Book Review: Chronological Guide to the Bible

It should go without saying that Scripture and scriptural knowledge is central to the Christian life.  However, because it has gone unsaid, Scripture is often unread.  If one were to read the reports on the state of contemporary Christianity they would note that biblical ignorance and/or biblical indifference is rife throughout the church.

As a pastor I have rarely met the Christian who has determinedly ignored Scripture.  Instead, what I find are Christians who desire to read and engage the Bible but have no frame of reference by which they can understand a book written over several millennia and is now two thousand years old.  In fact, most often I encounter my parishioner’s disappointment and discouragement having attempted, with enthusiasm, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the Word of God.

So, it was with great interest that I received for review a complimentary copy of the Chronological Guide to the Bible.  The stated purpose of this publication is,

To help readers acquire a greater appreciation for the historical dimensions of the biblical message.  The Bible is not a theology book arranged according to topics: God, man, sin, salvation, etc.  Nor is it simply a chronicle of events from creation to the final consummation.  Historical events are often the Bible’s subject matter, but these events are always reported from the perspective of theological history.  It is in the arena of history that God has chosen to make Himself known.

Having set this as their task the contributors have succeeded.  This little book (217 pages), which covers the era prior to the Patriarchs and continues into the church age, turned out to be a wonderful Bible-reading companion.  Published by Thomas Nelson this guide helps set the people, places, events and customs of the Bible in their chronological, historical and geographical setting; all of which offer the modern reader of Scripture hand-holds as they walk into the world of the Bible.

Some elements I found particularly helpful:

• The arrangement of the Biblical texts in their chronological order give the reader a sense of historical flow to the unfolding story of divine redemption.
• The use of historical timelines inclusive of world events outside of the biblical narrative offer the reader a comprehensive understanding of the world in which God was – and remains – active.
• The usage of images and boxed articles on topics like, “Hezekiah’s Tunnel,” “Sheol For All The Dead Without Distinction,” and “Candace’s Eunuch Believes” brings to life details within the fabric of Scripture offering the reader insight in the detail and meaning of God’s interaction with humanity.

This companion book, read along side your Bible, opens an ancient world to modern men and women.