Leon J. Wood (1918–1977)

A good history book of Israel from Abraham to right before Christ (i.e., including the period between the Old and New Testaments). Wood holds conservative Christian views on the Bible, chronology, and his writing reflects his confidence in the Bible as the Word of God. I appreciate that the book was organized around the biblical texts (including references at each heading, and more within the text). The layout is good: not distracting, but helpful for those whose primary knowledge of show more Israel's early history comes from the Bible. I also appreciate the footnotes (rather than end notes). Finally, I appreciated the maps, both within the text and the color plates at the end. The text was designed to be accessible (i.e., somewhat informal) to undergraduate college students, and I found it to be readable to this end; however, I read the book in college and was amazed at how much more I understood reading the same book sixteen years later. I would recommend the book for any adult who is at times confused by chronology and customs in the Old Testament (both those who are new to Christianity, and those who are not). The historical background can deeply enrich the understanding of a careful student of God's Word. show less

An excellent resource for the Bible student, especially one with an interest in coordinating Bible history with world history. Much more valuable than this, however, as Wood traces the hand of God and the story of the chosen people.

This book is intended to aid the Bible student in the study of Genesis. In simple terms it relates the stories of the book together, explains portions that are more difficult to understand, and shows how archaeological research has provided considerable information as background for numerous portions.

A good synthesis of Israel's history from the Thiele sort of school. A bit minamilist, but informative.