Usually dictionaries are not my idea of leisure reading, but InterVarsity Press's Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is as at home on my bed stand as it is on my desk. From Head to Toe and Happiness to Hanging, the 980 pages between A-Aaron's rod and Z-Zion contain a wealth of information on the rich imagery and literary patterns of the Bible.
So often we approach the Bible from a theological point of view, but God, in His multi-faceted wisdom and creativity, has given us His truth wrapped in dazzling layers of imagery, metaphor, and symbols that engage our affective, emotional faculties as well as our cognitive. He uses story and all its literary conventions to present situations to which our human spirits can relate and experience the lessons therein.
His Word is replete with metaphors and motifs that appeal to our image-making faculties. Although aware of the power of pictures, most of us have only a cursory understanding of the layers of meaning they convey, whether universal or contextual. How is my body like a tent? My daughter like a corner pillar? My prayer like an arrow?
We have many theological resources available to us, but until now, have had little to open the doors to the literary treasures of the Bible. Editors Ryken, Wilhoit, and Longman have provided us with an informative, engaging, and much needed biblical tool that "explores the patterns that the biblical writers have imposed on life, with a view toward understanding what those patterns clarify about life."
This ambitious work speaks to a large audience. Clearly written, The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, will appeal to the lay reader, as well as the scholar. It will help preachers to enrich their presentations of the literal biblical text with a deeper understanding of the concrete images, themes and archetypes common to the human experience. And--a particular bonus to writers-- the treasure trove of plot structures, motifs, metaphors, and archetypes contained within these pages will provide writers with enough information and inspiration to sit right down and crank out that elusive masterpiece.
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Great resource to understand the Bible properly
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I ordered a brand new book. Instead, I received a used book written with a pen, and I don’t think it is right to receive a used book when I pay for a new book that is deceiving the customer.
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Valerie Hobbs
Far and Away the Best Companion to the Bible
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2020
Valerie Hobbs
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2020
I use this book to help me make sense of the ways that the Bible uses these typologically to tell the story of redemption. Most recently, I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from the entry for Job. Though the amount and depth of the content is as impressive as it is enriching, the book has some substantial gaps (by necessity, given the amount of material it covers), which suits me very well indeed. In this way, it leaves room for further study, pushing readers always back towards the Scriptures.
I am an academic and have several years of NT Greek education, but in my view this book is accessible to a wide audience. I highly recommend every member of the clergy and every layperson purchase this book. It is far and away the best companion to the Bible I have found. I tell everyone I possibly can about this book!
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C. Burella
Buy and Treasure forever
Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2019
C. Burella
Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2019
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Lover of the written word.
If your interested in dreams imagery, the Bible and enjoy reading this is for you.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2013