Biblical reference books for ministers

A Review of Bible Reference Tools

I chose a theme (‘Jubilee’) and wrote a comparative evaluation of the treatment the theme receives in The Anchor Bible Dictionary, The New Dictionary of the Bible for Interpreters, HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and D. Bruggemann reverberations of faith.

Anchor Bible Dictionary

In defining the ‘Year of Jubilee’, The Anchor Bible Dictionary (ABD) covers socioeconomics, theology, exegesis, historicity, ethics, and eschatology as applied to the subject. Well-researched (more interesting?) sermons and more comprehensive exegetical articles can be developed using this source. Of the four dictionaries reviewed, Anchor is perhaps the best source for this type of information, without analysis of modern implications. A theologically oriented work, apart from unusually interested lay readers, ABD will remain the preserve of theologians.

HarperCollins Bible Dictionary

Brief and concise, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (HCBD) provides the basics, including the correct English pronunciation and Hebrew derivation. The historical function; the what, when and why the ‘jubilee’ was proclaimed is listed without details, and the full entry comprises a summary paragraph. This dictionary may be best used by anyone who is unfamiliar with Biblical scholarship and who requires concise, easy-to-understand definitions. Rather, theologians may find this quick study a simple refresher, convenient when a direct definition is required. In its brevity, HCBD stands in stark contrast to the other three dictionaries in this review.

reverberations of faith

reverberations of faith It is a socio-theological work and editorial analysis. It is admitted that the historicity of the jubilee, especially when it pertains to the ‘covenant imagination of ancient Israel’, is unverified. Therefore, the opinion expressed in this reference work is, by definition, partly speculative. ‘Reverberations of Faith’ presents Jubilee as potentially relevant to today’s economy, though he claims that this ‘requires an immense moral imagination’. A weakness is the leap of faith the reader must take to accept the interpretation. Any disagreement on your part means that the work is potentially less valuable, however this can also be turned to your advantage if there is agreement. Still, the usefulness of the job is much more apparent when deadlines loom. Very useful for crafting sermons, exegetical interpretations, and all efforts that relate the Bible to today, in ways that perhaps weekly churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike can (often) relate to.

New Bible dictionary for interpreters

Tea Dictionary of the new interpreter (NID) spends an additional paragraph explaining the evolution of the Jubilee as expanded in Isaiah 61 and the Synoptic Gospels, hinting at an eschatological element to the theme. Brief explorations in socioeconomics, exegesis, historicity, and ethics are also offered. Like ABD, NID is primarily for theologians and is a theological work. The joint use of NID and ABD can verify the information comprehensively. NID is much shorter, which makes it perhaps more useful when time is of the essence.