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Product Description

Most Bible dictionaries on the market miss a number of cultural and sociological issues of interest to the study of the Scriptures. The Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity aims to fill this void. Written and edited by a world-class historian and a highly respected biblical scholar, with contributions by many others, this unique reference work provides background cultural and technical information on the world of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament from 2000 BC to approximately AD 600.

Articles explain details of domestic life, technology, culture, laws, and religious practices, and are accompanied by extensive bibliographic material for further exploration. Articles range from 5-20 pages long. Scholars, pastors, and students (and their teachers) will find this to be a useful resource for biblical study, exegesis, and sermon preparation.

This second volume covers many topics from De–H, including: Dentistry & Teeth, Diseases & Plagues, Drama & Theaters, Dreams, Education, Food Production, Games & Gambling, Harbors, Heating & Lighting, and many more.

Reviews

"The Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical & Post-Biblical Antiquity is an outstanding resource. It is not another biblical dictionary; rather, it is a reference work like no other. It contains substantial, well-written entries on significant topics that flesh out the world of biblical and post-biblical antiquity. Each entry is accompanied by a lengthy, up-to-date bibliography. This important work belongs in every library.'
—Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Acadia Divinity College

"The gifted contributors provide important surveys of both Old Testament and New Testament topics, helpfully providing background from the ancient Near East (for the Old Testament) and the Greco-Roman world (for the New Testament), as well as the later appropriation of the biblical material in Jewish and Christian sources. This invaluable reference work is a must for all students of the Bible."
—Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

"Finally, we have been given a rich accordance of biblical knowledge. A remarkable collection of primary reference sources. The concrete topics give a better understanding of the meanings of scripture."
—Jacob Neusner, Distinguished Service Professor of the History and Theology of Judaism, Bard College

"This creative new work introduces students, pastors, teachers, and other interested readers of the Bible to the patterns of life in ancient Israel in an understandable, engaging, and, yes, exciting way. Helpful bibliographies, knowledgeable treatments of relevant ancient texts and material culture, clear writing that avoids talking down to the audience, attention to under-discussed but relevant topics—all these qualities make this a reference work that will inform and delight readers for years to come."
—Mark W. Hamilton, Professor of Old Testament, Graduate School of Theology, Abilene Christian University

“This wonderful resource is much more than a dictionary. It is a compendium of substantive essays on numerous facets of daily life in the ancient world. I am frequently asked by pastors and students for recommendations on books that illuminate the manners, customs, and cultural practices of the biblical world. Now I have the ideal set of books to recommend.”
— Clinton E. Arnold, Dean and Professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

“This is not your standard Bible dictionary, but one that focuses on aspects of daily life in Bible times, addressing interesting and sometimes puzzling topics that are often overlooked in other encyclopedias. I highly recommend the Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical & Post-Biblical Antiquity and will be giving it ‘shout-outs’ in my classes in the years to come.”
— James K. Hoffmeier, Professor of Old Testament and Near Eastern Archaeology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Editor Bios