Unlocking the Books of Moses

Unlocking the Books of Moses develops an awareness of the foundational principles in the message of the Bible rather than focusing on isolated stories of Old Testament patriarchs.

Writing in bite-sized 15-minute portions, veteran Bible teacher B. Gilbert Rice examines the writings of Moses within the context of an ancient Near Eastern perspective that provides insight into concepts foreign to many readers.

This 40-day Bible study highlights reconciliation between God and mankind as the unifying theme of God’s Word and helps the reader follow this thread through the Pentateuch.

“Just as God took Moses to the top of the mountain for sweeping views of the Promised Land, this book provides a breathtaking and insightful overview of the rich content in the Books of Moses. The straightforward, fast-paced approach keeps readers engaged on a 40-day journey to understand the most foundational principles of our faith. As a pastor, I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a greater understanding of the Bible, regardless of their experience or level of study. Its practical applications, depth of research and well-written prose make this book a great resource for personal devotion and Bible study.”

— Jerry J. Jeter, D.Min., Lead Pastor, RiverLife Church in Bradenton, Florida

“Rice helped me understand the concepts of the biblical covenant and animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, bringing clarity to these challenging issues by pairing the historical text, Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, with the readable NIV version of the Old Testament. By providing historical and cultural context, the significance of these scriptures come into sharper focus.”

— Dale Denham, CEO



“Rice’s expertise in the areas of history and biblical knowledge makes this book a standout among Bible studies. As a teacher, I appreciate Rice’s ability to explain challenging biblical concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.”

— Kim Pasch, Teacher and Lifelong Learner

“I believe that the greatest challenge of the contemporary church in the West is reconciling all of life with God and embracing a holistic faith experience. In Unlocking the Books of Moses, B. Gilbert Rice offers a critical piece to that reconciliation and the restoration of coherence.”

— Dr. Steve Hall, Pastor

“I’ve attended church my entire life, and I am discovering that looking at the Bible through a historical lens helps me see things in a way I’ve never seen them before. I appreciate Rice’s historical knowledge that illuminates the scriptures in a new and exciting way. As a small business owner with a busy schedule, I like the way the book is organized. The short daily readings can be read in 10-15 minutes. I highly recommend this book for busy people who appreciate the historical aspect of the Bible.”

— Syndee Daugherty, Small Business Owner

“I have studied the first five books of the Bible in the past, however, B. Gilbert Rice was able to unfold the Books of Moses in an insightful and concise manner that gave me a deeper understanding and a new perspective of these books. Unlocking the Books of Moses unfolds the first five books of the Bible in such a way that brings relevancy, not only to the New Testament but also to today’s culture. If you are interested in deepening your relationship with God, Unlocking the Books of Moses is for you.”

— Richard L. Smith, Small Group Bible Leader


About the Author

As a young person, Barbara Gilbert Rice was intrigued by the fact that so many churches came to so many varied conclusions using the very same Bible. That awareness motivated her to read the Bible for herself. At the ripe old age of sixteen, she read the Bible from cover to cover. Wanting a deeper understanding, she signed up for college courses on the history of ancient Israel and the neighbors of early Israel—the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Sumerians—eventually receiving degrees in history and religious studies.

Barbara became a respected Bible teacher and speaker with a passion to help people know the Lord through His word. She believes that examining the Old Testament from the perspective of the ancient Near Eastern context leads to a better understanding of the character of God. Her book, Unlocking the Books of Moses, highlights the unifying theme of the Bible as the reconciliation between God and mankind.