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Searching for People and Places of the Bible

Join best-selling author and biblical scholar Jean-Pierre Isbouts to find the actual locations where great stories of the Bible took place, meet the remarkable human beings who lived them, and discover amazing connections between the Bible’s texts and the history of the ancient world.
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Rated 2 out of 5 by from religious Far too much religion. Episode 6, about the conquests of Joshua, is the only one where the professor has to admit that the archeology clearly proves the bible wrong. But other than this, he is overlooking much doubt about the people & places of the bible. For instance, he mentions that noone has ever found the non-descript grave of Moses, to this day. Without mentioning that many, including many archaeologists, believe that that is because Moses never actually existed. I would have preferred that the entire course showed the same realism that Episode 6 had.
Date published: 2026-02-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A visual wonderland! I really enjoyed being able to see visuals of the places in the Bible, despite the uncertainty of some claims. I appreciate him being transparent about the uncertainties. I hope to visit several of these places myself someday, especially the remote locations where most tourists do not go. I am a Presbyterian, and I definitely enjoyed this course. Could this have been a 24-lecture course? Maybe, but I am satisfied with the 16 lectures. I definitely recommend this program as a video. The audio and guidebook simply cannot compete with the video presentation. I look forward to his other courses when I get around to them.
Date published: 2025-03-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Captivating I found this course very interesting, both in being able to visit many sites without having to see past numerous tourists and also learning about recent archeological finds. Should I decide to travel there, I will have a much better idea about where to go and what to see.
Date published: 2025-03-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Superb! I am not a religious person but found this course so informative and fascinating that I watched most of it a second time. It is a captivating presentation..Very well done in all respects. Highly recommended.
Date published: 2025-02-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Making the Bible come to life I am now a dedicated fan of Jean-Pierre Isbouts,his books and his teaching courses. This course takes you to the actual places that feature in the Bible's big stories,from Eden to Golgotha. Jean-Pierre is very well-informed about current archaeological developments and he combines his expertise on history with great on'location' shots. I like his relaxed and measured delivery.He's not selling;he's presenting what he sees and knows and he leaves it up to the viewer to decide the consequences and significance of what we are seeing. I rate this course very highly.
Date published: 2025-02-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Exploring Biblical Figures and Landscapes. Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts masterfully creates an atmosphere of introspection that feels almost meditative as he has in his previous excellent The Great Courses lecture sets. This experience of exploring the Bible is both relaxing and deeply enjoyable and is perfect for late evening viewing or a time of de-stressing. The Professor has an engaging teaching style which encourages reflection, allowing me to connect with the material on a personal level. I have always found that his courses promote a profound sense of introspection, and this one is no exception. The course offers a fascinating journey through the world of Abraham, starting with the very foundations of Christianity. The excellent opening lecture on the book of Genesis starts Professor Isbouts travels into the historical and cultural contexts of key Biblical figures and locations, illuminating the narratives that have shaped faith and understanding for centuries. The breadth of the context, from Abraham to the crucifixion of Christ, provides a comprehensive overview that is is both informative and thought-provoking. Each lecture builds on the previous ones, weaving together the intricate tapestry of biblical history in a way that makes it accessible and engaging. This is not a college level course but more a National Geographical Special on the Bible. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking deeper insights into the Bible. Well worth the investment on all levels.
Date published: 2025-02-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Always interesting and thought-provoking I have enjoyed all Prof. Isbouts' courses - including the ones focused on art as well as Biblical themes, and this one is no exception. His grasp of the source materials and geography (and sometimes geology!) of the Middle East informs a thoughtful and provocative narrative. Our church's adult Christian Education program has benefited greatly from his works!
Date published: 2025-02-19
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Incessant background music Why the extra noise? The constant music in the background made this otherwise great program unwatchable. Very irritating. Please remove that! You don’t do that for the other courses. Please don’t!
Date published: 2025-02-18
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Searching for People and Places of the Bible

Trailer

The World of Abraham

01: The World of Abraham

Reflect on the book of Genesis, as it portrays the origin of the world and the history of Israel’s founding fathers. Trace the geography of Genesis, in the locations of Eden and Ur, the birthplace of Abraham. Follow the journey of Abraham to Canaan, the future Israel, from the Fertile Crescent through Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt. Take note of God’s covenant with Abraham’s sons Isaac and Ishmael.

33 min
From Isaac to Jacob

02: From Isaac to Jacob

Track the story of Jacob and Esau, sons of Isaac and Rebekah, and its theme of deceit. Find the location of Beersheba, where Isaac settled, and of Bethel, where the dream of Jacob’s Ladder took place. Follow the lives of Jacob, his wife Rachel, and their son Joseph, marking the site of Rachel’s tomb (Bethlehem) and of Joseph’s abduction and sale into slavery, now Tel Dotan on the West Bank.

25 min
The Story of Joseph

03: The Story of Joseph

Chart the caravan route of Joseph’s journey into Egypt, to the 15th-dynasty city of Avaris. Witness Joseph’s rise from slavery to become Vizier to the pharaoh, during a time when Hyksos immigrants ruled Lower Egypt, and find the location of their capital. Hear the moving coda to Joseph’s story, the reconciliation with the brothers who betrayed him, and his family’s move to Goshen in the Nile Delta.

27 min
Moses in the Midian

04: Moses in the Midian

Examine the political factors within Egypt that led to the forced labor of Israelites in the Nile Delta, and the massacre of Hebrew male infants. Learn how Moses escaped this and was raised as an Egyptian prince. Grasp why Moses fled Egypt, and traveled to the Midian, in the Sinai desert, where he married. Follow Moses’s route in the Sinai and uncover the location of the biblical Burning Bush.

29 min
In the Footsteps of the Exodus

05: In the Footsteps of the Exodus

Reconstruct the path of the Exodus, as the Israelites leave Egypt, beginning with the probable site of the confrontation between Pharaoh and Moses. Find many key points along the route, such as the likely place of the parting of the waters (not the Red Sea!); the great oasis of Rephidim (today’s Wadi Feiran); and follow the Israelites to Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Torah from God.

29 min
Joshua’s Conquest of Canaan

06: Joshua’s Conquest of Canaan

Relive the Israelites’ journey into the promised land of Canaan, under the leadership of military commander Joshua. Visit important sites in the region related to the conquest, such as Jericho and Hazor, and compare archeological evidence of destruction with the biblical account. Learn about the areas within Canaan where the 12 tribes of Israel settled, and how they fared in their new home.

29 min
From Saul to Solomon

07: From Saul to Solomon

Explore the military threats to the Israelites in Canaan that required a unified command and the anointing of Israelite kings. Visit Mt. Gilboa, site of King Saul’s defeat by the Philistines. Then, find archaeological evidence of the reign of King David, who took Jerusalem as the Israelite capital, and, at the fortress of Megiddo, of King Solomon, who built the legendary First Temple.

31 min
Kings of Israel

08: Kings of Israel

After Solomon’s reign, learn how the Hebrew realm divided into Israel (the North), and Judea (the South), each of which anointed kings. Follow the exploits of Israel’s King Jeroboam and King Omri, and visit the remains of Samaria, built as a Northern capital to rival Jerusalem. Observe how King Ahab angered God, whose wrath sent the invading Assyrians who crushed and deported the northern Israelites.

29 min
Kings of Judah

09: Kings of Judah

Mark the ways in which the kings of Judah violated Jewish law, invoking God’s retribution by means of invaders from the east. Trace the succession of Judean kings who grappled with the threat of the Assyrians and Babylonians, leading to the conquest of Judah and the Babylonian exile of its people. Witness the liberation of the Jews by the Persian king Cyrus, and their return to Jerusalem.

30 min
From Alexander the Great to King Herod

10: From Alexander the Great to King Herod

In the wake of Alexander’s conquests, observe how the powerful influence of Greek culture took root in Judea, later enforced during the Seleucid occupation. Visit sites related to the Maccabean Revolt, which restored the Jewish kingdom, only to be deposed by Roman rule. Trace the ascension of the despised Herod as ruler of Judea and explore Herod’s great palace complex at Masada.

31 min
Women of the Bible

11: Women of the Bible

The Bible reveals a spectrum of powerful and resourceful women. Begin with a look at the roles and rights of women in the ancient world. Then study the stories of Sarah and Rebekah, who strongly influenced leadership within their families; the prophetess and political activist Deborah; and Judean queen Bathsheba. Also, discover heroines Judith and Esther within the apocryphal scriptures.

30 min
Young Jesus of Nazareth

12: Young Jesus of Nazareth

Visualize the town of Nazareth, the birthplace of Mary and site of the Annunciation. Compare the Gospels’ accounts of the birth and childhood of Jesus with historical evidence and visit the grotto in Bethlehem believed to be his birthplace. Assess the contrast between the Luke and Matthew gospels on the events following Jesus’s birth and examine a key episode in Jesus’s early life.

31 min
The Lost Years of Jesus

13: The Lost Years of Jesus

Jesus’s “lost” years have mystified Christians throughout history. Review recent archaeological findings in Magdala and Sepphoris that may explain these years, and how Jesus came to have a deep knowledge of the Torah. Then encounter the charismatic figure of John the Baptist in Bethany-on-the-Jordan. Grasp how John served as a role model, foreshadowing Jesus’s role as the Messiah.

30 min
The Ministry of Jesus in Galilee

14: The Ministry of Jesus in Galilee

Jesus’s ministry began in the Galilean town of Capernaum. Stop at the likely sites of where he first taught and lived in the town, and learn about his “Kingdom of God” teaching. Witness the unfolding of his ministry across Galilee and Phoenicia, the key role of his healing miracles and his interaction with disciples and followers at places such as Bethsaida and the site of the Sermon of the Mount.

30 min
Jesus, Caiaphas, and Pilate

15: Jesus, Caiaphas, and Pilate

Map the route of Jesus and his disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem, where Jesus planned to preach at the Temple. Witness the events there that would incriminate him in the eyes of Rome and locate the sites of the Last Supper and Jesus’s arrest. Observe the actions of the priest Caiaphas and the Roman prefect Pilate to have Jesus executed and trace the path to the place of the crucifixion.

30 min
From the Resurrection to Paul

16: From the Resurrection to Paul

Conclude by studying the events and locations surrounding Jesus’s resurrection, his appearance to Mary Magdalene and other disciples, and the birth and challenges of the Apostolic movement that followed. Learn how early Christianity grew, and trace the remarkable life of Paul, from his conversion to his missionary work, and his role in building Christian communities from Asia Minor to Rome.

35 min

Overview Course No. 20120

By exploring the stories of the Bible in their actual locations, and the stories of the complex human beings who lived them, you’ll gain fascinating and illuminating new dimensions of the texts. In this visually stunning course, you’ll also experience the Bible’s connection to both the real world and ancient history while you’ll engage with the past in a way that is both immediate and tangible.

In the 16 lavish video segments of Searching for People and Places of the Bible, containing breathtaking footage shot on location, you’ll walk the ancient sites with Jean-Pierre Isbouts, exploring places such as the site of the Parting of the Waters in Exodus, the Grotto of the Annunciation, and Jesus’s miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. You’ll look deeply into the narration of biblical figures such as Moses, Jacob, Deborah, the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist.

As the course unfolds, you’ll explore great sites and figures from both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, including:

  • Joseph in Egypt. Discover locations related to the story of Joseph’s enslavement in Egypt, where he rose from bondage to become Vizier to the pharaoh.
  • The Conquest of Joshua. Trace the military campaigns of Joshua at Jericho, Hazor, and Lachish, by which the Israelites entered the promised land of Canaan.
  • Kingdoms of the Israelites. Visit the sites of King Saul’s battle with the Philistines and King Omri’s great capital at Samaria, and find archaeological evidence of the reigns of King David and King Solomon.
  • Great Women of the Bible. Encounter the prophetess and political visionary Deborah at Mt. Tabor; and, in the apocryphal scriptures, Judith and Esther, who heroically saved the lives of their people.
  • In the Footsteps of Jesus. Across five lectures, take a detailed and illuminating look at Jesus’s youth, his ministry, the events of his arrest and crucifixion, and the birth of Christianity.

Searching for People and Places of the Bible takes you on a sumptuous and eye-opening voyage into history, bringing new light to one of humanity’s most significant texts.

About

Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Jean-Pierre Isbouts

INSTITUTION

Fielding Graduate University

Jean-Pierre Isbouts is a historian, biblical scholar, and best-selling National Geographic author. After earning his DLitt at Leiden University, he served as a member of the doctoral faculty at Fielding Graduate University for more than 15 years and now holds the title of Faculty Emeritus. He gained worldwide renown with his National Geographic book The Biblical World and also wrote Archaeology of the Bible, In the Footsteps of Jesus, and The Dead Sea Scrolls, which has sold more than 2 million copies. His other Great Courses include Searching for the Historical Jesus and The History and Archaeology of the Bible.

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