DS112.D233

- Includes bibliographical references and index - Includes black-and-white illustration plates between p. 244 and 245

- Part 1: a land and its people 1- The geographical Context 2- The Human context 3- The Political context 4- Jerusalem - Part 2: Those days and nights that bless the Lord 1- A Child of Israel 2- Family, "my own flesh and blood" 3- High and low, rich and poor 4- Society's imperative commands 5- The tablets of Heaven and human calculations 6- bed and board 7- "by the sweat of they brow" 8- From traders to brigands 9- The Spoken and the Written word 10- Letters, arts and science 11- Habits and customs, personal cleanliness, amusements 12- When the bird-song dies away - Part 3: A people and it's God 1- The age of God 2- The Dwellings of God 3- The men of God 4- The faith of Israel and the coming of the messiah 5- Finale Jesus among his people and in his time

The youngest member ever of the esteemed Academie Franaise--and winner of the Legion of Honor--produces a towering, erudite study of the humble men and women who were Christ's very first followers. Historically rich, it captures everything from the occupations, families, and homes to the flowers and birds native to the land. ".wealth of information.about customs, language, habits, clothes, food and all the other features.will make the reading of the New Testament far more real and vivid."--The Times.