For many today, history holds little application to modern existence, and so many are biblically and historically uninformed. Archaeology―the systematic study of the material remains of human behavior in the past―provides a helpful corrective on these two fronts. The Bible can be understood without the use of outside sources and does not need to be proved. Yet archaeologist and professor John Currid shows how his field of study plays its part in restoring our understanding of ancient life and events. He gives background on the geography of the land of the Bible and a history of its excavation; describes archaeological sites throughout the land; and introduces discoveries connected to agriculture, architecture, ceramics, burial practices, and more. This introduction can be used by students as well as anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of the land of the Bible and the insights archaeology gives us on Scripture. "Currid provides an accessible handbook for an excavation volunteer or a traveler to Israel. This book provides an introduction to archaeology in the Holy Land, as well as a robust guide to the tourist or pilgrim who wants an understanding of the role that archaeology plays in revealing the history of the region. This handbook explains how the archaeological enterprise has transformed our understanding of the land of Israel. It is a valuable reference for archaeology students going on their first dig, tourists on a pilgrimage tour, pastors, or tour leaders."--Steven M. Ortiz, Professor of Archaeology and Biblical Backgrounds, School of Theology, and Director, Charles D. Tandy Institute of Archaeology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary "In his The Case for Biblical Archaeology: Uncovering the Historical Record of God's Old Testament People, John D. Currid provides a thorough and readable introduction to the discipline of archaeology and its impact on the study of the Old Testament. "The work is divided into three parts. The first part comprises chapters that cover a general introduction to the geography and topography of the land of the Bible, a general introduction to the history of the field of archaeology as it relates to the ancient Near East, the nature of biblical tells and their excavation, and a brief survey of the history of the lands of the Bible from the earliest times about which archaeology can provide information to the beginning of the Babylonian exile. "The second part explores the land of biblical Israel in more detail, with separate chapters on each of the main geographical regions of Palestine that treat their most important archaeological sites. The third major part of the book provides the reader with an overview of the results of archaeology as they relate to some key features of the culture of Israel in the Old Testament period. These chapters are particularly valuable because they provide concise but readable overviews of a number of topics, such as agriculture and burial practices, about which good introductory treatments are hard to come by. "Several features of the book make it especially well suited for use as a textbook for an introductory course on biblical archaeology or a seminary-level general introductory course to the Old Testament. The main text is supplemented by several appendices that provide historical and chronological information and a glossary of terms used in archaeological literature. Among the appendices is a summary of extrabiblical references to the kings of Israel and Judah that both students and teachers of the Bible will find helpful in setting the biblical accounts in their proper historical context. In addition, most sections conclude with a list of key terms, a number of discussion questions, and suggestions for further reading that will enable students to pursue more in-depth study of topics of interest, and that teachers can use as the basis of additional assignments as needed. "In its breadth, its readability, and its organization, The Case for Archaeology provides a valuable resource to pastors, teachers, and students who would like to learn about the real world of biblical archaeology and the myriad ways that it has cast light on our understanding of the world of the Bible in the Old Testament period."--David L. Adams, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology (Old Testament), Concordia Seminary, St. Louis "In this excellent work, John Currid starts by giving readers what the title promises--an explanation of how to practice archaeology in the land of the Bible. He also then takes readers on a tour of that land and explains numerous important facets of the biblical culture. Currid's work obviously flows from the mind and heart of a person who well understands the discipline of archaeology and related fields, drawing from decades of excavation and study and ministry."--Boyd Seevers, Professor of Old Testament Studies, University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Minnesota "Over the years, I have asked my students to use John Curri