A Review
The Biographical Bible is not a Bible - it is not a Study Bible or a Devotional Bible. Rather it is biographical dictionary of the major individuals found in the Christian Scriptures. Based on solid scholarship, it also has a devotional flavor.
Each chapter is devoted to a period of history - most covering the lives of two or more Biblical characters. For example the first three chapters cover the following characters:
Chapter 1 - Adam, Eve, and the Boys: From Eden to the Tower of Babel
Chapter 2 - Abraham and Sarah: Joys and Tribulations of Old Age
Chapter 3 - Isaac and Rebekah: Marital Missteps and Misery
With 24 chapters, I am estimating that 75 to 100 people are discussed with varying amount of detail.
Within those 24 chapters, the author brings to life people and events that make up Biblical history in very readable series of vignettes that allow the reader to appreciate the contribution that each has made to the Spiritual history of Israel and the Church.
My major complaint with the book is the separation of Biblical footnotes from other references (i.e. other primary and secondary sources). Biblical footnotes are collected in an index at the rear of the text, other references are footnoted in place. Each chapter also includes a list of suggested works for “Further Reading”.
The book is a welcome reference book to the library of a pastor or teacher doing a biographical study - whether of a single individual or of a series of characters. It stands along similar works by such authors as Alexander Whyte, James Hastings, Charles Spurgeon, and John MacArthur. It is my hope that this book gains a wide audience and appreciation within the church.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment