Following Joshua's conquest to the time of the judges · Study the land in which the stories of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth took place · Learn how geographic and cultural factors can provide theological insights · Visualize the promised land through full-color maps and photos Joshua led Israel to conquer a real historic land, and the judges delivered Israel from real historic enemies. When we understand geographic and cultural features of the Bible, we experience its stories with fresh eyes.  · Why did Joshua attack the cities he did? · Why are Dan and Beersheba so regularly paired? · What is the significance of Samson's battles in the Shephelah? Written by a team of experts on biblical geography and culture, the Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Historical Books, Volume 1, is a guide to the world of Israel in the promised land. Each article addresses a particular story, event, or subject in Judges through Ruth, with full-color maps and photos providing deeper layers of context. Historical and cultural insights give readers a richer understanding of the biblical story.

Barry J. Beitzel is professor emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He holds a PhD in ancient Near Eastern studies from Dropsie University in Philadelphia. He obtained a postdoctorate in ancient Near Eastern geography from the Université de Liège, Belgium, and has engaged in postdoctoral archaeological work in eastern Syria through UCLA. He is the author of Where Was The Biblical Red Sea? Examining the Ancient Evidence and The New Moody Atlas of the Bible.