In 2019 friend Rebekah Joy and I traveled to Israel together along with 30+ other women, and that trip changed my life forever. The Wilderness of Zin was one of my favorite places we visited.
(with Rebekah Joy (upper left), Kristi McLelland (lower left), and Kristy Chowning (far right)
There’s something about the vastness of the wilderness, the rugged beauty, the unforgiving terrain that gets inside of you, and lingers. Especially once you’ve studied the Israelites in the desert.
Rebekah lived in Israel for a while and has traveled the land extensively over the past decade. So when she wrote a book entitled The Wealth of the Wilderness, I made a beeline to read it. And oh, it’s so rich with wisdom from the Word of God.
In Wealth of the Wilderness, Rebekah offers a cultural lens adjustment and helps readers see the wilderness through a Middle Eastern lens so we can better grasp its function. When we learn to embrace the becoming that wilderness seasons offer—and we’ve all had those seasons in life—we’re better positioned to inherit desert deposits and shed unnecessary baggage so we can better weather the seasons. And not just to weather them, but with God’s help…to thrive in them!
If you’re a student of studying the Bible through a Middle Easterns lens, then Wealth of the Wilderness is a must. It helped me through a particularly painful season in 2020, and I think it will be a great encouragement to you too!
Download a sample and begin reading today
Here’s the group of women I traveled to Israel with in 2019…
Oh how I wish I could take that journey with them again! Thank you, Lord, for sisters growing closer together and to you in the Land.
a Rafflecopter giveawayI’m giving away TWO Kindle copies of Wealth of the Wilderness this month on my website giveaway. Enter to win before November 1st (by clicking the Rafflecopter box above and following the instructions).
What books have you read that offer deeper insights into the Bible through a Middle Eastern Lens?
Blessings on your Monday, which isn’t my usual day to post, I know. But that rascaly ol’ Deb Raney asked me to switch with her. And since she’s pretty sweet, most of the time, I agreed. : )
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Love all the quotes you highlighted, Tammy. This looks like a great book. And I remember how pivotal your trip to Israel was. Thanks so much for trading me places. Love, Rascaly Ol’ Deb~ ♥️
Anytime, my friend! ; ) It IS a fabulous book. Rebekah’s a great writer with wonderful insights.
Reading Jesus and Women, a Bible study by Kristi McLelland was one of the best studies I’ve ever done. Seeing Scripture from a Middle Eastern lens was transforming.
Isn’t that study amazing, Sherrinda? God’s Word just comes alive! Thanks for sharing.
This sound like the book I need right now! Thank you, Tammy!
Cannot recommend it highly enough, Lenora. Hugs, friend.
This sounds like a wonderful book! And that trip! What an opportunity to see through different lenses!
Life-changing doesn’t even begin to describe it, Angie. God met me at every turn. And to experience it with a group of sisters in Christ… A special gift!
This book was a game changer for me. Until then I wasn’t very fond of desert times in my life. It almost felt like a punishment. But through this book I learned that God wants to come close and teach us something special in the desert. He takes away all distractions so He has our undivided attention. All because of His love for us and not to reprimand or punish. When you are in a painful season or questioning where God is in your desert place, grab this book. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an easy read and not theoretical. Always looking for deeper insights of the bible through middle eastern lens. Any recommendations?
Appreciate you sharing, Coco! And amen. Have you read all of Lois Tverberg’s books? If not, they’re amazing.
Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus: How a Jewish Perspective Can Transform Your Understanding
Lois Tverberg
Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewishness of Jesus Can Transform Your Faith
Lois Tverberg
5 Hebrew Words that Every Christian Should Know: A Bite-Sized Bible Study
Lois Tverberg
Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life
Lois Tverberg
I’ve got a list of books I always recommend to people when they ask. I’ll get that uploaded to my website then post the link here.
Thank you so much for the recommendations. They all sound good. Where to start? 😉 Until now I only read Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus. Would like the upload on your website. So we can be up to date when you have discovered new gems 😃
Will post it right here once I get it uploaded! I’m updating it even now with a few more books and videos. ; )
What a wonderful experience you must have had. And, Rebecca Joy, how can one not smile just from the name and want to hang out with her? Did you go to Jericho? One of my favorite memories is when I stood on the hills above Jericho. One direction was lush and green; turn around and it is stark barrenness. It truly imprints the delineation in life that those from the Bible lands have always dealt with and highlights the Scriptural focus on the distinction.