What role does a mental map of the biblical world play in our Bible reading?

It allows us to see in our minds the areas the authors are talking about. We can then get more from our reading and study of the Bible.

The mental map of the biblical world gives us the natural familiarity the geography of the bible. It enables us to make quick connection and understand the context of the writing. It help us to really save time when we try to integrate the geographical element to the text.

When the biblical authors wrote the passages, they are banking on their mind map of a specific location, and they are expecting their readers to have a similar mind map. So, modern readers will need to develop a similar mind map before understanding the author’s intention. The mind map can be created by our visits to the Holy land or by getting a Bible Atlas to familiarize ourselves with that location.