About
The CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible is a visually immersive Bible reading experience featuring over 1,200 images, maps, and illustrations to provide greater insight and understanding of the people, places, and events of scripture. Book-specific introductions provide the setting and circumstances of writing for each book, and every image includes a descriptive caption to help better understand what is pictured.
Features include:
1,200+ images, maps, and illustrations
275 full-length commentary articles
40+ “Digging Deeper” call-outs
Review
I received a free review copy of the CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible. I am not personally a CSB fan (I really don’t know a ton about it). Kofi reviewed another CSB edition once and Garrett is our resident Bible version overseer. My primary interest in this Bible was the 1200+ images and maps. I have always found my Bible studies to lack a real understanding of the ancient world’s landscapes. When the Bible says things like “Then he returned to Bethany, ” (Mt 21:17) I usually have very little clue off the top of my head. My hope was that this would be a resource to help me with that.
What I found is that this Bible really won’t work as a reference. If I want maps, I should get an Atlas (like this). But what this Bible offers are articles at the beginnings of the chapters and throughout are really interesting. Historical facts and photographs are littered through this Bible and give the reader insight into the ancient world. If you want to read through a Bible and learn history, see neat archaeological photos, and get some glimpses into the geography, this Bible is for you. I am actually winding down on my last reading plan and may just use this as my read the Bible in 2021 version.
The pages are thin…but they seem sturdy. The font is readable and the layout is visually aesthetic. I think reading through a Bible like this would be enjoyable, especially for someone interested in the CSB. It’s available in a lot of non-hardcover editions. Check out this great PDF that shows you a lot of the inside of the Bible and the purchasing options.
Click Here to see the PDF Sampler
Giveaway
The publisher is offering a free version of this Bible that I can give away on the Things Above Us blog. So, if you are interested, leave a comment below this post and I will pick a winner providentrandomly on Nov 21. Limited to US residents only, please.
NOTE: I selected a winner by God’s providential will the morning of November 21 and it is Ken Lupton! Thanks for everyone who joined.
Another note on the Bible: When you are paging through a Bible it is very helpful to have the book and chapter at the top (or bottom). You know, like “Genesis 15:1” at the top of the page to tell you what book you are in when trying to find something. I noticed that several pages in this Bible do not have those markings (because the page itself is a history page or illustration). This makes paging through to find a specific chapter or verse difficult.
This seems to be an interesting Bible for studying as a former Christian college student, access to library books with maps is limited. Our church uses the CSB for service and I appreciate the language choice more than the ESV. Thank you for the review, it would be a great addition to my study resources.
For someone who hasn’t been to Israel, this is neat! Nice companion when reading the Bible!
This seems like a neat concept to include some historical details around what is being read. I’m not that familiar with the CSB but enjoy looking at how different versions handle the text.
I have wanted to read a copy of the CSB for study and comparison purposes for a while. Eventually I’ll check it out. God bless and have a great weekend!
If you can’t travel to the Holy Land, this sounds like the next best thing to appreciate the geography of the Bible. Many thanks to the publisher for their generosity.
Looks like a great resource!
This sounds great especially for new Christian followers like myself. I’m just starting to delve into Gods words while using some resources I ve acquired since beginning my Journey to Jesus. Thanks for your honesty about this bible. One day, I look forward to adding to my collection. The apps are nice however I like the books better.
Definitely interested! Thanks for the helpful review!
Seems like a neat study tool that includes historical details around what is being read. I love the CSB but also enjoy looking at how different versions handle the text.
Ken, you won!
Congrats, Ken!
Seems like a great approach to include historical details around what is being read. I use the CSB regularly and enjoy looking at how different versions handle the text.
I would so love to win this bible for myself. I would love to see the pictures of where my favorite bible stories took place. Thank you for the chance to win this one.
I love bibles with pictures and resources within.
Since I won’t have an opportunity to go to the Holy land this would suit me almost as well as being there. I am eagerly looking forward to the New Jerusalem with Jesus ruling the new heaven and new earth!!