Similarly, to think we can learn the Bible in an adequate way without learning the "playing board" of the land through learning the geography of the land, the historical context in which the Bible takes place, and the archaeology of ancient sites, is to fall short of the full potential of appreciating God's Word.

Thus, whether you aim to learn about the land for your own benefit, or if you desire to prepare for one of my trips to Israel and other lands of the Bible, the following books/resources are listed below to help you in the exciting journey of learning more about God's Word. 

Some books are archeologically oriented, while others explore the Jewish context in which Jesus lived and served.  Some of the references are more classic but are still useful and relevant.  You should be able to find any of these resources on the web or in bookstores (and perhaps as revised or updated copies).

Enjoy the learning experience of learning God's word in context!

Helpful Bibliography relating to Israel study:

•  Meet the Rabbis: Rabbinic Thoughts and the Teachings of Jesus, by Brad H. Young (Hendricksen Publishing, 2007)

This is a brand new book by the leading scholar of today on tracing the parallels between the life and ministry of Christ within the context of 1st century rabbinic thought.

•  The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus' Genius, by David Flusser & R. Steven Notley (Eerdmann's Publishing, 2007)

This is another brand new book on the topic of placing the ministry of Jesus within the context of 1st century Judaism.  Flusser has been the leading authority on this subject for years.

•  Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, by Marvin R. Wilson (Wm. Eerdmans, 1989)

This is the classic introduction into the world of understanding and appreciating the Jewishness of the Scriptures. 

• Daily Life at the Time of Jesus, by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh (Palphot Ltd, Israel)

This is a great pictorial aid in understanding the 1st century context of the NT.  If you can't find it here, you'll find it in Israel for about $15.00.

• Jesus the Jewish Theologian, by Brad H. Young (Hendrickson Publishing, 1995)

This is one of my favorite book, where I ended up underlining and highlighting the entire book.  You will appreciate the Hebraic background of Jesus after reading this.

• Jesus and His Jewish Parables, by Brad H. Young (Gospel Research Foundation, 1989)

Brad Young studied over 5,000 other Jewish parables, many of which were contemporary with Jesus.  A very insightful book!

• Jewish Law from Jesus to the Mishnah, by E. P. Sanders (Trinity Press International, 1990)

This is a scholarly resource that references the Jewish oral traditions of the Mishnah. 

• A New Vision for Israel: The Teachings of Jesus in National Context, by Scot McKnight (Wm. Eerdmans, 1999)

Written from a theological perspective, but full of insights into the context of the life and ministry of Jesus.

• New Treasures: A Perspective of New Testament Teachings Through Hebraic Eyes, by E. William Bean (Cornerstone Publishing, 1999)

A basic and smaller reference, but useful in learning the foundations of the Hebraic background of Jesus.

• Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church, by Ron Moseley (Lederer Books, 1996)

Another basic resource to help the reader identify with the Hebraic background of the Gospels.

• The Jews in the Time of Jesus, by Stephen M. Wylen (Paulist Press, 1996)

This book focuses upon the Gospel account of Christ and how he served as a Jewish rabbi.

• The New Testament and Rabbinic Judaism, by David Daube (Hendrickson Publishing, 1998)

Another scholarly work that is useful for the person who aims to appreciate the rabbinical side of Judaism.

• The Bible Come Alive: A Pictorial Journey Through the Book of Books (3 volumes), by Clifford & Barb Wilson (New Leaf Press, 2000)

This book offers a survey of the Bible, from Genesis to the NT, providing many pictorial illustrations of the world of the Bible.

• Jerusalem as Jesus Knew It: Archaeology as Evidence, by John Wilkinson (Thames and Hudson, 1978)

This is a classic overview of the archaeological world of Jerusalem.  Even though it is dated, it is still a great place to start in appreciating Jerusalem.

• The Holy Land, Oxford Archaeological Guides, by Jerome Murphy-O’Connor, OP (Oxford/NY, 1998)

This is a "facts & figures" book providing the archaeology of the Bible and its cities.

• Fodor’s - Exploring Israel – A Travel Guide (2003)

 This provides more a "tourist" overview of Israel, although very well done.  It offers some good "modern Israel" information.

• The Land of the Bible: A Historical Geography, by Yohanan Aharoni (Westminster Press, 1979)

This was (and still is) a classic introduction of the study of the historical geographical overview of Israel.  It was written by the Israel expert of the subject.

• Biblical Archaeology in Focus, by Keith N. Schoville (Baker Book House, 1991)

This is another "facts & figures" overview of the world of Biblical archaeology!  A great resource!