The Bible Lands as Classroom
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
The Bible Lands DVDs (eight 45 minute DVDs) are excellent teaching tools for Bible translators, pastors, and people in general who would like to know more about biblical geography, history, and culture.
Description
This series presents a historical, cultural, and geographical context of the whole Bible. Script is by Dr. Krijn van der Jagt and Dr. Ray Pritz. Music is by Michael Moricz. The series filmed in Israel and the Middle East, including many ancient sites, is a two-week training course for Bible translators. The series includes eight 45-minute DVDs plus a Presenter’s Manual CD with the following contents:
- Part One: Geography, Climate, Agriculture
- Part Two: From Abraham to Joshua
- Part Three: From Joshua to Hezekiah
- Part Four: From Hezekiah to Herod
- Part Five: New Testament: The Gospels
- Part Six: Spread of the Early Church in the Roman Empire
- Part Seven: The Religions of the Ancient Near East
- Part Eight: Bible Text and Canon
- Presenter’s Manual: Background readings and exercises
Considerations
The Bible Lands DVDs are excellent teaching tools for Bible translators, pastors, and people in general who would like to know more about biblical geography, history, and culture.
The first DVD is on geography, climate, and agriculture and includes topics such as: significant mountains, trade routes, wells, harvesting, and grinding. The second through the sixth DVDs are on Old and New Testament history and culture, including topics such as kings, surrounding nations, important events, descriptions of the tabernacle, synagogues, burial practices, mourning, stoning, tools, fishing, etc. The seventh DVD describes the religions of the ancient tribes of the area and the Hebrew tabernacle and sacrificing customs. The eighth DVD is about the history of the Bible from ancient times to the present.
The pace of the narration and detail covered is interesting and understandable without being overwhelming. Middle East flute music is played throughout each DVD. The series is intended to be viewed during a two-week course. The final disc is titled ‘Presenter’s Manual’ and is a CD containing information about conducting the course and the reading assignments for each of the DVDs.
Limitations
These DVDs can not be copied without permission from the UBS Translation Services Coordinator. Some of the footage in the videos has been filmed or used with limited permission from the site of the filming. Unauthorized copying or distribution of all or part of a video could cause legal problems for UBS.
Guidelines for Use
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
The set of DVDs is available from the Canadian Bible Society. The cost is $60 plus shipping. Please indicate if you want the DVDs in NTSC or PAL format.
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
United Bible Society, United Kingdom
Current copyright owner
Other Information
Reviewed by
VMS Staff: Helen M.
Date
June 2008
