The Ancient World: Peoples, Powers, and Politics

Context is important. Find out how the social, religious and political context of Israel influenced biblical events and literature. Hundreds of years before the people of Israel took over the land known as Canaan, their ancestors came from Mesopotamia, a land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers far to the… Read More

The Servant Songs in Isaiah

Many Jewish people thought the Messiah would return as a victorious king. However, four passages in Isaiah discuss a servant who will bring Israel back to God. Four passages in Isaiah are often identified as “the Servant Songs” because they focus on the call and work of “the Lord’s… Read More

Phoenicia

Where was Phoenicia and why was it important? Find out now. Learn more about the ancient land of Phoenicia and the role that it played in ancient times.  The ancient Greeks were probably the first to use the name “Phoenicia” to refer to a specific area of Canaan. Around… Read More

Assyria

Assyria controlled a powerful army known for its cruelty. Eventually the Assyrian army defeated the northern kingdom of Israel. Find out more here. Does Assyria have a link to the conflict going on today? Take a look back in time and see where this ancient land fits into the… Read More