Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books is an encyclopedic reference covering Israel’s history and the biblical books from Joshua through Nehemiah. Edited by Bill T. Arnold and Hugh G. M. Williamson, it combines book-focused and thematic articles with treatments of archaeology, ancient cultures, languages and interpretation.
At a glance
- Includes major articles on Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah, alongside thematic entries on Israel’s history.
- Eight consecutive articles survey historical periods from settlement through the postexilic period.
- Coverage extends to archaeology, ancient Near Eastern cultures, Hebrew and Aramaic, textual evidence, interpretation and theological topics.
- The publisher describes the work as presenting evidence and informed debate rather than offering quick, settled answers.
Reference price: $104.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad reference coverage connects biblical books with historical, archaeological, linguistic and interpretive topics.
- The sequence of articles on periods of Israel’s history offers a condensed historical overview within the volume.
- Its discussion of interpretive methods and preaching may be useful to students and communicators.
Cons
- At 1,108 pages and a listed weight of 2.02 kg, this is a substantial desk reference rather than a compact carry-around book.
- Its focus is specifically the Old Testament Historical Books and related history, not a general reference to every part of the Bible.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | IVP Academic |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Nov. 11 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 1108 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 9780830817825 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0830817825 |
| Weight listed | 2.02 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.78 x 6.1 x 25.4 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Students and researchers studying the Old Testament Historical Books and the history of Israel.
- Readers seeking reference articles on biblical archaeology, ancient cultures, textual evidence or interpretive approaches.
- Communicators looking for background on interpreting or preaching from the Historical Books.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short introductory overview or quick answers without scholarly discussion.
- Buyers looking for a general Bible dictionary covering the full Old and New Testaments.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
78% 78% - 4 stars
12% 12% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
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The supplied aggregate ratings skew strongly toward the top end, though a smaller share fall in the middle and lower categories. This is a cautious overall signal rather than evidence about particular features or specific reader concerns. For a long reference volume aimed at detailed study, ratings alone cannot show whether its scope or scholarly approach suits an individual reader.
Frequently asked questions
Which biblical books are covered?
Major articles focus on Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. The reference also covers Israel’s history and related themes.
Does the book include archaeology and ancient cultures?
Yes. The description lists coverage of Syro-Palestinian archaeology, significant sites, neighbouring empires and peoples, and material topics such as architecture, agriculture and trade.
Is this a quick-answer dictionary?
The publisher says it sets out evidence and arguments to support informed discussion, rather than offering easy resolutions.
How large is the volume?
The listing gives a print length of 1108 pages and a listed weight of 2.02 kg.
