How ancient texts can be used as a window into the ancient world

As a person of faith and a person involved in intensive historical study, I believe the Bible along with other ancient texts can be read two different ways. As a Christian I can read in relation to my faith. However as an historian, along with other ancient faith based texts, it can be read in the context of having a window into the ancient world.

For example the Bible is a great historical family tree; in reading the Bible you can begin; along with other primary and secondary sources begin to trace the migrations of ancient tribes as they moved along the great mid Asian rift.

A good example of this discipline is in the examination of the references of Gog and Magog in the Bible. Ezekiel 38:2, “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Rosh, of Meshech and Tubal.” Genesis 10 is known as “The Table of Nations”. Magog, Tubal, and Meshech are all described as being the son of Japheth who is the son of Noah. The importance of this information is the descendents of these three sons became known as the tribe of Magog, the tribe of Tubal, the tribe of Meshech.

Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, mentions the tribe of Meshech and Tubal as being the people named the Samaritans and Muscovites, who lived at the time in the ancient province of Pontus in northern Asia Minor. Josephus, the ancient Jewish historian of the first century, said the people of his day known as the Moschevi and Thobelites were founded by Meshech and Tubal. Josephus said, “Magog is called the Scythians by the Greeks.” Josephus also said these people lived in the northern regions above the Caucasus Mountains.

Pliny, the ancient Roman historian, said, “Hierapolis taken by the Scythians was afterward called Magog.” Pliny shows that the Scythians were identified by their ancient tribal name. Most historians believe the Scythians to be the main part of the people who make up modern day Russia. William Gesenius, who was a Hebrew historian during the 19th century said, “Meshech was the founder of the Moschi, a barbarous people, who dwelt in the Moschian mountains.” Gesenius also believes the Greek name, “Moschi, derived from the Hebrew name Meshech, which he believes is the origins of the name of the city of Moscow. Gesenius believes, “Tubal is the son of Rapheth, founder of the Tibereni, a people dwelling on the Black Sea to the west of Moschi.” His conclusion is that these people make up the modern day Russian people.

This is just one example of how ancient texts can be used as a window into the ancient world. The Bible, with close study, can offer many great insights into the ancient world, as well as being a piece of religious faith.