LIFE IN BIBLE TIMES
By Timothy Cross
Day One. 112 pages. £6.00
ISBN 978 1 846 255 670
Many books have been published dealing with life in Bible times. This book is a helpful addition to them. Its aim is to provide the 21st-century reader with an understanding of life in Bible times so that we may better appreciate the Scriptures.
It contains 22 chapters ranging through Old and New Testament times. Each chapter is quite short, usually about four or five pages, succinct and written in an easy-to-read form. There are chapters on many subjects including Housing, (Chapter 3), Fishing (Chapter 13), The Temple (chapter 17).
Particular strength
The book’s particular strength is that as it describes life in that particular area, it then relates that to actual Bible passages and events. This greatly helps to bring those passages alive and give a clearer understanding of their background. It is always Christ centered. Right from the Introduction it emphasises the work of salvation through Christ, and frequently relates the subjects it covers to aspects of the Lord’s nature, life and work.
There is little to disagree with. Given that the book is published by Day One, it sees the Sabbath Day (Chapter 19) as continuing to be applicable to believers, but with the day being changed to a Sunday, which some may not accept.
The book would be very useful to the general reader as an introduction to the culture, customs and everyday life in Bible times and how that is reflected in Scripture, and it can be thoroughly recommended. It’s a profitable read and well worth £6.00.
