Manners and Customs of the Bible: A Complete Guide to the Origin and Significance of Our Time-Honored Biblical Tradition

by James Midwinter Freeman

Have you ever wondered how a camel can go through the eye of a needle? How the four men got their paralytic friend through the roof to Jesus? What it means to greet one another with a holy kiss? This book answers these questions and others. In it, you will learn who the magi were, how lots were used, and what it means to be engraved on the palm of God's hand. This valuable resource goes book by book through the Bible, explaining many customs practiced in Bible times. Not only is it easy to understand, but it is also filled with many helpful illustrations. This useful tool will greatly aid anyone wanting to understand more about the Bible.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Theology, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies, History, Christian History

515 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

1827-1900

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this is another reference book that I don t intend to read cover to cover, I will record what I have learned here.
I used both the ISBE and this Bible reference book, Manners and Customs of the Bible by James Midwinter Freeman to learn about the treasury referred to in Mark 12. In this account, Jesus watches a poor widow deposit two mites, or about a penny, into the Temple treasury. He has just finished warning the people to beware of the scribes as they “devoured widows houses”. (What a contrast to these evil leaders was this humble woman).
In Herod’s temple, the treasury was a room designated for that function, Jn 8:20 as well as Mk 12: 41. It also could be used to refer to the “receptacle” or “contribution box” that the Israelites deposited freewill offerings into. There were 13 of these trumpet shaped treasure chests which were located in the court of the woman, which was the area where woman could not go beyond. The money was used to support different temple programs.

[Ian Minielly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book to keep near your desk and to follow along as you read through Scripture. It does not have a ton of detail, but it does provide some additional background for the different things, events, and people throughout the Bible.

If you are looking for something deep, this book will not help you. Think of it more as a couple sentences about vague and undisclosed things we do not know because they were culturally relevant thousands of years ago and now are not. This is what the book is handy about. Just little tidbts about random things.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this book as a companion to my daily Bible reading over a 2 year period, as this book is laid out in the same order as the Bible - it is simple to use in this way.

I found the explanation enlightening, they really helped to illuminate the meaning behind what the scriptures were saying, as it explained many of the cultural nuances that we do not understand in the western world in the 21st century, and as a result we view the scriptures from a modern western cultural perspective and often misinterpret to purpose and meaning of the scriptures, which in turn can lead to mistaken beliefs and actions.

Short of enrolling in a course in ancient Hebrew civilization, this reference book is the quickest, easiest, and most enjoyable way to understand the people and culture of the Bible. It is an invaluable key to unlocking a complete and accurate understanding of Scripture that is often hidden in ancient Hebrew culture.

I gave this book 4 stars because it is getting a little old and refers back the the KJV on occasions - otherwise it is a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the scriptures more fully.

[S. Runyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative as to why the Bible describes certain things certain ways. It covered quite a bit of content and did so in detailed ways. Some points were more brief than others but where an explanation was necessary I think the Author did a very good job.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 220.9 FRE

Available.

[Sheba Hall]

A great resource for the Bible!

[Kristi Lee]

It was okay. Not as intriguing as I thought.