Customer Reviews

The Minor Prophets, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I appreciate this set for what it is but it is crucial when buying that you understand what this is. This set provides you with historical background on passages of Scripture but in doing so focuses heavily on ANE parallel writings. For example, if you looked up a passage in Judges it may point you to a Ugaritic or Akkadian text which uses similar language. Yet what this series is not going to do and never intends to do is tell you what a text means. It is enlightening but depending on what your interest is, may or may not be helpful for you. Often there are pictures of the region which the Scripture is talking about which are gorgeous to look at and helpful to fully understand the landscape and the action. This set is great for what it is but before you buy it understand what that it is before you cry about a wasted $100+.

Although I have no complaints regarding the content, I would caution potential buyers on two points. First, for the cost these volumes exhibit some of the poorest binding I've seen. I will not return them because I have an immediate use for the set but they are unlikely to survive any serious use over time. If you're looking for reference materials that will outlast you, look elsewhere. Secondly, be aware that these books are printed in China ... an increasingly disturbing trend.

This is an amazing product. The depth and breadth of these volumes is incredible. I now keep these volumes within reaching distance as I study the Old Testament. Each section is heavily footnoted for further study. The illustrations add meaningful context to the Old Testament. We are separated from the Scriptures by language, culture, and time. These volumes go a long way in removing the cultural obstacles from understanding the text. I look forward to a lifetime of mining this treasure for insights into the Holy Scripture. Thank you, Dr. Walton and all of the contributors.

I received this in time for the class I needed it for, which I am very grateful for. It is also a book in great condition and I received it for a price that can't be beat.