‘The Bible,’ a new mini-series on ‘History Channel’ produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett is a sure hit. It covers “Genesis to Revelation” by bringing viewers five two-hour episodes that each share two or three biblical stories. By watching the mini-series one can experience the stories visually which can help them to better understand The Bible. The premiere that aired on Sun. Mar. 3 brought in 13.1 million viewers, causing the History Channel to beat their own ratings record. After being named the #1 Telecast of the year, they aired two new parts on Sun. Mar. 10.
Parts 1 and 2 that aired last week ended with Joshua becoming leader, and sending spies into Jericho. The show’s latest airing on Sun. Mar. 10 brought stories of Samson, King Saul, David and Goliath, Bathsheba, and Solomon.
Part two “Homeland/”The Kingdom” began with Jericho and Rehab the prostitute. Joshua received instruction from an angel about how to defeat Jericho. Joshua and the Israelites successfully captured Jericho, and Rahab and her family were spared because of her help in capturing the city.
Next up was the story of Samson. God blessed Samson with supernatural strength to fight the Philistine. Samson’s first wife and father were killed by the Philistine, which caused her to suffer fiercely. Later Samson meets another Philistine woman named Delilah who fulfilled a Philistine leader’s request to find out Samson’s weakness in exchange for pay. Delilah cut Samson’s hair though it was forbidden by God. The hair cut causes Samson’s strength to decrease to normal. Samson prays to God to have his strength again. He pushed down pillars in the temple where he was chained.
Then was the story of Saul becoming King. However, David was more highly respected among the people due to his war victories. David’s popularity causes Saul to be jealous and angry. After Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle, David becomes the King.
Much of the remaining points of the episode centered around the story of David. ‘The Bible’ covered his story as a young shepherd. The famous David and Goliath story in which he defeated the giant was presented as well. His issues with Saul, his time as a king, and his adulterous affair with Bathsheba was all shown in the latest episode. Bathsheba was married to David’s loyal soldier Uriah, but David wanted her for himself. David schemes to have Uriah killed in battle. Bathsheba becomes pregnant with David’s child, but due to David’s sin, the baby dies shortly after birth.
At the conclusion of 'The Bible' for Sun. Mar. 10, we see David and Bathsheba with their son Solomon who will later become King.
The high ratings prove the nation’s consistent curiosity about Jesus Christ, and the Holy Bible. Whether or not every viewer calls him their Lord and Savior, they are tuning in nonetheless. Believers are enjoying the visuals that go along with the stories that they have always read.
The mini-series which wraps on Sun. Mar. 31, has been carefully constructed to accurately bring viewers Biblical facts. Burnett and Downey sought the assistance of numerous pastors and Biblical scholars, in order to rightfully share the gospel in the best way possible.
Next week’s show which airs on Sun. Mar. 17, brings “Survival,” and “Hope.” Those tuning in will get to witness the story of Zedekiah, Nebuchadenezzar, Daniel, and the Jews returning to Jerusalem. The Roman occupation, Birth of Christ, John the Baptist, and Jesus and Peter will also be covered.
Looks like Roma Downey and Mark Burnett’s project has been met with great enthusiasm, and it is reasonable to believe that the ratings will continue to skyrocket.
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