DICTIONARY OF BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

In the Dictionary of Biblical Archaeology, the individuals mentioned—Edward M. Blaiklock and R. K. Harrison—served as General Editors, while David R. Douglass was the Managing Editor. Their roles were crucial in overseeing the academic quality, editorial consistency, and thematic direction of the dictionary.

• Edward M. Blaiklock and R. K. Harrison likely curated the overarching editorial approach, selected contributors, and reviewed entries for theological and archaeological soundness.
• David R. Douglass, as Managing Editor, handled the coordination of submissions, editorial processes, and final compilation of the work.

Their combined efforts ensured the dictionary maintained scholarly integrity and utility for readers interested in the intersection of archaeology and biblical studies .

Purpose and Audience

• Aimed at readers interested in how archaeological evidence supports and illuminates the Bible.
• Suitable for both scholars and lay readers, particularly those engaged in biblical studies or theology.

Structure and Features

• Organized alphabetically, the dictionary includes:
• Archaeological sites (e.g., Jericho, Nineveh)
• Artifacts (e.g., scrolls, inscriptions, seals)
• Peoples and cultures of the ancient Near East
• Key biblical locations and events
• Integrates historical, cultural, and biblical perspectives, often referencing specific scripture passages.

Key Themes

• Shows how discoveries (e.g., Dead Sea Scrolls, Ugaritic texts) corroborate or contextualize biblical stories.
• Discusses the limits and debates within biblical archaeology, acknowledging areas of scholarly disagreement.
• Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology, incorporating history, anthropology, and linguistics.

This dictionary is a valuable tool for exploring how the ancient world intersects with the biblical text, offering insights that deepen understanding of Scripture through physical evidence.