Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

c. Things (Urim and Thummim, Tabernacle, Pillar, Denarius)

d. Topics and Concepts (Diseases, Canaanite Religions, Language of the Old Testament, Prayer, Perfection, Evil, Prayer, Praise)

4. Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias also provide helpful background information on the specific books of the Bible (i.e. date, author, audience, purposes, etc.).

5. Most Bible dictionaries try to be as comprehensive as possible concerning the first three categories.

6. Benefits: these tools unlock treasures of the Bible backgrounds of various interest and importance .

7. Caution: over-reliance on the explanations contained within these tools can blunt one’s rigorous wrestling with the text FIRST .

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8. Recommended Bible dictionaries and encyclopedias

a. New Bible Dictionary , 3rd edition. I. H. Marshall & others, eds. (InterVarsity Press, 1996)

b. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (2 volumes), Walter A. Elwell, ed. (Baker 1988)

c. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (4 volumes), Geoffrey W. Bromiley, Gen. ed., Revised edition. (Eerdmans, 1979)