Laurie Coulter
Books
Click on a cover for more detailed information.
|
Kings and Carpenters: One Hundred Bible Land Jobs You Might Have Praised or Panned
art by Martha Newbigging
"Today, men and women athletes run, bike, and swim in Ironman triathlons throughout the world. They must be exceptionally strong in body and mind to take part in these grueling long-distance races, often held in wilderness locations. But what if you had to be that tough and determined in your normal life?
The people who lived from 1200 to 586 BCE (Before the Common Era, or year 1) in the part of the world that is now Israel, the Palestinian territories, and parts of Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria were Iron Men and Women every day. Most worked many hours a week at physical labor. They often walked long distances, sometimes across deserts. Some climbed towering date palms barefoot; others sailed out into the Mediterranean with no navigational tools to guide them. They fought off enemies with simple slings and arrows, never knew when they might meet unfriendly bears or lions in their travels, and nurtured crops on hillsides with barely enough water to grow a chickpea, let alone fruit trees and grapevines. In addition to working very hard, people in Old Testament times coped with the fear and heartbreak of war, earthquakes, drought, and disease.
Despite such challenges, the Israelites, the Phoenicians, and the Philistines set down deep roots on the little bridge of land they shared. They faced the future with hope by working together in their family groups, developing a strong religious faith, and nourishing their spirits with music, crafts, gardens, and stories. "
— from the Introduction
Take a look:
- Dig magazine, the archeology magazine for kids, has a website www.digonsite.com for those of you interested in digging up the past.