Field Notes are quick sketches from the Biblical world – the people, places, rulers, etc. that show up in Scripture and shape the story around them.
Sometimes that still means looking at the armor Paul describes in Ephesians. If that’s what you’re after, you can find each piece of the armor in the sidebar links at right.

  • Field Notes: Nile River

    The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt, providing water, food, and transportation.

    It is where Moses was placed in a basket and found by Pharoah’s daughter (Exodus 2).

    It is where the first plague occurred, when the water was turned to blood (Exodus 7).

    The Nile played a central role in Egypt’s power and daily life during the time of the Exodus.

    The pyramids were already ancient by the time of Moses, so he likely saw them. Jesus was brought here as a baby, so it is not likely He saw them…though, to be fair, He probably knew they were there.

    Nile River and delta from orbit, via NASA (public domain)

  • Field Notes: Mediterranean Sea

    The Mediterranean Sea formed the western boundary of the land of Israel. It was a major route for travel and trade in the ancient world. The Apostle Paul traveled across it during his missionary journeys, including his voyage to Rome. It is where Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome (Acts 27). Jesus’s ministry…

  • Field Notes: Dead Sea

    The Dead Sea is a salt lake located at the lowest point on earth. Water flows from the Sea of Galilee (a place with much life) through the Jordan River into the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has no outlet, so water flows in but does not flow out, resulting in the inability for any…

  • Field Notes: Sea of Galilee

    The Sea of Galilee was the center of Jesus’ ministry in northern Israel. Many of His most well-known moments happened there. It’s where He called fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. It’s where Jesus calmed a raging storm. It is where Jesus walked on water, and where Peter also walked on…

  • Field Notes: Jordan River

    When the Israelites led by Joshua reached the Jordan River, it was at flood stage – fast and deep – impossible to cross on their own. God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the water. As soon as their feet touched the river, the flow stopped, and the people…

  • Field Notes: Red Sea

    When the Israelites reached the Red Sea, they were trapped. Pharoah’s army was right behind them, the Red Sea was in front of them, and they had nowhere to go. God told Moses to stretch out his hand, and the waters of the Red Sea parted. The people crossed on dry ground with walls of…

  • Field Notes: Jacob’s Well – Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

    John 4 Jesus sits down at a well… tired, waiting. A Samaritan woman comes to draw water, and He asks her for a drink. The conversation moves quickly past the water in the well, and He offers her something she was not expecting…living water. Then it gets personal. He knows her, and He knows her…