Archaeological digs at Jericho and elsewhere unearth clues about the rise of Israel as a kingdom, its rivalry with the much-maligned Philistines, and its eventual disintegration and conquest by invaders from the north and west.

1. Biblical archeology and the Bible narrative don't match up. What does that mean for those trying to interpret the Bible story?
2. The Old Testament story of Moses and the Isrealites taking Cannan presents a God who punishes those who adopt Cannanite ideas and practices. However a critical study of the Old Testament account reflects many connections to Cannanite literature of that era. How does knowing this impact the way you understand this scripture?
3. How was the Isrealite God different than "other gods."
4. Why have scholars sought for generations to place Abraham in contemporary history?
5. What literary traditions in ancient Mesopotamia may have influenced the writing of Genesis?
6. Samaria is where the Bible and archeology agree. How so?
7. Describe the fate of the Northern kingdom of Israel at the hands of the Assyrians?
8. How did the Assyrian exile of the Israelites fortell the history of the Judeans?