Preface

The basic approach to this outline is to work from the extra-biblical sources to the Bible. Therefore, in the earlier parts, the notes are really a general outline of the history of the peoples impinging geographically upon the biblical history.

I first began teaching this course at the Capital Bible Seminary some forty years ago. So much has happened in this field, and so much reinterpretation of the data, that I’m sure I have left out many salient materials. I hope that the outline will stimulate the student to wider research.

These notes are intended to be cursory and outline in nature. The student is expected to use them as a guide for the development of ideas related to this vast and complex area of study. Because of these inherent limitations, it should be remembered that many of the statements contained in this outline may be misconstrued if taken outside the lecturer’s context.

I have been diligent in crediting all the sources of the contents of these notes. Even so, some or much of them is the result of extensive reading over the years, and it is possible that I have failed to identify every source properly. For that I apologize. My interest in archeology and history is of the “arm chair” variety. Be assured that all or almost all the content comes from others. I am grateful for all those contributors to the subject.

It is easy for errors of many kinds to creep into a work of this sort. Any corrections or criticisms would be much appreciated.

I dedicate this work to my colleagues at the Capital Bible Seminary with much appreciation for forty years of camaraderie and service in the task of training men and women for the ministry of the Gospel.

Homer Heater, Jr., Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus
Capital Bible Seminary
Summer 2014