The Scent of Home
In which a historical novelist searches for a fragrant tree that meets several exacting specifications.
Chronological Posts
These posts are in reverse chronological order, with newest first.
God of Metals, or God of Sand?
Was Jehovah originally a smith, or a storm in the desert?
God of Metals, or God of Sand? Read More »
Nomads and Their Artifacts
A new perspective on Biblical wanderers suggests they might have used buildings – just not to live in.
Nomads and Their Artifacts Read More »
Ancient Names and the Stories They Tell
Through statistical analysis of Hebrew names found in Iron Age archaeological digs, researchers are discovering cultural differences between the ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Ancient Names and the Stories They Tell Read More »
The Bread of Egypt
Is matzah, the unleavened bread Jews today eat at Passover, actually an ancient Egyptian staple?
The Bread of Egypt Read More »
I Wish I Were a Historical Novelist
It would be sooo nice to read eyewitness accounts of the Exodus as part of my research. But they don’t exist.
I Wish I Were a Historical Novelist Read More »
Not Your Father’s Temple
Around the corner and downhill from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem was a much older place of worship that may or may not have been dedicated to the same god. The publication of its details was one of the top biblical archaeological stories of 2025.
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Ancient Rituals
Of the many types of religious practices described in the Hebrew Bible, might any of them date back to the time of the Exodus?
The Bible and Authorship
Is it possible to learn who wrote the Hebrew Bible – or when? Faithful readers of this blog know that there are a few different versions of the Exodus stories in the Hebrew Bible (including three variants on the Ten Commandments, one of which has almost nothing in common with the other two). So where
The Bible and Authorship Read More »
People of the Alphabet
The Jews are sometimes called the “People of the Book.” But another lasting contribution to human history may have been their early use of written symbols that represent sounds, not words.
People of the Alphabet Read More »