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    From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible
    From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible
    From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible
    Ebook337 pages5 hours

    From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible

    By Eric H. Cline

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Eric H. Cline uses the tools of his trade to examine some of the most puzzling mysteries from the Hebrew Bible and, in the process, to narrate the history of ancient Israel. Combining the academic rigor that has won the respect of his peers with an accessible style that has made him a favorite with readers and students alike, he lays out each mystery, evaluates all available evidence—from established fact to arguable assumption to far-fetched leap of faith—and proposes an explanation that reconciles Scripture, science, and history.

    Numerous amateur archaeologists have sought some trace of Noah's Ark to meet only with failure. But, though no serious scholar would undertake such a literal search, many agree that the Flood was no myth but the cultural memory of a real, catastrophic inundation, retold and reshaped over countless generations. Likewise, some experts suggest that Joshua's storied victory at Jericho is the distant echo of an earthquake instead of Israel's sacred trumpets—a fascinating, geologically plausible theory that remains unproven despite the best efforts of scientific research.

    Cline places these and other Biblical stories in solid archaeological and historical context, debunks more than a few lunatic-fringe fantasies, and reserves judgment on ideas that cannot yet be confirmed or denied. Along the way, our most informed understanding of ancient Israel comes alive with dramatic but accurate detail in this groundbreaking, engrossing, entertaining book by one of the rising stars in the field.

    Editor's Note

    History of stories…

    Examine some of mankind’s oldest stories with this historical and archaeological exploration of the tales in the Bible. From the great flood to Jericho, this work credibly pieces together the workings of the world with the workings of the human mind.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherNational Geographic
    Release dateDec 4, 2012
    ISBN9781426212246
    From Eden to Exile: Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible

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    Reviews for From Eden to Exile

    3.5/5

    9 ratings6 reviews

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    • 4/5
      In this fascinating, concise book, author Eric H. Cline, a renowned scholar in classical archaeology explores seven mysteries and myths of the Hebrew scriptures: The Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gommorah, Moses and the Exodus, Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, Ark of the Covenant, and Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Cline approaches these accounts from the perspective of an archaeologist seeking to make sense of the evidence presently available to compare how closely the findings match the accounts. His book is interesting, and at times engaging. Cline provides nuanced insights into the places and peoples mentioned in these well-known stories from the Hebrew scripture/Old Testament. One example of this is, in his chapter on Joshua and the Battle of Jericho in which he notes that a large earthquake may well have taken place in that region around the time this event was thought to occur:"The only persistent scientific suggestion that attempts to explain the collapse of the walls of Jericho is the one that states that it may have been caused by a fortuitous earthquake since shouting and the blowing of trumpets alone will not bring down a wall. It is frequently pointed out that Jericho is located in a zone that is still seismically active, since the Great Rift Valley where Jericho is situated straddles the boundary between the two tectonic plates: The Arabian plate and the African Sinai plate."His knowledge of geography and archaeology are expert, however, as he himself is the first to admit, he has very limited knowledge of scriptural interpretation or literature. This is one significant drawback of what is an otherwise very interesting book. Also, the insights he mentions- like the one mentioned above, or logistics of what may have been behind the Israelites crossing the red (or Reed Sea- tidal changes, etc) are certainly far from new or earth-shattering.Cline also includes a detailed map of the ancient Mediterranean and Fertile Crescent regions, along with several very interesting pictures and diagrams of ancient artifacts, including a mummy, Sumerian clay tablets, and the dig at Megiddo, which he has explored extensively. Overall a very good book, only lacking in the above-mentioned areas of lack of a working knowledge of scripture or textual interpretation, and general dearth of new archaeological information about these biblical stories. Well worth reading, however for gleaning the nuggets of expert insight Cline offers on these stories from his fields of expertise.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 2/5
      This book may be based on some real research, but ultimately, it leaves the reader feeling unfulfilled. Unless a reader has little to no knowledge of the topics and needs an introduction, most will find this book lacking. I wonder why those who don't would find the book of interest in the first place. This is really the type of book I'd expect to find on a remainder shelf at Barnes & Noble.As someone who has studied much of the eras written about, I was hoping to find more insight and information than I did. A reader would be much better served elsewhere.The book was poorly edited, it didn't read well, and its conclusions at the end of chapters were not well supported. Left me wishing that I had spent my time reading something else.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      From Eden to Exile is a well-balanced look into the disputable "mysteries of the Bible." Tackling the topics from the Hebrew scriptures such as the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, Moses and the Exodus, Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, The Ark of the Covenant, and the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel Cline attempts to look critically at the evidence for and against (as well as the rumors, theories, and conjectures) these fascinating stories.Cline writes as a trained scholar and archaeologist and speaks highly of others trained in the field and their theories; he is also willing to call a crackpot theorist when he sees one. When so many experts attempt to polarize opinion, From Eden to Exile is a refreshing departure: willing to live and write in the gray uncertainties of investigating pre-histories from millennia ago. Throughout the book, Cline wades in to the supporting evidence, both inter-textual and archaeological, when it exists and is willing to admit when there are no clear answers, or clear conclusions to be drawn. Although this shouldn't be the last book you read about the 'mysteries of the Bible', it is certainly a good place to have conversations condensed.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      I was a little worried about this book because of its subtitle: "Unraveling Mysteries of the Bible." With a description like that, you're never sure if you're getting a work of serious scholarship. I was delighted, therefore, that Eric Cline is a well-respected archaeologist with credibility to tackle this subject. All in all, I believe he provided comprehensive information regarding the many different theories of the Old Testament's greatest archaeological mysteries and he offered his own thoughts concerning the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. The only critique I have of this book is the lack of expertise regarding a literary evaluation of the texts. At times, Cline included crucial insights from literary scholars, but I think there is so much more to be gained from biblical scholars here. Having said that, I would still recommend this book to others who are looking for an introductory-level examination of these fascinating questions.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      Cline's book is a good introduction to some of the theories surrounding seven "mysteries" of the Bible. While he does a thorough job of summarizing them, he by no means approaches them objectively. Only once does he even consider that the archaeological data are wrong or have been misinterpreted. Whenever there is a discrepancy between the historical record and the biblical record, he assumes the biblical record is wrong. He also takes a rather harsh tone toward amateur historians and archaeology buffs; while I appreciate his critique of their work, his attitude is rather off-putting. I also would have preferred more maps and timelines to accompany his evaluation of the possible locations and timeframes. Overall, an enjoyable read that makes me want to investigate further for other opinions.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 2/5
      There is nothing new here. "Nothing to see, folks. Move along." The book is presented as new insight, when in fact it will be old hat to anybody with cable television. Gilgamesh, etc. It's all here and we've already heard it all before. The author claims not to have any axes to grind. As a Bible believer, I find that hard to believe in light of statements about other researchers such as, "Other times they are guilty of setting off on their investigations with an a priori set of assumptions, such as the infallibility of the Bible, which does not inspire confidence in the impartiality of their investigations." In other words, the author will listen to, consider and objectively weigh the opinions of others, provided they're not actually serious about the Bible being God's word.On the whole, the entire point of this book seems to be about the author simply getting his voice heard amongst the din of all the others attempting to undermine God's word, regardless of the fact that he really has nothing to add which hasn't been said before.I was hoping for a study that actually delved into the Scriptures themselves rather than into the often flawed collective understanding of a handful of stories - straw-men that are easily blown away by scientist and honest Bible believing scholar alike. Is it too much to ask for a researcher to interpret the Pentateuch in light of what the other 61 books say about them? Apparently so for someone who is committed beforehand to the Bible's fallacy and only interested in finding natural explanations which meet the satisfaction of natural-minded skeptics.Skip the book and turn on A&E or the History channel for much of the same baloney. Or better yet, skip them all and read your Bible with confidence. "For he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6.

    Book preview

    From Eden to Exile - Eric H. Cline

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