How to Experience Significant Places in the Bible with Artza Box

Studying the Bible can be hard for many reasons. It was written many years ago to people living in a time period and cultural context than us today. When we open the Bible, we discover many names, dates, and places that might feel unfamiliar to us. The stories, themes, and messages in the Bible can be a lot to remember.

Despite this, it is important for us to read and study the Bible. We learn about God and his plans for his people through the pages of scripture. Although it is hard work, it is a joy to discover the good news contained in God’s word. 

One thing that can feel particularly challenging in Bible study is geography. How does each place, location, and landmark relate to each other? Since the Bible is a book that contains the history of real people who lived in real places, we need to have some kind of understanding of Biblical geography. 

If you are able to travel, you can visit the lands in which the Biblical narrative took place. For example, you can physically see and experience the wilderness that David hid in while he was being pursued by Saul. You can visit a synagogue similar to the ones Jesus would have taught in. Finally, you can enjoy meals that are similar to what the people in the Bible would have eaten. 

However, if you can’t travel, you might miss out on these experiences. Maps, atlases, videos, and other resources are great but they are not interactive or immersive. 

What can you do, then? I have a solution. Through an Artza Box subscription you can remain in the comfort of your own home and enjoy an interactive experience with the land of the Bible. 

What is Artza Box?

The word Artza (ארצה) means “towards the land.” On their website, they write: “Our name is meant to capture the experience we hope to bring you – a journey “towards the Land” of Israel. A land with rolling hills and dusty sands. A land that is flowing with milk and honey. A land with rich history and a vibrant future. A land filled with faith and promise.” 

Artza Box is a subscription box service for Christians that aims to bring the experience of the Holy Land to you. Through this service, you can have hands-on experience with the cultures and places mentioned in the scriptures. The Artza team collaborates with Israeli artisans, small businesses, and charities to bring unique and meaningful products to you. 

Why Choose a Christian Subscription Box?

A Christian subscription box is often interactive, it can help with your spiritual growth, and it can deepen your study of the Bible. 

Some Christian subscription boxes provide devotionals or Bible studies, and subscribers get to dive into a new book of the Bible each month through their box. Others provide tools for memorizing scripture or resources to strengthen your prayer life. Many include jewelry and clothing that can uplift you in your faith. 

These boxes are wonderful because they support your walk with Christ in a hands-on way. It’s always fun to get a package in the mail, and a Christ-centered one is even better!

Artza Box is unique because it helps you connect to scripture by providing products centered around the land of Israel. Each box has a theme: for example, the Artza team have sent out Christmas boxes based on Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, and the Galilee region. 

The boxes often feature food, recipes, spices, jewelry, and artwork from each location. 

Related: Where to Start Reading in the Bible

How Artza Box Can Help You Experience the Places in the Bible 

The team at Artza Box sent me their most recent box all about biblical archaeology. As someone who recently completed a Master’s in Biblical Studies, I was particularly excited about this one! 

I would love to share about this box in case you would like to learn more before trying it. Like their other boxes, the Biblical Archaeology Box provides an interactive, hands-on experience with various places mentioned in the Bible. 

A Look Inside their Biblical Archaeology Box 

The Biblical Archaeology Box features eight products from eight different artisans, businesses, and charities across Israel. It takes you through the Garden of Gethsemane, the Qumran and the Dead Sea, Capernaum, and the Pools of Bethesda. 

When I visited Israel in 2023, I got to experience many of these places — I loved how the box reminded me of my time in each of these places! If you aren’t able to visit, I think this box gives you a great window into what these places are like. 

Let’s take a look at some of my products included in this box. 

Related: How to Easily Do A Biblical Word Study

Lentil Spice Mix

This spice mix was sourced from a third-generation farmer who lives and works along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The Artza team also included a recipe for Mediterranean Red Lentils. You can use the spice mix to put together this authentic Mediterranean dish!

Ceramic Inkwell Replica

This one was really cool. It was inspired by inkwells found in Qumran caves (the Qumran community copied and preserved the Dead Sea Scrolls. We have access to these manuscripts today because of their diligence!). This replica is great for teaching both kids and adults about Biblical translation. It also comes with a papyrus paper that you can use to practice your Hebrew! 

Wooden Ark Building Kit

Next, the Biblical Archaeology Box also includes a building kit to help you construct a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. Like the previous item, this is great for educational purposes. The Ark of the Covenant is featured in the Old Testament countless times, and it’s great to have a hands-on resource for discussing and studying it. 

Ancient Coin Wax Stamp & Hand Pressed Prayer Notes

I enjoy writing letters so I thought that the ancient coin wax stamp was really cool. It was inspired by an ancient coin found in Israel 2000 years ago – around the time that Jesus walked the earth. It comes with wax that you can use to seal letters. The Hand Pressed Prayer notes are made by an organization that supports women who are fleeing from abusive relationships, and each note features a Hebrew prayer. You can send these notes to friends and family, as well as anyone in your life who might need a little extra encouragement. 

I’ll keep the other three items as a surprise so you can experience delight when you receive your own box!

Conclusion

By subscribing to Artza Box, you can have a fun and interactive experience with the culture and places in the Bible. The Artza Box can help make the Bible come alive for you and your loved ones as you read and study it together. 

I would highly recommend checking out their current box, or purchasing one of their past boxes. You can choose an annual or a seasonal subscription. The team was kind enough to offer me a code for 20% off your first box. Use the code DAILYSHEPURSUES20 at checkout. 

If a subscription does not work for you currently, they also have a store with individual items.