Benjamin Nieves Carrasquillo Jr.’s Through the Lens of an Ancient Yisra’elite Bible Study offers an ambitious reexamination of Scripture through a Hebraic and historical framework.

The book argues that modern Christianity has often misread the Bible by interpreting it through Western language and tradition rather than its original cultural and linguistic context. By returning to the world of ancient Israel—its language, customs, and theological assumptions—the author seeks to present a more authentic understanding of key biblical ideas, frequently challenging long-held interpretations.

Carrasquillo explores wide-ranging themes that include the nature of God, language’s role in shaping theology, and the relationship between Christianity and its Jewish roots. He particularly emphasizes the importance of Hebrew and Greek terms, arguing that translation often obscures meaning.

The book reinterprets foundational concepts like covenant and atonement through an ancient Near Eastern lens; simultaneously, it applies this framework to contemporary practices, such as tithing and speaking in tongues, often with provocative results.

One of its greatest strengths is its clear sense of purpose and intellectual energy. Carrasquillo demonstrates a strong engagement with linguistic detail and biblical cross-referencing, often presenting complex ideas in accessible ways. His discussions of biblical festivals, agrarian practices, and key theological terms are particularly illuminating.

However, some hurdles exist. Core arguments occasionally cycle through similar points—particularly the emphasis on recovering Hebrew context and correcting Western interpretation—which can slow the pace. Additionally, the tone at times jarringly shifts into more informal territory, as in phrases like “But wait a minute…” or more forceful conclusions, such as labeling certain practices “a complete disgrace.” Occasionally, interpretive claims, such as linking modern glossolalia to pagan ecstatic speech, are presented with a degree of certainty that may not align with the broader spectrum of scholarly interpretation.

These points aside, this is a well-researched, thought-provoking work that invites readers to engage with Scripture more carefully and attentively.

Also available in paperback and ebook.