDIX B
OPEN RESPONSES TO THE SURVEY
The survey asked, “Please answer in your own words: How has your study of
historical geography affected your relationship with God?” What follows are all the
responses received.
001 Dr. Dyer is one of the best teachers I've ever had in my life. I took the
Prophets with him and because of that outstanding experience I took Historical
Geography of Israel as my elective. I'm curious about world cultures and I saw
that class as an opportunity to explore one more culture, but in this case with an
emphasis on my personal faith. Every single minute of the class was fascinating
because of the energy and knowledge of Dr. Dyer in that subject. He is an
awesome teacher! I am a very honest person, sometimes too honest, but I have to
say this, after the course I was not interested at all in spending my money on a trip
to what is left today as Israel. It would be worth the effort if it looked like the
Israel in Bible times. Two thousand years of ‘civilization’ have destroyed most of
what used to be beautiful, like the temple, the gardens of Solomon, the Valleys,
etc. This is my honest opinion. I'm sorry if this is not what you expected to read.
In general, I think it's of value to know the historical geography of the land that
God chose to develop the great stories of the Bible, but I think it's not
indispensable to know it to be able to preach the Gospel. Maybe middle & high
class people in the States can afford to tour Israel as a ‘plus’ in their ‘spirituality’
but the children of God in lower social classes here or anywhere in the world do
not have to go to Israel to improve/deepen/ enhance their spiritual walk with God.
The key to spiritual life is to surrender your life to the will of God, obey Him,
love Him, but not to spend a week touring Israel. Jesus said that the world will
know that we are His disciples if we love one another and love God. Muslims
long to be able to please Allah by visiting Mecca at least once in their lifetime,
but we are not expected by God to do our own version of this event in
Christianity. I can think of dozen of better thing to do with the money I would
spend if I go to Israel. For example, support 30 Cuban pastors for a month, buy
Christian literature for their seminary, open a scholarship for a Native American
seminary student so he can study full time, and a long etc. The study Bibles
available now are good enough. They have maps, notes, etc. to explain how the
geography relates to the story. Anyone can buy one and read it, and learn more
about it in their house/church. Maybe even a video would work. But I know
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people who have visited Israel and their walk with God is the same after they
develop their films! I better stop! I'm sorry again, for being so ‘opinionated.’1
0002 The study of historical geography adds a richer level of realism to
biblical events. Relating the biblical narrative to the place in which it may have
taken place adds to the visual experience of reading and understanding God’s
Word. So much of God’s Word occurs in REAL places and to neglect a study of
those places in the context of the passage under consideration is to miss a layer of
observation that helps in making the Bible the living book it is.
0003 Deeper understanding and appreciation of events in Scripture—
magnitude, depth, breadth of what God was accomplishing.
0004 I was not one of those who felt that God was somehow closer to me in
Israel than he is with me everyday in the U.S. I have talked to many and seen
many who seem a little too mystical about their visit to Israel. I will say however,
that personally experiencing the country and being able to relate biblical stories to
their actual geographical locations has been invaluable and has given me much
greater insight into the Scriptures.
0005 My study of historical geography is something that is ongoing. A class
in seminary has not provided all the details but it did provide a big picture. I do
not believe my relationship with God is affected by historical geography, but
rather the sufficiency of Scripture, and the Spirit. Historical geography is helpful
for the mindset, understanding a setting, but even if I stood in the tomb of Christ,
or at the foot of the Cross it would be a typical moving experience of the emotions
but it would have no bearing on my intimacy with God down the road. If
journeying to a particular location brought a person ‘closer’ to God we are flirting
with mysticism. Therefore, I believe the study of historical geography is the
frame, part of the backdrop to expository teaching that is influential in setting a
text & is therefore always necessary. My class at DTS was a good class. I came to
believe while I was studying there that if I could have received the knowledge
from the prof's book on a subject I would be wise to buy the book, and then take
1
These comments were from an individual who never went to Israel. The majority of
respondents who saw little or no value in traveling to Israel had never been there. On the contrary, each
respondent who had been there saw extreme value. The overwhelming majority (98%) of respondents who
have traveled to Israel said that buying many books on historical geography could not contribute what their
trip to Israel has given them. The monetary objection is weak, coming from a student who pays multiple
thousands for a seminary education. For the educational benefits alone—not to mention the spiritual—the
trip to Israel would be worth the money.
95
another class. H.G. fell into that category for me. The time would have been better
spent elsewhere in theological areas of study that were never touched.2
006 How has your study of historical geography affected your relationship
with God? This is a tough one! I think it is because as I read God’s Word, I
actually visualize the scenes, see the people, feel the air, smell the aromas. I think
you must know about the land a person is from in order to fully understand that
person. When you know the land of God's chosen people and see the places where
‘His only begotten Son’ actually walked, then you can more fully understand
HIM. Wayne, this is my favorite area of study—one that I think is too often
overlooked. I even did an independent study comparing the Hill Country of Texas
to the Hill Country of Israel—quite interesting! I even brought Dr. Charlie some
rocks and bones to see if he could tell which ones were from Israel and which
ones from the Texas Hill Country. For once, he was stumped! Brilliant man, and I
thank God I had him as one of my professors. I also took ‘Old Testament
Prophets’ under him.
007 Historical geography is a big key to understanding the Bible (especially
the Old Testament). Being able to visualize the context makes all the difference
between a dynamic exposition of God’s Word and something ordinary.
008 When I meditate or think of God the Creator I visualize all the places I've
been around the world and think of Israel and God's choosing this place above all
others to work out His purposes on earth. I can't wait to go back and hopefully it
will be in this lifetime—if not I am going back when He returns—what will it
look like then?
009 It has helped the Word of God become more alive to me. In addition, it
has helped my assurance and confidence that the Bible is God’s Word.
010 Not much. However I did enjoy being in Charlie's class. He was a good
teacher.
011 It deepened my appreciation of the history of Israel and broadened the
richness of my reading. The understanding of ‘why’ some places were battle
zones, etc. It was a most enjoyable class, but I cannot say that I have utilized the
information in a specific way, but in a general way appreciate more the impact of
geography. I didn’t visit after the class and would like to tour with Charlie.
012 Overall, it has not affected my spiritual life per se, however it gave me an
insight into our Heavenly Father and how He has so graciously revealed Himself
2
Those who have actually traveled to Israel would disagree with these comments. Far from
mysticism, these very subjective elements can be utilized in studying the objective truth of God’s Word.
The research simply invalidates any truth to this opinion.
96
to man in the geography that we are bound to. The passages in Genesis regarding
the Angel of Jehovah and the two angels who visited Abraham, Jacob wrestling . .
. the military campaigns of Chederlaomer, Joshua, the second Person of the
Trinity taking the form of a man and actually confining Himself to the world
which He created is awe-inspiring, if nothing else at all. Who are we to receive
such care from the God of the universe? It's tangible and we can vicariously learn
from the experiences of those who had the honor of seeing God work in an age
when He revealed Himself in those ways to man- yet faith to me in the veracity of
the written Word excludes the physical experience in the age in which we live. I
look forward when He will once again pierce through time and gather us together
unto Him from the geography we are bound to. And how awesome will it be to
reign with Him by grace during His fulfillment of the Davidic covenant on earth
in the Millennium? Geography is something that must be included in expositing
God’s Word as it is part of the Historical element in Historical-Grammatical
interpretation.
013 Since I was just auditing the course and did not do the homework, I did
not get the full benefit from the class as those who took it for credit. However, I
would say that my faith was strengthened in the reliability of God’s Word and in
God's sovereignty.
014 Can't say I've given it much thought. If it has, the effect has not been a
monumental one that I think back on often in my spiritual journey.
015 My faith is not based on historical geography but it's helped me to
understand clearly some parts of the Scripture.
016 It has greatly deepened my affection and closeness toward Him and
enhanced my appreciation of the intricacies of God’s Word.
017 My study has had indirect impact on my relationship with God. Historical
geography in and of itself does not lead to knowing God better, however it is a
valuable tool for understanding the events of Scripture. Understanding place and
time gives greater clarity to the Word, and better clarity about Scripture has led
me to know and understand God better. I don't see the class or this particular area
as critical to my spiritual walk, but it has brought Scripture into finer focus for
me. I am very grateful that I was able to take the class, and still wish to go to
Israel to see it first hand.
018 I have much clearer images in my mind when I read the Bible of what
may have historically happened; I remember after my Israel trip feeling like my
religious experience was much more tangibly grounded in earthly realities.
019 It adds depth to my personal and preparational Bible study, and as a result
has enriched my spiritual growth. It adds color to relevant classes I teach in
church. It makes my application of the text more precise. I believe God is honored
97
when His Word is handled fully. After taking the class several years ago, it made
me more confident in God’s inspiration of the text, and deepened my faith in Him.
This has translated into every area of church ministry I serve in, and affects those
serving with me.
020 It has given me a greater love for understanding the Bible in its context.
Seeing the Scripture come alive through the use of visual memories has brought
vividness to my own life as well as my preaching.
021 My relationship with God does not stand on whether I studied historical
geography or not. However, the study strengthened my resolve to faithfully study
God’s Word. It is reassuring to know that recorded events in the Bible did not
happen in a vacuum. It gave me a greater appreciation of the fact too that the Lord
is involved in human history. Where the geographical places cited in Scripture
match what we know now in archaeology, we will not discount the fact that they
give credence to the claim that while the Bible is not a book on science or
geography, it is accurate when it mentions some specifics about them.
022 Knowing the geography of Israel and how the Israelites had to really trust
God in those areas has helped me trust God in ‘unbearable’ situations. Knowing
that God sovereignly put the Israelites in Israel in those conditions (hot, desert,
etc.) reminds me regularly that God knows best what His people need and that I
simply need to trust Him completely.
023 It has given me a more logical way to understand the grammatical and
literal implications of what and how God wants me to exercise the daily
stewardship He has given me to counsel and teach myself and others wisely.
024 No answer
025 Wow, my time in the study of historical geography and in Israel has been
fantastic! I feel like I know God and His Word better experiencing the ‘playing
board’ of the Bible. On my last trip, my wife Brenda and son Jonathan were
along, and it was so much fun to see them so excited about the Land. I feel that
my relationship with God is immeasurably stronger because of the practical
lessons learned in understanding the historical geography of Israel.
026 Historical Geography has shown me the reliability of the Bible—places
are really there. It has made more real the fact that God is in the physical realm
and not just the spiritual, and that Jesus came to earth. It has shown that His
promise to the Jews is still good. It has enhanced my understanding of His Word.
027 Helped me to know the land in which God revealed Himself and to realize
that His revelation was personal, literal, historical, and culturally based.
98
028 Historical Geography has made the study of the Bible more vivid and
more concrete as I have stood on the same ground as Abraham and David and
Samson and Elijah and Jesus, etc., etc., etc. It has also shown me that as I gaze
upon a rather mundane-looking, arid desert landscape in Israel and reflect upon
the (by contrast) profound, history altering events that took place there, I realize
that God can and does do profound and potentially history altering things
TODAY in rather ‘mundane-looking’ and ‘arid’ and ‘desert-like’ landscapes. (See
Elijah’s experience in I Kings 19:11-12 ‘So He said, “Go forth, and stand on the
mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great
and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks
before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an
earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a
fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle
blowing.’ )
029 Deeply enhanced my understanding of the God of history.
030 It really opened up my understanding of the OT in regard to God’s
sovereign protection of the Jews despite their sinful responses to Him time after
time. Then the NT and Jesus’ life ministry has a mental context to match the
Scriptures. It’s not that I doubted the Bible before but you see in a new way, how
everything in Israel’s history and geography points back to the Creator!
031 It gives me a more accurate (and at times real) understanding of the Bible.
Thus, it can create a picture of the works of God and thus His might and glory as
He dealt with those people of the Bible.
032 When reading a passage, I am able to actually picture where it happened.
When David talks about hiding in the cliffs, I know what these look like. When
the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, I know how barren it is. All of
this knowledge is because I lived there and studied there. If I had not had this
experience it would be a lot harder for me to comprehend these small things. I
need to be able to see things in order to understand them, and by my going to
Israel, while I can’t SEE God, I SEE where He was and what He lived with and
encountered. It is these reasons that my faith and relationship has and was
strengthened by my going to Israel and studying the geography.
033 It has made me realize even more that God is a personal God, involved in
events and time on earth. He acted then, is acting now, and will act in the future. I
love God more!
034 My experiences in Israel have deeply impacted my devotions by giving
me a better understanding of how the historical and geographical issues
influenced the Scriptures. Details that I previously did not care about, I now
understand why they were included. They remind me that God provides
99
everything we need, and the faith of the people, relying daily on God’s provision,
is a good example of how I need to live.
035 I never realized the importance of geography of the Bible until I visited
Israel. I couldn't believe how much insight it gave me into knowing the Bible and
the stories of the Bible. Spending time there has put my mind more into the Bible.
Instead of reading about the people, I can picture where they were and why that
place was important. In short, historical geography has affected my relationship
with God because I now understand more of His Word and His people. Such an
experience is invaluable to me.
036 It has given me an understanding of the text that is the difference between
black and white and color 3-D.
037 Having studied the land of the Bible brings these passages to life. It's
much easier to picture where things were happening and how geography related to
many events (distances between cities, battles, etc). It's great to be able to picture
what biblical characters were seeing when various events occurred.
038 The whole narrative of the Scriptures was something that became
cemented in my mind. Before visiting Israel, I believed that the Bible was true
and accurate, but I had no association for the events which I found described in
Scripture. Since I have been back from Israel, whenever I hear of a Bible story
that happened in a certain place, I can immediately associate that story with the
particular place because I was there. Another thing that was reestablished in my
mind was the awesome greatness of our God. This country of Israel is a tiny little
dot on our map. And yet, the Lord chose that location to place His people into,
and it was there that His plan of salvation for all mankind was carried out. It is
because of a certain young Man, who walked and taught in that tiny country for
33 years, that I am able to call the God of heaven Abba Father today, and why I
cling to the hope of an eternity with Him.
039 It provided, and still provides, a better glimpse of God's sovereignty in
my life, by seeing how He worked in the lives of the men and women in the
Bible. My semester in Israel, in particular, was unique in that we were sent back
after the World Trade Center attacks in 2001. We had no choice but to trust that
God had reasons for us to go back, that He allowed the administration to pull us
out—I don't believe any of the forty students that semester would have chosen to
return to the States. I had a choice to be bitter, or to fall on God's sovereignty.
Studying historical geography is now inextricably tied to trusting the Lord for me.
040 It has drawn me closer to the Lord and helped me to get to know His
character better through seeing how He created the Land of Israel to cause His
people to depend on Him and also wants us to depend on Him. It has helped me
understand so many parts of the Bible more deeply than I ever thought possible,
100
therefore better helping me to understand the Great God who created the universe,
but knows me personally and dwells inside me.
041 It helped me to understand more of His mercy and compassion on a
nation who continually struggled with sin.
042 My semester in Israel absolutely transformed my relationship with God
because it made the Bible come alive in a way I could not have imagined before
going. I will never doubt the truth of God’s Word again.
043 By gaining a better understanding of Israel, the Bible, and God, I now
have many more reasons to praise Him! Also, I have a better understanding of
who He really is and all that He did for me, as well as what He did for the
children of Israel. I cannot begin to describe what a life-changing experience it
was to spend a semester studying in Israel!
044 My interest in travel has been greatly increased since my experience in
Israel, as has my love for God. It is important to differentiate between an interest
in travel and a love for God. Undoubtedly, my love for God has experienced a
measure of increase as a result of understanding the land of the Bible. The greater
increase, however, has taken place in my desire to travel. In other words, I believe
my love for God was about as significant in my life before I came to Israel as it
was after I left Israel. There is always that ‘travel high’ as I call it (the result of
satisfying the ‘travel bug’) when returning from any far-away place, but travel to
Israel is not essential for a complete understanding of God's purpose for us here
on earth. Beyond that, studying the land of the Bible is a great hobby that I will
enjoy as long as I am able. Unless you exist in the realm of the ‘IBEXers,’ people
generally can't really relate to the experiences you have in Israel. It is similar to
watching a missionary slideshow without experiencing the location—it is much
more interesting to have a two-way conversation with the person about something
in common—our love for God.
045 The study of Historical Geography of Israel has helped me to understand
why things happened the way they did. How the Lord prevailed and not the
people in certain battles. It has shown me that the Lord our God is capable of
anything, amplifying His characteristics in my life! Revealing His love for His
people and the current needs of the Jewish people to find salvation in Jesus the
Messiah! How dramatically the Lord built up the kingdom of Solomon and in
contrast how because of sin the Lord tore that all down! It's a land full of
testimony of millions of people, in which we can still see today the evidences of
these lives lived for God or against God!
046 No answer
047 God's faithfulness is much more real and vivid since I can picture where
He brought His people out of captivity, or where He gave them victory in battle. I
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also can start to identify with Jesus in His compassion for Jerusalem as they
sacrifice so much to do all the right things, but have missed the One they are
waiting for. Being able to study in Israel and walk the land where Jesus walked
has made me love the Word more as I understand more of the background setting.
Having a visual picture of where things took place helps me to remember better
what I read and helps me explain the setting better to others. I thank the Lord for
allowing me to see where He chose to spend His time on earth and give me a
glimpse of where things will end.
048 It has given me a more in-depth understanding of His Word and has
allowed me to more accurately teach the significance and meaning of the
Scriptures.
049 Before I went to Israel, I would have considered history and geography
my least favorite things to study. So the thought of both subjects together
(historical geography!?) was horrible. After spending the months that I did in the
Holy Land, I see now the importance of both of those subjects in the Word and in
my personal understanding of my Savior. Overall, my time in Israel convinced me
even more that the Bible is true and that my God is real. Before, I believed my
faith to be true, but to see with my own eyes the setting of my faith was priceless
to me. When I read both the Old and New Testaments now, I feel as though I can
relate more to them. The Word is more alive in my heart, the pictures are vivid in
my mind, and my love for Israel had grown. Another thing that has changed
drastically has been my love for the Jewish people. I am constantly reminded
(through studying Romans at our church right now) that we were not the center of
God's plan. The Jewish people are the chosen people of God. It is humbling. I
don't know that I would have been impacted the same way if I had just taken a
class. Maybe I would have. But I think being in Israel was one of the most lifechanging events of my life.
050 It has allowed me to grow so much closer to Him through a better
understanding of His Word, which I was able to gain through the studies of
historical geography. I had never studied Biblical historical geography before my
trip to Israel, so being under Todd's teaching in the classroom and on trips
throughout the land of Israel completely brought the Bible to life and allowed me
to better understand the many Bible stories I'd read several times before, stories of
which I had never grasped the full meaning before I had the opportunity to learn
that historical geography and see the actual places where they took place. It was
an incredible experience, definitely the most spiritually beneficial experience of
my life so far.
051 Gave me a passion for the Old Testament; helped me to follow along in
biblical narratives better which allowed me to grasp the significance of the story;
draws me closer to God because I understand and enjoy reading His Word more.
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052 Learning about the Land of the Bible greatly increased my love for the
Old Testament and gave me an image to think about as I read of events that
happened in Israel (and nearby). Understanding the land also helps me to
understand why some events happened the way that they did. Also, names no
longer mean nothing to me. I know where the cities are that the Bible speaks of.
Finally, my relationship with God was greatly strengthened during the time that I
studied over there. I was at a crossroads in my life at the time, and learning more
about how faithful God has always been to his people really helped me out.
053 It has not directly. My confidence in the factual and historically-accurate
nature of God’s Word has been greatly increased; in this manner my regard for
the Bible has been improved and my spiritual life affected by this.
054 It's made the Bible more real. While Israel is a far off land from here, it's
not mythical fantasy and therefore something in which I can more confidently
place my trust. There was somewhat of a cynical downside to visiting in that it
was built up to be a life-changing experience. I found that I was capable of the
same sins in the Holy Land as at home. Walking where Jesus walked (albeit often
10 feet higher) and being where biblical history happened was euphoric and
useful for teaching, but, as with any outside circumstance, had little affect on
inward, lasting, spiritual change. My trip to Israel and being able to learn its
geography with biblical history was inspiring, motivating and unforgettable -always being a part of the experience the Lord has allowed me that will shape the
disciple He's created me to be. It is, however, the Spirit that transforms me in
accordance to my obedience of His Word in the Bible. That can happen anywhere
as I am willing. My relationship with God is affected not by where I am or where
I've been, but by the here and now according to the choices I make. (No
pilgrimage necessary!)3
055 Being in Israel and learning historical geography absolutely gives me a
sense that God’s Word is true. The details fit. And that confident sense carries
over to every promise God makes in His Word.
056 I think while I was in Israel I came to see God less as a subject to be
studied, with various categories, and more as a person who has stepped into
human history and interacted with his people. I am not knocking Systematic
Theology; it was my major. I just think we can lose sight of the fact that God has
3
These well-meaning comments seem to contradict one another. The trip to Israel “made the
Bible more real” and yet the individual’s “relationship with God is affected not by where I am or where I've
been, but by the here and now.” A trip to the land where Jesus walked does not constitute a “pilgrimage”
such as Islam’s haj to Mecca. The fact that God does sanctify outside of Israel does not negate the value of
traveling there. Going to Israel deepens a recognition that God did incarnate Himself historically in a real,
earthly place.
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revealed himself primarily through real stories in real places, and not only through
treatises and categorical data. The same God who, sometimes visibly, manifested
himself on the hills of Judah is the same God I walk with.
057 It has given me a greater love for his plan for his people as well as being
able to see how he could bless or curse a people in such a harsh land.
058 Living in Israel gives me regular opportunity to experience biblical
geography. While driving through the land, it is not uncommon for me to be
encouraged by God's work among ‘regular’ people, as I remember the various
biblical accounts of events that took place near the road I'm on at the time. In the
same way God used geography and topography to move people and his message
in biblical days, he does so today. The major highways today, for the most part,
follow the same route as they did in biblical days. This recognition continues to
give me a ‘connectedness’ to those people and God's work among them. We are
‘regular people’ just as they were ‘regular people’ and God may choose to work
in our midst as he did then. This encourages me in my relationship with Him.
059 Given me a more down-to-earth understanding of how God's people
lived, how they related to God, how I can relate to Him, and how He provided
for/cared for His people - i.e. makes me feel like one of them, and that my
relationship with God is indeed timeless. Also makes passages come alive,
because I've been there - the names have a context, a route to/from, a
neighborhood, a terrain, a climate, etc. that I can recall and that gives greater
meaning to the text. Makes reading the Bible like reading a book about your own
hometown. I think the Bible is more personal to me and more prized by me
because of my experiences in Israel.
060 No answer
061 Understanding historical geography made the Bible like a newspaper for
me. It became that real—and remains so.
062 After traveling to Israel, I will never read the Bible in the same way. I
knew this after my first visit to the city of Jerusalem. If only I had been able to
spend one day in the land of Israel, that day would have been worth it. I
understand that God is a God of history. He has worked in time and space. The
places in the Bible are real places. Before going to Israel I used to skim over the
historical/geographical details. Now I can picture Capernaum and the Negev and
understand where it was that Jesus taught and where the Israelites traveled. I can
know what it means to thirst after God (Psalm 63), as the Israelites must have
desired physical water as they wandered in the wilderness. Traveling to Israel, and
the study of the land while there, was an invaluable experience.
063 I have found that I understand His sovereignty better. Maybe better is not
the right word, but I have realized the extent of His sovereignty in that every
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biblical historical event has occurred in a correlating geographical area. He has so
carefully orchestrated the events, even down to the place and geography. It just
makes me stand in awe of Him. It is so amazing.
064 My study of the historical geography has very much affected my
relationship with God because it helps give an accurate understanding of His
inerrant Word and therefore allows me to grasp just a smidgen more of God's
immense character.
065 I can picture what's going in certain passages (when my memory and/or
notes are available and functioning!) and can thus be aware of long and difficult
journeys, the barrenness of the wilderness, or the beauty of lush Galilee. My faith
is thus strengthened when I am reminded of the faith those in the Bible
demonstrated as they endured those journeys, trekked across barren land with the
promise of milk and honey, or left beautiful Galilee to preach the Word. My God
is just as big as He showed Himself to be when He split the Red Sea, which I
know now to be more than just a stream (which being split, would still qualify as
a miracle!).
066 The study of historical geography has opened my eyes to the intricacies of
God's mighty acts. The Bible is no longer a blurred jumbled mess of events but
there is an order to His plan and purposes. Now I not only know that God is
faithful but I can look at Biblical events and see the manifestation of His
attributes. My lips can praise Him for His greatness more specifically by using the
knowledge I have gained. His character and depth is so much more than I have
understood previously. I appreciated and enjoy the opportunity to share.
067 I am committed to the ideal that a strong relationship with God is directly
correlated to a deep understanding of God. Nothing has developed my first-hand
understanding of the ways and works of God more than visiting Israel and
watching the context of His Word come alive. As an elementary school teacher, I
quickly learned that hands-on instruction can do in 15 minutes what an hour of
lecture might accomplish. Similarly, my trip to Israel helped me know and
understand God more in 5 months than I could have accomplished with years in a
classroom. Reading the Gospel of John while sitting on a mountain overlooking
the Sea of Galilee provides an ultimate PowerPoint presentation of Jesus' life. No
classroom can hope to replicate that.
068 In the years since my travel to Israel I have been able to think and rethink
many of my preconceived ideas of Israel and the Jewish people. Everything
simply makes more sense in its context. Israel is not America and I couldn't grasp
the fact that Israel is small and needed a lot of intervention from God all
throughout history. I also understand better why Jesus spent so much time in
Galilee, I think I understand him better now that I've seen the areas that he visited
and have read different parables in their geographical context. It makes more
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sense to read the Bible where it was written and connect with what the original
authors and listeners saw than to merely read a black and white Bible whose focus
was not to paint vivid pictures in the minds of its readers by describing the
scenery, climate, or fashions of the day. Thank you very much for this survey; it
has encouraged me to get out my pictures and maps again and refresh my memory
of the most wonderful travel experience in my life.
069 Even though I knew the Word of God was true, seeing the places it spoke
about solidified that. In addition, it made the passages that seemed somehow less
applicable more interesting. It gave me an appreciation for the WHOLE Bible,
rather than the passages that are most popular in Christian circles.
070 !P!r!i!m!a!r!i!l!y! !i!n! !i!n!c!r!e!a!s!i!n!g! !m!y! !u!n!d!e!r!s!t!a!n!d!i!n!g! !o!f! !t!h!e! !B!i!b!l!i!c!a!l! !n!a!r!r!a!t!i!v!e! !b!y!
!b!r!i!n!g!i!n!g! !t!h!e! !B!i!b!l!e! !t!o! !l!i!f!e!.! !I!t! !m!a!d!e! !m!e! !m!o!r!e! !a!p!p!r!e!c!i!a!t!i!v!e! !o!f! !h!o!w! !G!o!d! !f!e!d! !t!h!e!
!I!s!r!a!e!l!i!t!e!s! !i!n! !t!h!e! !w!i!l!d!e!r!n!e!s!s! !f!o!r! !4!0! !y!e!a!r!s! !a!n!d! !o!t!h!e!r! !m!i!r!a!c!u!l!o!u!s! !Bi! !b!l!i!c!a!l! !e!v!e!n!t!s!
!(!p!a!r!t!i!n!g! !t!h!e! !R!e!d! !S!e!a!,! !f!e!e!di! !n!g! !t!h!e! !5!0!0!0!,! !w!a!l!k!i!n!g! !o!n! !t!h!e! !S!e!a! !o!f! !G!a!l!i!l!e!e!,! !e!t!c!)!.! !I!t! !h!a!s!
!s!l!o!w!e!d! !d!o!w!n! !m!y! !r!e!a!d!i!n!g! !o!f! !G!o!d!'s! !W!o!r!d!.! !I!n!s!t!e!a!d! !o!f! !b!r!ee! !z!i!n!g! !t!h!r!o!u!g!h! !t!h!e! !d!e!t!ai! !l!s! !I!
!s!l!o!w! !d!o!w!n! !b!e!c!a!u!s!e! !m!a!n!y! !t!i!m!e!s! !I! !h!a!v!e! !b!e!e!n! !t!o! !t!h!e! site! !a!n!d! !c!a!n! !b!e!t!t!e!r! !v!i!s!u!a!li! !z!e! !i!n!
!m!y! !m!i!n!d! !t!h!e! !p!l!a!c!e! !a!n!d! !c!i!r!c!u!m!s!t!a!n!c!e!s! !s!u!r!r!o!u!n!d!i!n!g! !t!h!e! !B!i!b!l!i!c!a!l! !n!a!r!r!a!t!i!v!e!.
071 Spending almost a half a year in the land I could easily tell of many ways
that my study of the land has affected me. Just to name a few: 1. I'm able to see in
my mind’s eye where the events described in the Bible took place. This helps me
not only understand any given passage, but the flow of events. 2. I understand
how the geography of the land affected the language on historical events that the
Bible describes. (For example, ‘he went up to Jerusalem from Jericho.’ Anyone
whose traveled to or from these two cities knows that this is quite a clip.)
072 It has made God’s Word become much more real to me. It has broken
down the barriers of time, culture and distance in studying the Bible and has thus
given me a clearer picture of the God of the Bible.
073 I understand more fully the significance of the sites of Israel. Actually
being there and seeing the sites makes it easier to read a story and see it in my
mind. Knowing the historical background and where the city is located helps to
understand the events that took place there. Understanding the events in turn helps
me to understand the Bible better. My experience in Israel has made me closer to
God and my desire to let others know about the things that I have learned has
grown.
074 Studying in Israel brought my understanding of the Bible to a much more
well-rounded level. Geography helps me understand the decisions that God
(Jesus) and other Biblical characters made in their travels, ministry, and
conversations with God and people. Historical Geography is one tool of many
that helps me grasp—little by little—God's sovereignty over all aspects of the
Bible and history.
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075 I have grown to love God’s Word, especially the Old Testament, and to
love the Jewish people, whom He chose. When I read the Bible it is like reading it
in color. I care about the little details of the narratives and the flow of historical
events surrounding them. It is much easier to remember those details as well.
076 A better understanding of Israel’s historical geography has given me a
greater appreciation of God’s direction of historical events.
077 There is a reason that God includes historical and geographical details in
his Word. It is as much a part of Scripture as any commandment. So often I have
overlooked a name or city list without a second thought. As I have learned to
study biblical historical geography, I've been able to see the Lord's work in all of
history and also the concrete reality of the narrative settings. I have been more
able to relate to the words on the page because I can connect things better-locations to battles and narratives--kings to their actions. I am better able to
picture the events of the Bible. And that has brought me closer to its Author.
078 Studying and understanding the historical geography of the Bible has
brought an entire dimension of ‘realness’ to my faith. Having a mental picture to
accompany the Bible narrative brings every detail alive. While I was there,
romping over tells and through wadis, the ‘religiousness’ of Christianity melted
away, leaving behind an immensely practical and real faith devoid of legalistic
baggage. Also being in the land gave me a better understanding of Jewish customs
and culture and clarified the meaning of many ‘difficult’ passages. It gave me a
whole new appreciation for the Jewish-ness of our Savior. Before Israel, I had
never even been taught that the Last Supper was actually the Passover Seder,
complete with unleavened bread (not the fluffy loaf I was accustom to) and all the
traditional element (bitter herbs, etc.).
079 It is amazing to see the Bible come alive. My understanding of Biblical
events is so much clearer now that I have seen the place. I know what they look
like, how far apart they are, how small certain sites are. I have a whole new
understanding of Biblical events. It was a great experience, and I had an excellent
teacher. He shared Israel with us in a way that changed my perspective of the
Bible. I was and am continually amazed at how the Lord worked out so many
details - - - He is truly in control of all things. I've always known this, but I got an
even better taste of His sovereignty as I experienced the Land of the Bible.
080 It has grown, due to a first-hand knowledge of the land and the people He
chose.
081 It has greatly improved it.
082 Because my studies in Israel radically changed the way that I read the
Bible, they have also radically changed the way I think about God. I feel like the
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Bible has been transformed into reality for me. Like I’m reading about friends,
whose house and home land are my own, not characters in a story whose setting is
as foreign as a fairy tail. I feel like His communication with me has been
enriched. His poetry to me is suddenly understandable. His plan for His people
and His land is rooted firmly in reality, it is no longer vague and distant: His plan
for me seems that much more real and within my grasp.
083 No answer
084 It made the Bible come alive. It gave me a far better appreciation for the
Old Testament as well as Jesus' life. I understand the Word of God much better,
which in effect causes me a closer relationship with God. It's an amazing
experience to understand and see things first-hand and to be able to picture it in
my mind forevermore. Seeing God's Holy Land has had an enormous effect of
strengthening in my faith and relationship with God.
085 It has helped me to more clearly see that God’s Word is not just a
fictitious account, but is something that is historically backed, which gives me
more confidence in what I believe.
086 His control over the land (e.g. rainfall, crops, etc.) has given me more
appreciation for His sovereignty. His use of geography to direct human affairs has
given me more insight into His purposes (e.g. God taught the Israelites lessons of
faith and dependence using geographical variables.) On the whole, it has given me
more insight into His Word, and through the Word given me more insight into
God’s character and purposes. To be perfectly honest, however, I lack in the area
of application. I think historical geography has affected my study of the Bible
more than my relationship with God. Although study of the Bible should impact
my relationship with God, to be honest, historical geography tends to hit me at the
cognitive level, rather than the affective and behavioral levels.
087 It puts teeth on my faith. I walked the land, I walked the Via Dolorosa, I
know how far of a walk it is from Bethany to Jerusalem, I know what the Sea of
Galilee looks like and what it's like to swim in its waters at sunset. Every passage
of Scripture puts my memories on the tip of my tongue and makes me smile
because I know the land so well. I would not trade my time in Israel for anything.
088 I am now even more confident that God’s Word is historically accurate
and true. I have an increased faith in the God of the Bible.
089 It has really put the Scriptures into perspective. It has helped me to
correctly interpret the Scripture and made God very real to me.
090 Having the Bible come more alive through historical geography helps the
God of the Bible feel more real to me.
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091 Going to the Land of Israel opened the Bible up tremendously. When
reading a Scripture I can visualize what the land looks like. I can also understand
the history and context of what was going on, who the people were, etc. It helps
so much to understand the land, geography, and history.
092 More than anything, my time in Israel put flesh to the images of my faith.
For the first time in my life, the life and times of Jesus Christ became real and I
understood the humanity of my Lord and Savior (e.g., discussing the childhood of
Jesus at Nazareth, His carefully planned ministry around Galilee, His
orchestration of the Passion week and everything in between). Of course, it is
difficult for me to read the OT (whether academically, devotionally, or in
teaching) without immediately placing it within the historical and geographical
context it belongs. The life and character of the patriarchs remains a daily
reminder of the struggles, victories, and realities of the life/walk of faith (Ur is a
whole lot farther away from the land of promise when you hike 20 miles in
Galilee). The prophets came alive when the places they mentioned bore resonance
in my mind. I grew to treasure the OT as spiritual food for my soul, seeing God’s
greatness and goodness manifest over and over again in real life situations (which
are not altogether different from the situations I, or those in the church in which I
serve, experience).
093 It has helped me see the accuracy of the Word of God and thus the
trustworthiness of the Lord. It has most affected me by making me realize the
importance of the Bible’s history, and the job Christians have to believe, honor,
and defend that history. My understanding of the sovereignty of God increased as
I saw the land that, in many ways, God used to see if Israel would trust Him.
094 It has given me an even stronger confidence of the accuracy, reliability,
inerrancy, and trustworthiness in His Word. It is so true, so detailed (correctly)
and so on target!!! It is a wonderful apologetic for the truth of Scripture—in all
the above areas and in its faithful transmission and translation throughout the
centuries.
095 My first-hand study of the historical geography of Israel forever took
Scripture (especially the OT) out of that category of hard-to-relate-to historical
literature (the category of Josephus, Homer, and the Epic of Gilgamesh) and
plunged it into the category of stories about people just like me. Suddenly there is
significance in journeys the characters of the Bible go on. I know why the people
of Dan would want to seize a new city in Galilee. I completely understand why
David chose Adullam as a hideout from Saul. And it's perfectly natural that the
Good Samaritan would find a man assaulted by robbers on the Ascent of
Adummim. Likewise, Bethel would be a great place to erect a golden calf if you
were trying to keep worshippers from going to Jerusalem. If you're Solomon and
can only fortify a few cities, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer would be my first
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recommendations. Watching the Ark of the Covenant be carried down the Sorek
Valley towards Beth Shemesh by two nursing cows would certainly compel me to
celebrate. And if I were a Pharisee trying to capture a blasphemer claiming to be
the Messiah, about the only thing that would stop me from getting Him before He
got to Jerusalem would be if he mingled in with the masses of pilgrims trekking
through Transjordan to avoid the Samaritan outcasts. And learning how much the
people of the Bible thought, dreamed, desired, and acted the same as myself and
the people of today makes it instantly relevant how the God of Abraham acted
towards him. The Law of Moses is no longer a boring section towards the front of
my Bible, but rather a sobering depiction of the unattainably high standards of a
holy God, and just begs the question, ‘Who can be our eternal High Priest? Who
can deliver us from our sins?’ When you know the history and geography, you
understand the actions of the people. And when you understand the actions of the
people, you see the significance of how God interacted with them. And when you
strive to read about those interactions with man as the people of that day saw
them, you walk away with a picture of a God who is holy yet gracious,
unchanging yet forgiving the unfaithful, worthy of perfect praise yet eager to add
the voices of the unworthy to his entourage, the Creator of the Universe and yet
delighting in sending His Son as a lowly infant. The only response left is to love
Him with your whole being.
096 I certainly am more excited when I read about sites in the Bible that I
have visited. Once, Pastor John MacArthur was discussing how Jerusalem
receives snow on rare occasions. But, I was in Israel near Jerusalem when it
snowed. Our church is teaching through the book of Luke, where Jesus condemns
cities in Galilee. It's incredible because I visited Galilee and I understand the big
picture. It just reminds me that God’s Word is the Truth and He has a plan for
Israel.
097 It made God and the things that He has done, and continues to do, so real.
I never had an interest in the Old Testament until my trip to Israel, and now I just
can't get enough of it. God became much more tangible to me after I toured and
studied in Israel. My walk with the Lord has not been the same since. God is real
and if I ever had any doubts before they were shut out after my trip to Israel. I just
can't wait to go back.
098 I could see God's faithfulness even in the geography and have learned
what trusting in God meant to David and other kings who had armies attacking
them. The historical accounts of the Bible are so clear now in my mind and I
know that the God of Israel is my God today who can defeat armies and save a
people group, the Jews, for His glory.
099 I have a much deeper confidence in the Bible as the inspired, inerrant
Word of God. I have a greater faith in my God who reached down into real places
on this earth and miraculously shaped events.
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100 No answer
101 It has caused me to put greater confidence in God and in trusting that He
is in control. It has also caused me to see more clearly how intricately God
orchestrates events of the Bible and that there is so much meaning in each passage
of His Word.
102 It has provided a physical aspect. The reality of God's plan. His working
on this earth. In a faith that is not by sight, it helped solidify and give picture to
my heritage. And a constant reminder to me that God is at work, on this physical
earth. I trust God in a whole new way because I have seen His faithfulness
throughout the generations, in tangible ways. And provided me a more complete
understanding of His plan and passion to see Himself glorified in all things.
103 One of many ways it has affected me is that it has helped me see some of
the real struggles people had, due to geography that surrounded them, and how
they had to see themselves as a people completely dependant upon the true
Provider. One specific instance that stands out in my mind is the study of the
Israelites in the wilderness for forty years. I had heard that biblical account my
entire life, but it wasn't until I actually studied the geography of this area and
actually stood in the wilderness that I caught a glimpse of the meaning of Deut.
8:2-5. Again, this is just one of the many things I learned about the ways and
wonders of our God. I often re-read my journal to be refreshed of those
magnificent truths I learned while studying in Israel.
104 Understanding the historical geography of the land of Israel changed my
life. I no longer read the Bible in black and white, but in full color, especially the
Psalms. Prior to going to Israel I used to scan over so much of the Scriptures
relating the geography because I simply did not understand it. Now I read those
portions intently because I have been there and I understand better what the text is
saying. So often, I used to read much of the Old Testament as just a story. But
once I was able to grasp the reality of these significant events, those ‘stories’
came to life. As a result the Lord brought me to a deeper dependence upon Him,
learning to trust in Him for everything in my life, not matter how big or small.
The study of historical geography is very important, but to fully appreciate the
meaning of the physical geography of the land of Israel it is necessary to also
spend time in the land.
105 It has sparked my imagination, and made me able to picture more vividly
the Biblical Narrative. As a result of seeing and studying the land, in my quiet
devotional times of reading the Bible, praying, or meditating I feel closer to the
story. I also feel better equipped to teach others the Story. Seeing the land gave
me a context in which to put many events and people through the rest of my
Biblical studies.
111
106 Through my study of historical geography my relationship with God has
become more personal and intimate because I learned to a greater degree how
detailed and specific my God is. Furthermore, I came to understand to a greater
extent, how God uses everything (including geography) to accomplish His
purposes.
107 My study of historical geography has allowed me to understand the Word
of God better, and thus I have gotten to know God better.
108 Israel is an indispensable part of my life. It incorporates my whole
worldview. Every time I read the Bible I think of where the story is taking place
and gain so much more from the passage. Before going to Israel I never knew
how much of the Bible I was missing.
109 It has shown me that God is very involved with this world and with where
history happens and who is involved with it. It has taught me that God can be very
concerned with today and with what he is doing in various places of the world as
he was very strategic in his dealings with the world in ancient times.
110 It brings the Bible to life.
111 It has made the Old Testament more applicable to me. I can understand
the message more. It has made me more curious to look into the deeper meaning
of a text. It has made me trust God's protection and fear God's judgment more.
112 It helped me to see things in things which I would not have seen
otherwise and thus made my meditation on God’s Word a closer experience with
God than before.
113 It has given me an interest in the Old Testament that was not there before
my trips and therefore a greater understanding of God's relationship with people
over many generations.
114 I can read the Bible in color now. It has given me an indispensable
framework on which to build my knowledge and understanding of the Bible. The
land of the Bible is more than just a mental image for me - I know the places. Not
just ‘know of.’ I know the places, how far they are from each other, what types of
cities and regions they are, where their water systems are, and how people would
have lived and what would have been important to them. I consider my
knowledge of the historical geography of Israel an invaluable gift and blessing
from the Lord which has changed my life in countless ways.
115 It has reaffirmed truths and solidified more my understanding and
appreciation for God and His Word.
112
116 It helps me to see the places mentioned in the Bible as actual places
where God interacted with people. I see that God is not merely a Creator who left
the world to its own devices, but rather, becomes involved in the actual people
and places that He created. I guess you could say, He has become more personal.
117 Learning the text with my feet was a breaking point in my journey of
faith. After coming to Israel, my passion for the text, a passion to dig deeply and
with all my strength, was stirred so deeply that I really stepped into a faith of the
heart instead of a Christianity of the head. To be able to walk in the land, to smell
and taste and feel the Bible, is a blessing that I only hope can be a part of the
greater Christian community’s emphasis and experience. It is important however
that study tours in the land raise questions of faith as well as issues of geography,
maps, data, and all the other interesting information that this land yields.
118 The proper response to understanding more of God’s Word is to be drawn
into a deeper relationship with Him. Context is especially important for
understanding the Bible, and historical geography is a vital resource for
establishing this context. Speaking of the Old Testament primarily, by observing
God's interaction with humanity from a historical, geographical standpoint, one
may see the character of God more clearly and thereby better understand one's
role as God's child. In summary, historical geography has significantly enhanced
my own personal walk with the Lord and is undoubtedly worth the effort to study
it.
119 My study of historical geography affected my relationship with God by
providing a stronger assurance of the truth of the Scriptures and giving me a
clearer understanding of the details which God thought important to include in the
Biblical narrative. I have more of a desire to understand and (perhaps more
importantly) apply the Bible to my life in accuracy according to context. Studying
the land where God's plan of redemption was carried out gives us a better
understanding of who God is; this has helped me to know my God better.
120 No answer
121 It has made a huge difference in my understanding of His Word and my
understanding of Him and thus in my relationship with Him! I understand things
much more accurately than I did before, even with the hours I spent in church and
in classes prior to going to Israel and studying it so in depth there. I wouldn't trade
the knowledge I gained or the experiences I had in my time in Israel (both in the
classroom and exploring) for anything. The historical geography and how
positively it did affect my relationship with God was the best thing about it.
122 It’s not so much that I’m more spiritual now that I’ve ‘walked where
Jesus walked,’ but rather that the people and places of the Bible have become
more like the people and places ‘next door’ to me. The entire picture of history
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has been colored and brought to life and because of that I identify with the intense
humanity of Scripture. Then I grow closer in my walk with God as I see the same
God of the historical people of Scripture continue in His faithfulness to His
people of today. I relate with the people and culture of the past and see their
Provision as mine as well. Therefore, my walk with God has been humbled by the
awareness that I am but one moment in a long story of a faithful God. AN
ASIDE: I don’t think you NEED historical geography to help fully understand
and rightly interpret Scripture, but I do think that it does nothing but help you
fully understand and rightly interpret Scripture. Historical geography does not
lead you AWAY from understanding and right interpretation of Scripture.
123 No answer
124 It has given me a framework to hang my biblical knowledge upon for
easier study, application, and expression - which in turn, aids my spiritual growth.
125 After spending time in Israel and studying the land, I have gained a
deeper understanding of God’s Word. I can not believe how much I understand
the Old Testament now. Before I went to Israel I thought that I had a pretty good
grasp on what the Bible taught and what the stories were, but I came to realize
that being in Israel and studying the land and seeing where these events took
place—that is where the true understanding comes. I know that my relationship
has been greatly affected; I feel that I have gained a better understanding of God's
mercy and grace bestowed upon the Israelites.
126 Historical geography has given me a much better understanding of God’s
Word. Understanding why events happened the way they happened, and
specifically how geography has affected biblical history, has led to deeper insights
into God's plan and the history of the Jewish people. By giving me a better
understanding of His Word, my study of historical geography has made me a
more useful tool in God's hand. Insights learned through historical geography aid
me in teaching and preaching God’s Word. It helps me to paint a picture in the
listener's mind and to bring the Bible to life.
127 Made me aware that real people lived in places during real times; easier
for me to relate.
128 I take the Bible more seriously in regards to the historical book that it is.
Because of my deeper understanding of historical geography I have been more
effective in evangelism - what I say regarding the historical accuracy of the Bible
bears more weight. I do think that my relationship with God improved upon
learning more about His ways in the land of Israel.
129 I could go on and on for pages (the journal I kept on my experience is
more than 80 pages long), but I think that it all boils down to the fact that it has
given me a bigger view of God. It has magnified Him to me. To see His ‘Holy
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Places’ (to use the words of the Psalmist), chosen land, chosen people, and know
that He is so much ‘more awesome’ than it all is truly amazing.
130 Seeing the sites in Israel was amazing! As we were at the sites and read
passages in the Bible that speak of the different sites, I was impacted. The Bible
really came alive for me to be in these places and to read them in the Bible. Now
when I read the Bible, I remember these places. Understanding geography and
being able to see the land has enhanced my spiritual life.
131 It has made my relationship to God more of a reality, as I better
understand how he has been God in time and space forever. I see His consistency
throughout the Scriptures in relation to the characters of the Bible. I am also better
equipped to relate to the characters of the Bible in the land of Israel as I see better
what they went through when they were writing about their life. The geography of
the land between has helped me to understand the context of the peoples lives that
God has worked in over thousands of years ago. As a result my faith has increased
greatly as I am increasingly in awe of His awesome power.
132 The Old Testament comes alive now that I have experienced the
geography and seen the beauty of the Holy Land. The New Testament is far more
vivid when I consider the historical, geographical, and (OT) Scriptural context in
which Jesus’ life and His Apostles’ works were conducted. My relationship with
my Lord is (from my side, of course, not from His) richer, deeper and wider
thanks to time spent in His Word and in His promised land.
133 To be able to see the details of the land, knowing the circumstances
surrounding the land, has greatly increased my trust in God. It also gives me a
more clear picture of his sovereignty when I see how he is immersed in absolutely
everything, working through all things for the good of those who love Him. It has
also spurred me on to wanting to study my Bible more, which in turn causes
growth in knowledge and understanding of Him, resulting in a greater love for
Him.
134 Study of historical geography helps me to understand the Bible - to
recognize its historicity and to understand background dynamics. It is much easier
to see God's hand at work when reading the story of Abraham or Elijah because
I've seen the places where they were. Not only are the places more real, God's
work in history is more real. Though I cannot see him, it seems it is easier to
believe and trust him.
135 I know Him first as the God of Israel, (the land) and the people
(descendants of Israel or Jacob) who inhabit that land. I know Him as God who
loved His chosen people through and before all time and prepared for them a land
to live in just as He loves me and guides me through the places I live and have
lived and all that that encompasses.
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136 I had been to Israel several times touring the land and it was good, but
when I joined the Ibex program my time was completely different. When I began
my mapping and learning then my understanding of what I was seeing grew
immensely. It was studying the Land of the Bible that gave me a greater
understanding of many passages in Scripture. In turn this has helped me
understand who the God of the Bible is and how He relates to people and places.
It gave me a better picture and helped me to see where things took place and how
they affected the events of Scripture. Walking the land itself helped me
experience more closely what the people of Jesus' day experienced. This is key in
understanding many passages that use illustrations from the land itself like the
parable of the sower. Studying the Land of the Bible helped my love for and
knowledge of God grow more. It was a experience all should do once in their
lives.
137 When I first went to Israel I had a good knowledge of the Bible, but I
didn’t realize just how real of a land Israel was. While in Israel I learned to see the
teachings of the Bible through new eyes. I now feel that I have a much more
realistic understanding of how God worked in the Bible and how REAL He is.
People always say that they have trouble believing in a God they can’t see. My
trip to Israel opened up my eyes and let me see God’s handiwork.
138 Historical Geography has added a dimension in the depth of my
understanding of the culture and historicity of the Bible, which has ultimately
affected how I view the God of the Bible. I feel that I have a richer, fuller
understanding of Him, and am better able to appreciate the realness of how He
affects His people’s lives and reaches out to them within their cultures.
139 I feel it has enhanced my Biblical perspective and helped me to apply the
Scriptures more accurately. It has broadened my Hollywood-affected
preconceptions of the land and culture. Some of the Scriptures that did not speak
loudly to my heart before, speak louder than others now—Scriptures that would
not be understood without a clear picture of the geography and culture. All these
things contribute to a more sure relationship with God through His Word.
140 I now read my Bible with a different perspective. When I am doing my
devotions, I now recognize many of the place names in the narrative and this
makes reading much faster and easier. I used to stop and look at the maps in the
back of my Bible, but now I don’t have to do that as often. I can now not only
visualize the place that is being mentioned in the Bible, but I can now sense the
surroundings (hills, valleys, and places nearby). I have also gotten to know the
people of the land and this has allowed me to understand some of their
viewpoints.
141 In more ways than I can explain! Studying historical geography has not
only made the Bible come alive, but I enjoy spending time reading God’s Word
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and studying because I feel it is so much more understandable because I can
picture places and understand so much more. God is so good and his Text is so
rich and refreshing!
142 I’m still not exactly sure how to answer that question. In a sense I don’t
think it’s necessary to know historical geography to be able to understand God,
but I know it’s a significant factor in biblical theology. I know I am better suited
to read the Bible with clarity because the images I have both in my memory and
in print give me a feel for what’s going on between the lines of the biblical
passage. In that sense I appreciate God’s Word more and can understand more
fully how God related to His people in ancient times.
143 It has helped me understand His Word better.
144 The study of historical geography did not affect my faith or love for
GOD, but as a Christian it was an amazing experience for me to see the remains
of Biblical sites as well as the land of Israel. Historical geography shouldn’t affect
someone’s relationship with GOD, but it does make our knowledge of God’s
Word richer and fuller.
145 Better understanding of God's intimate orchestration. Example: 2
Chronicles 20, Isaiah 9, ‘Zebulan and Naphtali’ – people who walk in darkness, ‘
shadows cast by Arbel. Better picture (I'm a visual learner!) of Jesus' ministry.
Greater understanding of Jesus as a person. No wimp walks from Jericho to
Jerusalem! That takes strength and stamina. Too much to even start!
146 I grew up in a family of strong believers and lived in Jerusalem for 3
years as an adolescent. It's hard for me to remember a time when I wasn't learning
about the Bible in the Land of the Bible! I feel that I have a special advantage
over most people because when I read even the simple Bible stories of Joshua and
Abraham, I can visualize Jericho and Sinai, etc. Probably the most significant
impact that historical geography has had on my spiritual life is learning about the
life of Christ and being able to picture the places where he walked and taught. I
believe every pastor should be required to go to Israel as part of their training for
the ministry. There is nothing ‘mystical’ about the land or the experience, but
visiting the actual locations helps one to understand the people and events of the
Bible so much more clearly. And that kind of understanding leads to a deeper
relationship with the God of the Bible.
147 Geography clearly meant something to God. Using mountains, rivers,
lakes and deserts means there is much to learn in these contexts. People in the
places and circumstances they found themselves had to relate to God. As I
identify with the people in the Bible, I better understand what God requires of me.
148 Knowing and studying the land of Israel adds a dimension to your faith
that is unexplainable in many ways. I fell in love with the land, and many times
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while sitting at the Sea of Galilee I imagined how it was for the people in Jesus'
time. I believe seeing and experiencing the land and its diversity makes one
understand that all the characters of the Bible were humans just like us who
sought to know God—who worked—who lived everyday life in a very special
place.
147 It has added a whole new dimension of understanding to God’s Word and
what He has to teach me in it! I not only have a better understanding of the land,
but I also understand the culture, climate, and conditions that my Lord ministered
in. No amount of studying could replace what the Lord has taught me by seeing
The Land.
148 Our relationship with the Lord seems certainly more intimate, having
walked where Jesus walked and sailed on the sea he loved and seen evidences in
concrete of the reality of the Bible story and history. The accuracy of the Bible
content was vivid and unforgettable. What we had accepted by faith as truth
suddenly lived before our eyes. We have never been the same. Our God is an
awesome God. No other place on the planet holds the same fascination. Israel will
always be like a magnet as we wait for the second coming of our Lord.
149 No response
150 God has become more real and personal.
151 God's selection of the location forced His people to look to Him. God
used geography in His sovereign plan as an integral part of the whole.
152 It has helped me to be able to visualize Christ's life on earth.
153 Yes, very much.
154 I have gained a better understanding of the Israeli culture and the land that
shaped the culture. One also sees this close proximity of other countries that are
the enemies to the Israeli nation. This in turn makes me appreciate all God has
done to preserve Israel and lets me know the prophetic nature of the Bible is true.
155 Makes it more realistic to me to actually know where it happened.
Because it's more real to me I am more likely to trust what God says happened
there. Strengthens my trust in God’s Word.
156 Now I am able to picture in my mind the places that are spoken of,
especially of the places that Jesus taught.
157 Added dimension, warmth, due to places where God dealt with real
people.
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APPENDIX C
DVD DEMONSTRATING THE BENEFITS OF TRAVELING TO ISRAEL
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APPENDIX D
EXAMPLE OF HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY’S BENEFITS IN BIBLE STUDY
THROUGH AN INDUCTIVE STUDY OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL,
HISTORICAL, AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SHECHEM
Introduction
This study will discuss the significance of Shechem, a city in central Israel.
Shechem’s geography paves the way for a discussion of its historical, and ultimately, its
spiritual significance even still today.
The Geographical Significance of Shechem
Located in the Hill Country of Ephraim, the city of Shechem played a vital
role in the history of Israel. This location, in the middle of the
nation, provided the most important crossroads in central Israel.
The city lay along the northern end of “The Way of the
Patriarchs.” This road, also called the “Ridge Route” (because it
followed a key mountain ridge stretching fifty miles south),
traveled from Shechem through Shiloh, Bethel/Ai, Ramah,
Gibeah, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron. This route appears continuously in the
biblical text.
The crossroads Shechem offered led in three directions. In addition to the
Ridge Route leading south, the road also passed directly through Shechem, which lay on
the northeastern side of Mount Gerizim and just south of Mount Ebal. The road was thus
forced to pass through the city located in the valley between these two mountains. From
there the road descended to the Sharon Plain, reaching the “International Highway” at
Socoh. The third road from Shechem led northeast along the Wadi Beidan to Tirzah,
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where it descended east to the Jordan Valley via the Wadi Faria. Ultimately the road
passed through the Jabbok Valley and reached the Transjordanian Highway.
Because of its central location and vital crossroads, Shechem saw a lot of
traffic in its history. Thus Shechem often found itself in major events in the biblical
narrative.
The Historical Significance of Shechem
Shechem first
steps on the pages of
Scripture as Abram
enters the land of
Canaan. From Ur, across
the Fertile Crescent and
down into Canaan, the
Bible mentions Shechem
as the first city to which
Abram came (Gen 12:6). Here Abram built an altar to the Lord, and here God confirmed
His promise to give the land to Abram. The old man could have easily seen much of the
Promised Land if he
scaled Mount Ebal and
scanned the horizon.
The areas
in Canaan where
Abram spent most of
his life were along the
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Way of the Patriarchs, namely in Shechem (Gen 12:6), Bethel and Ai (12:8; 13:2),
Hebron (13:18; 14:13), and in the Negev (13:1; 20:1).
Abram’s grandson, Jacob, came to Shechem after he returned from PadanAram, undoubtedly tracing the traditional same steps of his grandfather. He and his
family traveled through the Jabbok Valley, crossed the Jordan, camped at Succoth, and
ascended through the Wadis Faria and Beidan to Shechem.
Here Jacob (re-named “Israel”) built an altar and named it El-Elohe-Israel,
meaning “God, the God of Israel” (Gen 33:17-20). Here also Jacob dug a well for his
many herds. This well is still there today.
While Jacob’s family lived in Shechem, Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, was raped
by a man named Shechem, the son of the ruler, Hamor. Jacob’s two sons, Levi and
Simeon, made a deceptive pact with the males of the city and slaughtered them all in
revenge of Dinah.
Years later, Jacob sent his seventeen year-old son, Joseph, from Hebron to
check on his brothers as they kept the flocks in Shechem (Gen 37:12-14). After Joseph
arrived, having undoubtedly traveled up the Ridge
Route, he discovered his brothers had moved on to
the lush area of Dothan; so he went to find them
(Gen 37:15-17). His brothers, filled with hatred,
sold Joseph to some Ishmaelite traders who,
coming through the Dothan pass, were headed for
Egypt along the Via Maris. God used this sad turn
of events to eventually take the entire family of
Israel to Egypt, protecting and multiplying them.
Joseph’s last memories of Israel, before his
brothers sold him, was of Shechem and Dothan. He believed that God would one day
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return the nation to Canaan, and so he gave the command for his bones to be carried back
with them and buried there (Gen 50:25).
After Moses brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt, God commanded Israel
to enter the Promised land and go to Shechem to pronounce the blessings and the curses
of the Mosaic Covenant on the nation (Deut. 27:4). Joshua did this, and dividing the
nation, “Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount
Ebal” (Josh 8:33). From Mount Ebal, they shouted the curses if they disobeyed the law,
and from Mount Gerizim, they shouted the blessings if they obeyed. And there on Mount
Ebal, Joshua built an altar to God, and on a pillar of stones he wrote a copy of the law
(Josh 8:30-35).
At the end of the conquest Joshua gathered the whole nation to Shechem
again, reminding them of their previous pledge and the blessings and curses they
themselves pronounced. He then set up another stone in Shechem, saying, “Behold, this
stone shall be for a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the LORD which
He spoke to us; thus it shall be for a witness against you, lest you deny your God” (Josh
24:27).
Joseph was the father of Ephraim and Manasseh, and so Joshua “buried the
bones of Joseph, which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem, in the
piece of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor . . . and they became the
inheritance of Joseph’s sons” (Josh 24:32).
Joshua also designated Shechem as a city of refuge. Probably because of its
ease of access in a time of possible flight, a manslayer could take refuge from his avenger
in Shechem, one of the three cities of refuge on the west side of the Jordan (Josh 20:7;
21:21; 1 Chr 6:67).
During the time of the Judges, Abimelech, a son of Gideon, conspired with his
maternal family to kill all other sons of Gideon and have himself proclaimed king of
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Shechem (Judg 9:6). But Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, escaped by hiding. And at
Abimelech’s coronation, Jotham climbed Mount Gerizim and shouted a curse on
Shechem for Abimelech’s sin. This curse proved true, for the citizens of Shechem formed
a conspiracy against Abimelech, and he completely destroyed the city. But when
Abimelech went to Thebez and stormed the tower, a woman dropped an upper millstone
on his head and cracked his skull (Judg 9:53).
After the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon,
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, “went to Shechem, for all
Israel had come to Shechem to make him king” (1 Kngs
12:1). But because Rehoboam followed the foolish and
harsh advice of the youths with whom he grew up, the
nation divided at Shechem. Jeroboam shouted, “To your
tents, O Israel” and separated the ten northern tribes from the southern kingdom of Judah
(1 Kngs 12:1,16).
Because Jerusalem was the only appointed place God allowed for worship,
and since Jerusalem lay in Judah, Jeroboam set up a rival sanctuary in Bethel, complete
with a golden bull image. This rival center would enable the northern tribes to worship
without crossing the border into Judah. Ironically, this idolatrous center was just south of
Shechem, where their forefathers and Joshua made the covenant to worship God alone (1
Kngs 12:25-33).
Jeroboam chose Shechem as the capital for the Northern Kingdom, perhaps
because of the significant history there for Ephraim. Shechem had great spiritual
significance for Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, and Joshua. Also Shechem was situated on the
essential crossroads along the Way of the Patriarchs. As discussed earlier, in addition to
this crucial north-south road, another road also went northwest to the International
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Highway, and still another went east towards the Transjordanian Highway. It made a
good choice for a capital.
Samaria became significant in Shechem’s history because the people who
later worshipped on Mount Gerizim came to be known as “Samaritans” (named after the
capital Omri had chosen). After the Assyrians dragged the Northern Kingdom into exile
in 722 B.C., the Assyrians repopulated the area with a mixed breed—partly Jewish, partly
Assyrian. These people did not know the Lord (2 Kngs 17:24-41) and thus they
continually struggled with idolatry.
When Judah returned from exile to the southern portion of the nation, the
Samaritans requested to help rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. However Zerubbabel
refused, and the Samaritans developed almost a cult—devoted only to the Pentateuch.
They built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which was next to Shechem. In 107 B.C.,
John Hyrcanus further widened the rift between the Jews and Samaritans by destroying
the Samaritan’s temple on Mount Gerizim.
By the time Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, near
Shechem, the racial hatred between Jews and Samaritans was paramount. And the
ensuing argument about the true place of worship—Gerizim or Jerusalem—was in full
force (John 4:20).
The Spiritual Significance of Shechem: Joshua’s Challenge
For a spiritual lesson from Shechem’s history, we begin at Joshua’s challenge
to the nation in Joshua 24. “Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and
called for the elders of Israel and for their heads and their judges and their officers; and
they presented themselves before God” (Josh 24:1).
Joshua called the nation to Shechem because significant things occurred there
before. As mentioned, it was here that Abram, the father of the Jewish nation, first came
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when he came to the land. And here God promised him the land was to be his. It was also
here that Abram’s grandson, Jacob, settled, and here he buried all his idols—a fact that
becomes significant in the history of his descendants. Moreover, at the end of the
conquest, Joshua called all Israel to Shechem, because it was the place where Joshua and
the same people shouted the blessings and curses at the beginning of the conquest.
Joshua called them together again to this historically significant site, because
what he had to tell them preached louder in Shechem than it could anywhere else, “And
Joshua said to all the people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, from ancient times
your fathers lived beyond the River, namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father
of Nahor, and they served other gods’” (Josh 24:2). He starts to review their history by
reminding them that Abram, the father of the Jewish nation, was an idolater prior to
becoming the father of the Jewish nation. But Abraham left his idols—as would later his
grandson, Jacob—and worshipped God at Shechem. That is a pretty humble beginning.
As believers today we can become proud of where God has brought us. Joshua
gives a good reminder: Remember from where you’ve come. God would later tell King
David, “I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be ruler
over My people Israel” (2 Sam. 7:8). In the New Testament, Paul writes, “Brothers, think
of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human
standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor 1:26). What
made the difference? God’s grace. God’s grace shows that none of the past matters if we
put our faith in Him. Those Joshua gathered at Shechem were reminded that even their
nation’s great father, Abraham, worshipped idols and God selected him by grace.
Joshua goes on to note, whatever good there is in us now, remember whose
doing it is—not ours, but God’s. Joshua does not just remind them of Israel’s history but
also of God’s grace in Israel’s history. Notice all the capital I’s the Lord mentions:
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Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him through
all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. And to
Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau, and to Esau I gave Mount Seir, to possess it; but
Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt. Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I
plagued Egypt by what I did in its midst; and afterward I brought you out. And I
brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea; and Egypt pursued
your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. But when they cried out
to the LORD, He put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea
upon them and covered them; and your own eyes saw what I did in Egypt. And
you lived in the wilderness for a long time. Then I brought you into the land of the
Amorites who lived beyond the Jordan, and they fought with you; and I gave
them into your hand, and you took possession of their land when I destroyed them
before you. Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against
Israel, and he sent and summoned Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. But I was
not willing to listen to Balaam. So he had to bless you, and I delivered you from
his hand. And you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho; and the citizens of
Jericho fought against you, and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Canaanite
and the Hittite and the Girgashite, the Hivite and the Jebusite. Thus I gave them
into your hand. Then I sent the hornet before you and it drove out the two kings of
the Amorites from before you, but not by your sword or your bow. And I gave
you a land on which you had not labored, and cities which you had not built, and
you have lived in them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you
did not plant (Josh 24:3-13).
Joshua demonstrates not only the grace of God in calling them out of a pagan
past but also the faithfulness of God in taking care of them after their redemption.
It is at this point Joshua stops speaking for the Lord and begins speaking for
himself, giving the implications and applications from looking at the past. “Now,
therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods
which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD” (Josh
24:14).
Twice in this verse Joshua gives the command, “serve the LORD.” In fact it is
the main command of the whole chapter. “Therefore,” he says, in light of the fact that
every inch of success has been God’s grace to you, “fear the LORD and serve Him in
sincerity.” The Hebrew word for sincerity suggests “fullness or completeness;” it is the
idea that one is on the inside what he is on the outside. Joshua says to serve the Lord in
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sincerity, not in hypocrisy. Joshua also says to serve the Lord in “truth;” the Hebrew
word for truth refers to a truth that has proven itself reliable. You could translate it
“faithfulness” or even “reliability;” it is a word that describes God. He is a God of truth,
so our relationship to God must be according to truth.
Years later the New Testament “Joshua,” Jesus, said the same thing in this
same locale when He told the woman at Jacob’s well that the worshippers God seeks are
those who worship Him in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). They are to worship with
integrity from the inside, in their spirits, not just in externals. Jesus said, “in spirit and in
truth.” Joshua said, “in sincerity and truth.” Both Joshua and Jesus proclaimed the need
for internal sincerity and truth and not external formality. I wonder if Jesus had His
namesake’s words in mind as He spoke so close to the same site. After converting the
woman by the well, the Samaritans in the village of Sychar welcomed Jesus, and He
stayed with them two days (John 4:40). Many travelers who passed within their valley
could then hear of the “One [who] is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Joshua also tells them to “put away the gods which your fathers served.” He
calls them together at Shechem to say, “Remember how Abram put away his idols and
came here, and remember God’s promise to Abram in this spot? Remember how Jacob
put away his idols in this spot? Remember how you yourselves shouted the blessings and
the curses in this spot? Do you want God’s blessing in the land? Then you too put away
your idols in this spot.” We should put away what is wrong and embrace what is
right—or better, who is right, because Joshua says again at the end of v 14, “serve the
LORD.”
Then comes the most famous verse in the whole book of Joshua, “And if it is
disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will
serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the
gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will
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serve the LORD” (Josh 24:24:15). Almost every plaque I have seen which quotes this
verse says, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my
house, we will serve the LORD.” It always leaves off the part about, “whether the gods
which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in
whose land you are living.” I think omitting the lines weakens the punch of this
statement.
First Joshua says, “the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the
River.” You can choose to follow the idolatrous example of your parents and make the
same mistakes they made by being devoted to their misplaced loyalties. Then Joshua
continues against the surrounding culture, “or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you
are living.” You can choose to follow the culture you live in and be loyal to their
priorities.
But Joshua’s point is choose for yourselves; in fact, those are his very words.
Do not do something just because your parents did it. They could have been wrong. Do
not take as your own the values of our entertainers or actors just because they are good
performers. Think for yourself. Choose for yourself.
And I think this same principle applies to those who grew up under parents
who taught about the New Testament Jesus and how He died for our sins. We still need to
decide to follow Jesus for ourselves. We still need to come to a place where Jesus is our
God, not just the God of our parents. The Bible speaks of the importance of having a
personal relationship with Christ, not a surrogate relationship through our parents, peers,
or pastor. God wants to know us personally. We have to take a personal ownership and
responsibility with our relationship with God. This was the truth declared by both Joshua
and Jesus.
We should not think that because Joshua speaks of idols, and because we do
not have wooden statues in our culture, that this text does not apply. I think that is the
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mistake made when the plaques quote only part of this verse. Augustine once said,
“Idolatry is worshipping anything that ought to be used, or using anything that is meant to
be worshiped.”
Jonathan Edwards resolved, “that all men should live for the glory of God.
Resolved second: That whether others do or not, I will.” Joshua says that regardless of
what they chose, “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” The people
responded,
Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; for the
LORD our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
from the house of bondage, and who did these great signs in our sight and
preserved us through all the way in which we went and among all the peoples
through whose midst we passed. And the LORD drove out from before us all the
peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land. We also will serve the LORD,
for He is our God (Josh 24:16-18).
The people say that not only will Joshua and his house serve the Lord but “we
also will serve the LORD.” Not because He was the God of their parents, but because He
is, they say, “our God.” “So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made
for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem... Then Joshua dismissed the people, each
to his inheritance” (Josh 24:25, 28).
As they left Shechem, they were to remember the past and live in light of it.
We too, as we live the lives God has given us, should remember the message of
Shechem. God, in His grace, took us from a deadly slide to destruction into a relationship
with His Son. We should remember how God has taken care of us since then, in spite of
our continued disobedience. Now because of God’s faithfulness to us in the past, we
should personally renew a whole-hearted commitment to the Lord today. That was
Joshua’s challenge to Israel at Shechem, the Lord Jesus’ challenge to the Samaritan
woman, and it remains His message for us today.
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