Anyone who reads the Bible needs ABINGDON'S COMMENTARY [recent versions are titled THE INTERPRETER'S ONE-VOLUME COMMENTARY ON THE BIBLE], or a similar scholarly work. Includes essays on the Bible in whole, by Book, on translation, society, etc. The real strength and usefulness lies in it's almost LINE-BY-LINE COMMENTS on Bible passages. There are two, count 'em, TWO different creation stories in Genesis. (It always astonishes me that people who "know" the Bible don't know that simple fact.) Is the three-stranded cord in one of the Psalms a hint at the triune nature of God? (Scholars believe it's just the way rope was made.) What, for heaven's name, is a "heave breast" mentioned where a prophet scolds Israel for doing the proper sacrifices, but says it is worthless without prayer and true gratitude? (You raise, or heave, the meal's best dish chest high, or breast high, give thanks to God, and then serve it to your guests. The description of the gesture grew to became a noun for Old Testament writers in the same way "first fruits" is used ... that which is best in our lives that we offer first to God.) How are the conflicting versions of the "Sermon on the Mount" to be understood? (Jesus probably gave this sermon several times; in one of the Gospels, it's clearly described as being given on a plain.) What is the 7 headed beast in Revelations, and who was the author John of Patmos? (Find out for yourself!) Articles are written by a wide range of scholars not excluded by personal religion, rather chosen for inclusion because of their expertise. Abingdon Press is a publishing house of the United Methodist Church. The Press can be found at abingdonpress.com. More graphics would have given this old version 5 STARS. ***** The new version has the graphics.
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