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Roman Catacomb Painting at the Catacombs of Santa Priscilla

Apr 6 Blog

The Last Days of Jesus: A Final “Messianic” Meal

On Wednesday Jesus began to make plans for Passover. He sent two of his disciples into the city to prepare a large second-story guest room where he could gather secretly and safely with his inner group.

Dec 29 Blog

Ritual Sacrifice in Ancient Israel

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

What are the origins of animal sacrifice? We know that many ancient cultures practiced ritual sacrifice, and ancient sacrifice in Israel was a part of religious worship at the Jerusalem Temple. While ritual sacrifice is now discouraged in many modern religions–with the ritual sacrifice now often represented by symbolic acts and gestures—ancient sacrifice in Israel and many other ancient cultures was a common part of religious worship.

Dec 20 Blog

Laughter in the Bible? Absolutely!

By: Robin Gallaher Branch

Robin Gallaher Branch on the lighter side of the Bible.

Nov 5 Blog

Love Your Neighbor: Only Israelites or Everyone?

By: Richard Elliott Friedman

The Book of Leviticus tells us to love our neighbors, but who are our neighbors? Does the command mean to just love fellow Israelites—or everyone?

Sep 14 Blog

The Binding or Sacrifice of Isaac

By: Robin M. Jensen

The story of the offering of Isaac is one of the most powerful narratives in the Hebrew Bible. But each tradition has understood and used the story differently and for varying purposes.

Apr 28 Blog

James or Jacob in the Bible?

By: Mark Wilson

How did the Jewish name Ya’akov, properly translated as Jacob, become James in English versions of the Bible?

An illumination from the late-13th-century manuscript La Somme le Ray. Photo: British Library MSADD 28162, Folio 2V.

Apr 23 Blog

Aaron in the Bible

By: Elie Wiesel

I have a problem with Aaron, number two in the great and glorious epic that recounts the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. He is a man of peace. He succeeds at everything. Everyone admires, even loves him. Whether great or small, they need him, his understanding and his mediation. Whatever he does, he is well regarded.

Nov 7 Blog

Understanding Revelations in the Bible

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Whether we’re looking for gospel meaning or struggling with understanding revelations in the Bible, Ben Witherington III, author of the article “Asking the Right Question,” says historical Bible study can help us find our way.

Mar 16 Blog

A Biblical Altar on Mt. Ebal and Other Israelite Footprints in the Jordan Valley?

By: Megan Sauter

Foot-shaped sites have been found throughout the Jordan Valley, including an extraordinary cultic site on Mt. Ebal. Is this the Israelite altar described in Joshua 8?

Feb 1 Blog

Judith: A Remarkable Heroine, Part 2

By: Robin Gallaher Branch

This article continues Robin Gallaher Branch's earlier post discussing the character Judith, the remarkable heroine of the book bearing her name.

Must-Read Free eBooks

The Dead Sea Scrolls: Past, Present, and Future

Biblical Peoples—The World of Ancient Israel

Who Was Jesus? Exploring the History of Jesus’ Life

Ancient Israel in Egypt and the Exodus

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