Amanda Hope Haley

Two quotes I liked from this book:

"Could Aaron have been trying to call down God to them (Exodus 32:4)? Could the Israelites have been worshipping their "unseen God" above the small calf they'd made (v. 6)? The text seems to support this interpretation because the feast day they were honoring was Yahweh's, not a calf's. We would NEVER make a molten image of God--that's just stupid, right?--but would we try to entice Him down to us when we feel abandoned? Absolutely."

"Archaeologists have found images of winged snakes throughout the ancient Near East, most pertinently on a seal that belonged to an Israelite temple priest. Monsters such as the cherub and the seraph were considered divine guardians in the ancient world; that is why they are found in temples--to warn people away from power of the supernatural. As winged poisonous serpents, the creature who is cursed by God to move "on your belly" and "eat dust all the days of your life" after tempting Eve (Genesis 3:14) just might have been a seraph. Having disobeyed God, he was "cut down to the ground," as Lucifer had been cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12). We are never told why the serpent appeared where he did in the garden, so it is worth considering that he may have been stationed at the tree of knowledge to keep the humans away from it, as God would later station cherubim east of Eden after he expelled Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:24)."

I would describe this book as a great introduction to Biblical hermeneutics for people who are rather scared of that long, unfamiliar word. I learned some things from this book (like the above quotes). Hermeneutics was in my top 3 favorite college classes and I think that this book is as engaging as my favorite professor was.… (more)

israel, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting*****

What a fun way to learn about archaeology and travel in Israel! The author skipped out on working toward a law degree and went for one in archaeology instead after taking a required religion course, this time in biblical archaeology, and acquiring a full scholarship to go on a dig at Tel Rehov. Unfortunately it was at a time of unrest and although the dig was canceled, she met her future husband and went on to study biblical archaeology at Harvard. In 2004 she was invited to a dig at Ashkelon and learned just what physically hard and exacting work archaeology was. She was able to tour other sites and some of the places important to several religions.
There follows much information correlating archaeological finds with various translations of the Bible and also the Torah. Reminded me of our devouring the Canadian TV series The Naked Archaeologist but without the bias inherent in cases where archaeology is deem for use to prove whatever religious point. She also points out how very much more precise archaeology has become with the development of technological devices.
The next part is a travelogue given by an archaeologist on vacation with husband and parents to places she has seen before and comments on the changes as well as the complications and potential dangers inherent to the region today (2018-19) complete with more educational history. She has lots of anecdotal fun including an Israeli guide who relates that he is from the Peoples Republic of Berkeley, and another with a very thick Texas accent. There is also a good bibliography complete with plenty of websites.
I totally enjoyed this book and plan to get the softcover so I can appreciate the photos and maps better and hopefully an audio so I can learn to pronounce people, places, and things correctly.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. Thank you!… (more)

Title: Barren among the Fruitful
Author: Amanda Hope Haley
Pages: 160
Year: 2014
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Barren-Among-Fruitful-Navigating-Infertility/dp/1401679757...
Amanda shares with women not only her journey, but that of many others. I know women who went through similar trials and heartache; it is never easy. For those who haven’t traveled this path, you might want to read through the book to help you understand what is hard to explain to those who have had children. One of the best characteristics of a study that I look for is whether an author has experienced drawing near to God for themselves before writing for others. I’m glad to tell you that is indeed the case here.
One unique discovery I came across was that the introduction was written by Amanda’s mother who also experienced barrenness. Society tends to place much pressure on whether a marriage produces children or not, and that pressure is hard to carry day after day. What Amanda shares with readers is how God walks them through infertility and brings them to a place where they never thought they could be content. Another aspect Amanda’s study brings forth is that a change of perspective isn’t something one can do for oneself, but when drawing near to God, He does the impossible.
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457… (more)