I was discussing the Bible with my in-laws the other day and I mentioned I really needed a companion book to go with my Bible that kind of illuminated many of the events and more importantly ideas presented there.
My mother 'n' law (whom I call Mom) lent me this massive hardbound trove. The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary. I don't think the book is meant to be read from beginning to end but that is in fact what I am I doing.
So far I am finding the book fascinating and difficult to put down. I admit its size is daunting, many times the size of my NIV bible, however it's filled with beautiful illustrations and wonderful insights.
The book is laid out very much like the Bible with a chapter dedicated to each book of the Bible. In other words the book starts in Genesis and finishes in Revelations.
I will be the first to admit that I have often read a passage in the Bible and not really grasped its importance or even its underlying meaning all the time. Sometimes I have to read a passage and mull it around for awhile. Sometimes a given passage will mean one thing to me one day and then months or years later have a different meaning to me.
One thing is sure, the Bible, is the most amazing book I have ever read. You could read it a lifetime and still learn something new every time you open it.
This commentary helps bring the Bible to life and illustrates the scope and dimension that few people ever really find when they read the Bible. I started reading two days ago and have made it to Deuteronomy. Through my Bible and this Commentary I have watched the birth of our world and followed the travails of the Jewish people. Followed God's miracles as he and mankind struggle to develop a relationship.
It's powerful stuff and highlights just how amazing the Bible really is. At some point in your Christian faith you will begin to really want to know every aspect of what is written in your Bible. The Baker Illustrated Bible Commentary can help. I give it two hearty thumbs up.
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