If this brings controversy, my apologies in advance.

Actually this is the first time I am publishing into the hive book club, not knowing if this is considered an "acceptable genre" but this has been my recent MOST engaged book during my absence from HIVE.

^{Most affordable bibles with interesting new discovered translation Christian Standard Bible (CSB), and a large print ESV for dad. There is a season when 6pt print is too much to bear.}

WHY?

You might wonder?

Because in certain season of my life and my spiritual walk with God, there is a time to "power up" in understanding better rather than "surface scratching" and being a hypocrite telling people I follow Him.

^{You are wondering why is it so thin and there are so many scribbles at the back? That is because I received an e-book, but needed to print out for better reading}

Actually the real (text) book I have been diving deep requires this book, for a person who falls asleep in history textbook, I have been "greatly challenged" for the very first time, after 2 decades graduated from university (which you might be able to somewhat guessed my age by now), I dive deep to write a 2000 word essay based on the part of the Bible I (honestly) hardly touched - the Old Testament.

This text book, Encountering the Old Testament, a Christian Survey, 3rd edition by Bill T Arnold and Bryan E Beyer actually proposes a really interesting study of archeology, historical geography and social understand during the Ancient days as far as 2000 BC with archeology facts and photos that historians and hobbyists would love to actually stand there and see the terrain themselves.

For most Christians who "skimmed through the Bible", they are always baffled with the bombarded questions of the concept of a "cruel God" because of the bloodshed and the "demands" (of the law) of practice; and that's why this text book along with re-reading the entire Old Testament gave us a better understanding how things truly were during Ancient Near East period (which covers from Mesopotamia till Egypt. And understand why it was written as it was written.

And to be honest, who would have thought the Old Testament was one of the place where the first women's rights was mentioned - by God??

• Women who were sexually violated must be compensated
• Women who lost their husbands with no lineage (actually not just for the husband's genealogy preservation, but for the next descendent to take care of the aged maternal family members)

Moreover, how interesting it is where human rights for (accidental) manslaughter and how the defendant can seek asylum in City of Refuge were already formed during that age for the Israelites?

Not to mention "insurance claims" for property (or livestock) damages were mentioned.

And so much more...

(Including end to slavery)

Compared to the other neighboring ancient empires, the standard of living as a human in morality, actually was very elevated during that time and age before the Israelites before their "conquest to the Promised Land" began after 40 years of wilderness.

And yes, some would loved to "argue" the current political strain and geological strive in current times, but if the Bible was read in the context of those days, with the help of the text book, I have come to understand and appreciate the I AM, HIS forbearance with the patience as wide as the galaxy dealing with a particular group if really stubborn people, and HIS faithfulness in keeping the promise that HE doesn't break.

However, that doesn't mean that those who were "under the covenant" can get away with crime. The entire Old Testament clearly showed, like a loving parent dealing with children...

The Love is unconditional, but there are consequences for acting stupid

Imagine, your mom and dad (in a normal case) would love you to the bits, but doesn't mean you can live an uncontrolled life. And especially when you screw up, there are accountability and the need to responsibly repent and pay the price.
(probably you get grounded, no special treatment, whatever your parents used to chastise you wen you are a kid)

But to deal with over a million people with all kinds of attitudes?

I had mad respect to Moses, Joshua, the judges, the prophets and the good kings; and new found awe and reverence towards God.

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So yes, how do I end up in need to read this textbook? That's another story for another day.