REVIEW: WARFARE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

BOOK REVIEW

WARFARE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Boyd Seevers

Kregel Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, 2013

This book seems to be written for a double audience: Those interested in the history of the Old Testament and military history. He offers a survey of military history in the Old Testament. I must admit I was looking forward to this book, but came away somewhat mixed. It does help in understanding the biblical and military descriptions of the battles that were fought. His approach is interesting, combining fiction with reality. He opens with imaginary narratives about the historical situation and warfare from the view of the soldier on the ground. However, he does so honestly and in the spirit of the events taking place. It upholds both Biblical and Archaeological records.  He does a good job connecting the relationship of the nations to the nation of Israel.

He does a good job of giving the tactics and descriptions of the weapons involved. It is  well researched. One will learn more clearly about each of the nations involved. It is organized well and aids the reader.  It is very readable and enjoyable. He speaks of things that are vital in areas of military battles—including, logistics, psychological elements and usage; and seasons of warfare confrontation. 

However, I am disappointed in certain aspects of the book. While the layout of the book is topnotch, much of the graphics remind me of graphics we saw 50 years ago—black and white line drawings.  Computer graphics could have substantially upgraded this, and it should have been done. Second, the maps are helpful, but they are not as detailed as most battle maps. Some are hard to follow just because of the colorizing of the maps, (for example the maps of Egypt and Babylon on p 253 is hard to follow the red lines of the road because of the red coloring on the Babylonian empire.) Yet, the map of the city of Babylon is very good. Third, it would have been helpful if there were more of theological background concerning what happened militarily and historically.

As a whole this is a welcome edition to both military warfare and Bible historians. It will aid the Old Testament student to bring understanding of the Biblical record.

 I received this book free from the publisher Kregel Academic. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”