Scott Stripling\'s The Trowel and the Truth: A Guide to Field Archaeology in the Holy Land gives readers a masterful treatment of the how and why of biblical archaeology.
Without the correlation between the text of the Bible 10 and the realia of the Near E.
This is why the discipline is called "biblical archaeology." Some have objected to this language, arguing instead for something more neutral, but no one can deny that the desire to know the Bible better has historically been the driving force behind Archaeology in the Near East.
Stripling articulates in the preface his understanding that "illumination of the Bible serves as the primary goal of ancient Near Eastern archaeology." He is of course quite correct.
Dr.
Stripling\'s book then works its way through all the major periods in biblical history, from the pre-patriarchal and patriarchal eras to the Roman and Byzantine Ages.
In a systematic way, Dr.
Knowing where and when major events took place provides the necessary context and makes it possible to interpret Scripture accurately.
This includes geography and chronology, which are vital for understanding the history of Israel, as well as the actual task of archaeological fieldwork and method.
The Trowel and the Truth guides readers through every essential aspect of archaeology.
Stripling\'s book shows how this can be done.
Dr.
Knowledge of the Land and its archaeological insights will equip students, teachers, and pastors with important tools for better, sharper, more incisive interpretation of Scripture.
Few students, faculty, and pastors know the Land of Israel and its rich treasures from the past as well as they should.
Secondly, Archaeology greatly aids in the interpretation of Scripture.
Stripling\'s book informs readers of many of these recent and important discoveries.
Dr.
First, archaeological work in the Holy Land continues to make good progress, resulting in exciting discoveries and fresh insights.
This book is important and timely for at least two reasons.
Scott Stripling\'s The Trowel and the Truth: A Guide to Field Archaeology in the Holy Land gives readers a masterful treatment of the how and why of biblical archaeology
