Discussion Questions
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Why do you think geography has been given so little attention by Bible readers?
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When reading the bible, the big idea or purpose is always the most sought information. I would want to know What is happening and Why is it happening. Most of the names are so complex that I must read the story several times before adding meaning to the story through the Who in the bible. The Where and the When gets little attention because we underestimate the creative genius of the story writer overlooking the fact that God knew who would do well to write His book before the writer even start writing. Ecclesiastes is my favorite book of the bible. I am not a big fan of Palms because all of the detail in expressing the geography or scenery. I also like the proverbs it is poetry, but it sticks to stating the facts and providing remedy. In other words, very frank and to the point. this is the reason geography gets little attention from me when reading the bible.
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We have been taught, or conditioned, to only look for WHAT Jesus was saying, not where and when he was saying it. Like most communication, what we say (the words we use) are only about 20% of what is being communicated. Without getting into the “non-verbals,” we should always remember that Jesus used the “geography” around him as the beginning point of his teaching. Take the Samaritan woman. It started with a well and built from there. We (I) should certainly give more attention to the where, as well as the what, when, how and why.
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Because people are unfamiliar with the place where he used to go and play.
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I think there could be several reasons. 1. I often read Scripture looking for the “meaning/message” for me personally… how does this passage apply to my life right now? As such, I may overlook the geography in search of the “lesson” or take-away. 2. I was born and raised in Virginia, but spent one year of my adult life in the southwest desert of California – a shocking geographical change! Only then did I truly understand Biblical references to “a dry an thirsty land!” So, I think point of reference impacts our real understanding and application of Biblical geography. 3. Growing up in church, I remember my Bibles having maps in the back portion of the book. I truly never recall the pastor referring to the maps or using them in any way in lessons or sermons, so they were more of a curiosity to me rather than a focal point.
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People tend to be very egocentric. We just assume that our understanding applies universally, so we don’t think about how to analyze it in a different context or from a different perspective. People tend to also underestimate how geography has shaped the evolution of civilizations over time, so they do not assign enough importance to it.
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Give an example from the Bible, other than the ones we have used in this lesson, that demonstrates the biblical authors use geography when communicating the thoughts of God to us.
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It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in Isaiah 40.22
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Palms 19: 1-14
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Abraham and Lot looking out over the land and deciding who will go where. The images of choosing, of priorities, of seeking peace, and so on, are so important to the story. Not only this, but the impact of that decision had so many consequences down the road, for both parties. The geography determined so much of later events.
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the ark resting on Mt. Ararat; Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel; David hiding in the caves from Saul; Psalm 121 “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help…”
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The ones that jump out to me include Abram and Lot dividing their lands, storms on the Sea of Galilee, the circumstances surrounding the time of day that Jesus found the woman at the well in Samaria, the decision of Jesus to go through Samaria in the first place and the routes available to them with the dangers associated with them, the lukewarm water in Laodicea.
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King David was in the wilderness in strongholds. He used the caves and the valleys to his advantage when he was running from Saul. He was also able to spare Saul’s life, without his knowledge.
1 Samuel 24: 8-11, 17-18.
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Give two examples of physical geography, two examples of human geography, and two examples of natural history associated with the place you live.
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Physical: Aggregate Quarry, Creek
Human Geography: dirt roads through maple syrup bush, large barns for storing hay
Natural History: Cattle, Pine Forest
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I live in Missouri
Physical: Missouri and Mississippi rivers
Human: live near a military base, and I live in the home
Natural: wild animals (deers, and squirrels) farming (corn and wheat)
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Physical geography: 1. landscape 2. weather conditions change frequently and rapidly. One minute it could be sunny and the next it could be raining or windy.
Human geography: 1. The area is always busy with traffic and has a variety of highways and shopping centers. 2. Resources are spread throughout the region, food, clothing, and entertainment sources.
Natural history: 1. There is an abundance of plants, trees and grassy areas ( grass stays all year around. 2. There are rabbits and deer in the area as well.
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Two examples of physical geography would be the grasslands and the rolling hills. Two examples of human geography would be the booming suburban sprawl in this area, along with the trails and road systems to support it. Examples of natural history are the behaviors of foxes as they become an increasing problem in the suburban areas of development and the changes to our waterways as the population increase affects it’s use and pollution levels.
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Physical: High mountain, desert
Human: Ranching, Hunting
Natural: Elk, Deer