Bible Excavator Academy

A collection of resources in the Public Domain that Mr. Benner has found useful in his Biblical Studies and wishes to share them with you.

You are probably familiar with the English translation of the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, which begins, "The LORD bless you and keep you." When the Hebrew words of this blessing are examined within their original cultural context, this passage comes to life in a way you never thought possible.

The nomadic lifestyle of the Hebrews, including their dependence on natural resources and tent dwelling, shaped their concrete language. Unlike modern Western thought, which relies on abstract concepts, the Hebrew language is rooted in the five senses. Recognizing these cultural differences can lead to a more accurate and insightful interpretation of the Bible.

A unique understanding of God is revealed by exploring the ancient culture and philosophy behind the Bible. Gain a richer perspective of God, his names and his attributes that have been hidden for centuries behind institutional dogma and doctrine.

The Bible is a big business, with millions of copies sold annually, making accuracy in translation crucial. However, the inherent complexities and challenges of Bible translation can result in errors, mistranslations and misunderstandings. The King James Version (KJV), while popular, is not exempt from errors and is influenced by the translator's interpretations.

The Bible has a long and complicated history that is revealed through archaeology, linguistics and religious traditions. This masterclass begins with the history and transmission of the Bible itself. Then we will examine other, ancient non-Biblical writings such as those found in Ebla and Ugarit, and how they help in Biblical studies.

Examining the Masoretic Hebrew Texts, Dead Sea Scrolls and other ancient manuscripts related to the Hebrew Bible as well as proofs for the historicity of the Hebrew Bible.

In many Bible studies today, there is a strong emphasis on reading and memorizing Scripture, but little focus on understanding what the words meant to the original authors and audience. That is why I created this course—to introduce you to the ancient perspective of the Bible, where words were vivid expressions of life, culture, and belief.