Book Reccomedations | SBS International

Book Recommendations

We hope that you will enjoy browsing through this list. It is by no means comprehensive but will give you some ideas. Informational material derived from amazon.com or christianbook.com. Browse them for more comprehensive descriptions and reviews of individual books.

DVD/Video

• The Visual Bible (Portrayed word for word from the Bible)
• Matthew, John, and Acts.

General Reference

Dictionaries, Commentaries, Encyclopedias, Concordances:

• Evangelical Dictionary of Theology by Walter A. Elwell [Baker Academic; 2 edition – May 1, 2001] – A balanced overview of Evangelical Theology
• A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs by David W. Bercot [Hendrickson Publishers – July 1, 1998] – Contains over 700 theological, moral and historical topics which opens up the world of early Christianity.
• Dictionary of Judaism in the Biblical Period: 450 B.C.E. to 600 C.E. by Jacob Neusner and William Scott Green [Hendrickson Publishers – June 1, 1999] – Defines the concepts, terms and practices in early Judaism. A resource with indispensable information for the serious Bible student.
• Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Completely Revised and Updated Edition by Ronald F. Youngblood [Thomas Nelson – August 25, 1995] – A comprehensive dictionary with maps, photographs and pronunciation guides.
• Tyndale Bible Dictionary by Walter A. Elwell and Philip W., Ph.D. Comfort [Tyndale House Publishers – February 6, 2008] – The work of 139 scholars this dictionary includes cross-references, additional details along with maps, illustrations and photos. Laid out in BRI fashion it makes an easy reference guide.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the Old & New Testament Words by W. E. Vine [Nelson’s Publlishing] – Help in understanding word, context and where they come from.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible by James Strong [Hendrickson Publishers; Har/Cdr Up edition – June 30, 2007] – Need help finding a word or verse in scripture? What does the word mean in Greek or Hebrew? This concordance is one of the most used reference tools for the KJV.
• The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, 5 Volumes by Merrill C. Tenney [Zondervan -1976] – A comprehensive encyclopedia featuring contributions for over 200 scholars.
• The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (4 Volume Set) by James Orr, John L. Nuelsen, and Edgar Young Mullins [Hendrickson Publishers; Rei (4 Volume Set) edition – January 1, 1994] – A classic reference dictionary that gives detailed information on Biblical and historical times.
• Evangelical Commentary on the Bible by Walter A. Elwell [Baker Pub Group – September 1989] – An easy to understand commentary that includes outlines and introductions to each book.

Miscellaneous:

• The Septuagint with Apocrypha: Greek and English by L. C. L., Sir Brenton [Hendrickson Publishers – April 1, 1986] – This is the Greek translation of the ancient Hebrew paralleled by the English translation.
• The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations by Michael W. Holmes [Baker Academic – November 1, 2007]- Includes translation of various writers like Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp. A great tool to begin a study of early church history.
• The Complete Sermons of Martin Luther in 7 Volumes [Baker Book House – 2000]
Guide to Pronouncing Biblical Names by T. S. K. Scott-Craig [Morehouse Publishing – January 1, 1982] – A small book that is a tremendous help in knowing how to pronounce those unfamiliar names listed in the Bible.

Historical Background:

• A History of Christianity, Volume 1: Beginnings to 1500 by Kenneth S. Latourette [HarperOne; Revised edition – October 15, 1975] – Considered a classic this book gives an overview of church history up to the 1500’s.
• A History of Christianity, Volume 2: Reformation to the Present by Kenneth S. Latourette [HarperOne; Revised edition – October 15, 1975] – Gives an overview of church history from the reformation to date of writing.
• Life in Biblical Israel by Philip J. King and Lawrence E. Stager [Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition – January 16, 2002] – A recreation of life and thoughts of the people of Israel.
• A History of Israel by John Bright [Westminster John Knox Press; 4 edition – August 2000]
– Not an easy read but packed with information.
• A History of Israel : From Conquest to Exile by John J. Davis [Baker Book House – 1981]
• A History of Israel: From the Bronze Age Through the Jewish Wars by Walter C. Kaiser [Broadman & Holman Publishers – January 1998] – Good, clear information.
• The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times by Ralph Gower [Moody Publishers – October 12, 2005] – Maps, photographs, charts and diagrams help bring to life the cultural aspect of the Bible.
• Insights Into Bible Times and Customs by G. Christian Weiss [Back to the Bible – 1972]
• Josephus: The Essential Writings by Flavius Josephus and Paul L. Maier [Kregel Academic & Professional – July 12, 1990] – Maier translates and condenses Josephus into an easy to read format.
• The Stones Cry Out: What Archaeology Reveals About the Truth of the Bible by Randall Price [Harvest House Publishers – November 1, 1997] – Archaeological support for Biblical truth.
• The Origin of the Bible by F.F. Bruce, J.I. Packard, Philip Comfort and Carl F.H. Henry [Tyndale House – 2004] – Gives and overview of how the Bible began; it’s inspiration, canonization and translation.

Apologetics:

• Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Volume 1: Historical Evidences for the Christian Faith by Josh McDowell – A defense for the claims of Christianity, the New Testament and the life of Christ.
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Volume2 by Josh McDowell – This book addresses archaeological, historical and literary criticism.
• The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict Fully Updated To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians Today by Josh McDowell [Thomas Nelson; Rev Upd edition – November 23, 1999] – The updated version of his first 2 volumes. Be ready with a defense of the gospel and the issues of today.

• Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin and Ravi Zacharias [Bethany House; Rev Upd edition – October 1, 2003] – A reference work for major cults including Jehovah Witness, Mormonism, Unification, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age, etc.

Difficult Passages, Imagery, Figure of Speech:

• Today’s Handbook for Solving Bible Difficulties by David I. O’Brien [Bethany House Publishers – July 1990] – A helpful guide in solving difficult passages in the Bible.
• New International Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties by Jr., Gleason L. Archer [Zondervan – August 1, 2001] – A book that provides some insight to the Bible’s most difficult questions.
• Hard Sayings of the Bible by Peter H. Davids, Frederick Fyvie Bruce, Manfred T. Brauch, and Walter C. Kaiser [InterVarsity Press; Subsequent edition – October 1996] – Historical, cultural, and linguistic background helps provide good references for those difficult verses.
• Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Leland Ryken, Jim Wilhoit, Tremper Longman, and Colin Duriez [InterVarsity Press – November 1998] – Explores the images, symbols, motifs, and metaphors of the Bible
• Figures of Speech Used in the Bible: Explained and Illustrated by E. W. Bullinger [Baker Books – April 1, 2003] – A valuable reference tool in understanding and explaining the different figures of speech used in nearly 8.000 passages throughout the Bible.

Maps and Charts:

• Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts: All the Visual Bible Study Aids and Helps in One Key Resource-Fully Reproducible by Nelson Reference [Thomas Nelson – September 4, 1999] – A resource full of visual aids which can be reproduced for classroom use.
• Tyndale Handbook of Bible Charts and Maps by Neil S. Wilson and Linda Chaffee Taylor [Tyndale House Publishers; Pap/Com edition – October 1, 2001] – Reproducible for classroom use this book contains over 400 charts and 200 maps.
• The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands by Barry Beitzel [Moody Publishers – October 15, 1985]
–Text and maps combine to make this atlas a great reference tool for your library.

Methodology

• Hooked On The Word by Ron Smith [YWAM Publishing – August 1994] – Find out the value of Bible meditation.
• God’s Words: Studies of Key Bible Themes by J.I. Packer [IVP Publishing – 1981] – A look at 17 key Bible themes such as grace, revelation and justification.
• Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Douglas K. Stuart [Westminster John Knox Press; 3 edition – October 2001] – Updated and revised this book gives you resources in methodology for both sermons and study.
• New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors by Gordon D. Fee [Westminster John Knox Press; 3 Sub edition – March 2002] – This revised edition will help you understand the New Testament using both literature and Internet resources.
• Methodical Bible Study by Mr. Robert A. Traina [Zondervan – January 1, 2002] – A look at Inductive Bible Study.
• Gospel and Spirit: Issues in New Testament Hermeneutics by Gordon D. Fee [Hendrickson Publishers – October 1, 1991] – A collection of essays and lectures that offer insight into allowing the New Testament to speak for itself about today’s issues.
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart [Zondervan; 3 Revised edition – November 1, 2003] – A book to help you focus on the historical contexts and gain understanding of what the Bible meant then and how to apply it for today.
• How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart [Zondervan – March 1, 2002] – Understand how each book of the Bible fits together as a whole.

Miscellaneous

• Regions on the run: Introductory map studies in the land of the Bible by James M Monson [Biblical Backgrounds, Inc – 1998] – Three dimensional maps and gospel outlines help in understanding the lay of the land during Biblical times.
• The Holy Land (The Ancient World) by Peter Connolly [Oxford University Press, USA – March 25, 1999] – Geography, archeology and illustrations helps reconstruct of the life of the Jewish people during the reign of King Herod.
• The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity by Philip Jenkins [Oxford University Press, USA; Revised and Updated edition – March 19, 2007] – Understanding modern Christianity and looking at the expansion of Christianity and the conflict between Islam.
• The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements by Stanley M. Burgess, Eduard M. van der Maas, and Ed van der Maas [Zondervan; Rev Exp edition – June 1, 2002] – This book reveals the history behind the Spirit-filled movements across the centuries and the continents.
• God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul by Gordon D. Fee [Hendrickson Publishers – July 1, 1994] – A comprehensive look at Paul’s thoughts on the Holy Spirit.
• Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos [Banner of Truth; New Ed edition – July 1, 1975] • Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture by Jr., Dr. Walter C. Kaiser and Dr. Duane Garrett [Zondervan; Har/Cdr edition – March 1, 2006] – Articles and photographs that will bring historical context to the Bible.

New Testament Commentaries

• Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary Set by Steven M. Baugh, Peter H. Davids, David E. Garland , and David W. J. Gill [Zondervan – August 1, 2002] – A three book set that looks at the history and background of the New Testament complete with color photos.
• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener [InterVarsity Press – February 1994] – A verse by verse aid in providing the cultural background of what you are reading.
• Tyndale New Testament Commentaries by R. T. France, R. Alan Cole, Leon Morris, and Colin G. Kruse [IVP Academic – January 2007] – Each volume covers themes and questions about each book and possible interpretations.
• New International Commentary on the New Testament (18 Volume Set) by Gordon D. Fee [Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company – June 1984] – An up-to-date exhaustive set offering helpful insight into the different books.
• The Gospel and Epistles of John by F. F Bruce [Eerdmans Pub. Co – 1994] – A verse by verse look at the original text and it’s relevance for today.
• Commentary on Romans (Luther Classic Commentaries) by Martin Luther and J. Theodore Mueller [Kregel Classics; 3 edition – May 20, 2003] – A classic.
• Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians by Charles Hodge [Sovereign Grace Publishers Inc. – September 30, 2002] – One hundred years after first published this book still provides solid insights into the book of Ephesians.
• First and Second Timothy and Titus: Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by Thomas C. Oden [J. Knox Press – November 1989] – Based on concepts rather than verse by verse. Presents a compelling case for Pauline authorship.
• Hebrews: A Call To Commitment by William L. Lane [Regent College Publishing – February 1, 2004] – A look at the Roman church; persecuted and close to denying their faith. Sounds familiar to today’s church?
• More Than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation by William Hendriksen [Baker Books – June 1, 1998] – A useful book in understanding Revelation.
• Revelation: A Practical Commentary: Text and Interpretation by L. van Hartingsveld and John Vriend [Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company – January 1985]

New Testament General Reference

Eschatology

• Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond by Darrell L. Bock, Jr., Kenneth L. Gentry, Robert B. Strimple, and Stanley N. Gundry [Zondervan – March 1, 1999] – Unfamiliar with eschatology or want a better understanding of premillennial, postmillennial, and amillennial views, then this book will help.

Women in Ministry:

• Women in Ministry: Four Views by Bonnidell Clouse and Robert G. Clouse [InterVarsity Press – May 1989] – Each writer expresses their view on women in ministry and responds to other views held.
• I Suffer Not a Woman: Rethinking I Timothy 2:11-15 in Light of Ancient Evidence by Richard Clark Kroeger and Catherine Clark Kroeger [Baker Academic – February 1, 1998]
– Archaeological & scriptural evidence sheds light on what Paul spoke about women in 1 Timothy.

Spiritual Warfare:

• Powers of Darkness: Principalities & Powers in Paul’s Letters by Clinton E. Arnold [InterVarsity Press – January 1992] – Examining the Greek, Jewish and Roman beliefs, Clinton Arnold looks at the forces of darkness through the letters of Paul and how we can contend with them today.
• Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians by Clinton E. Arnold [Wipf & Stock Publishers – December 2001] – Understanding the spiritual interests and power in first century Asia Minor.
• 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare by Clinton E. Arnold [Baker Academic – August 1, 1997] – Answers these three questions: What is spiritual warfare? Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Are we called to engage territorial spirits?

Paul:

• The Problem With Paul by Brian J. Dodd [InterVarsity Press – May 1996] – Paul, controversial and seemingly contradictory? Helping to understand and gain insight into Paul and his teachings.
• Paul Apostle of the Heart Set Free by Frederick Fyvie Bruce [Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company – January 2000] – An excellent book on Paul, his personality and the culture of the times.

Holy Spirit:

• God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul by Gordon D. Fee [Hendrickson Publishers – July 1, 1994] – A comprehensive look at Paul’s understanding of the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Security:

• Four Views on Eternal Security by Michael S. Horton, Norman L. Geisler, Stephen M. Ashby, and J. Steven Harper [Zondervan – May 1, 2002] – Weigh the strengths and weaknesses as each view is discussed: classical Calvinist, moderate Calvinist, reformed Arminian, and Wesleyan Arminian
• Four Views on Hell by John F. Walvoord, Zachary J. Hayes, Clark H. Pinnock, and William Crockett [Zondervan; New Ed edition – January 6, 1997] – A look at hell from four different views.

Early Religions:

• Gnosis. The Nature And History Of Gnosticism by Kurt Rudolph [T. & T. Clark Publishers – June 1998] – A look at the early religion of Gnosticism.
• Greek Religion by Walter Burkert [Harvard University Press – July 26, 1985] – This book takes a look at Greek religion in the 800-300 B.C. period.

Historical Background:

• Archaeology and the New Testament by John McRay [Baker Academic – February 1, 2008] – Maps, charts, diagrams of New Testament sites uncovered.
• Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament: The Sarum Lectures 1960-1961 by A. N. Sherwin-White [Wipf & Stock Publishers – June 2004] – Gain insight and understanding of the Roman culture by taking a look at it’s laws and society.
• The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, Michael Grant, and Robert Graves [Penguin Classics – May 6, 2003] – Suetonius writes similar to our tabloid journalists today who do not smooth over conflicting reports and like to highlight the private lives and personalities of his subjects.
• The Annals of Imperial Rome by Cornelius Tacitus, Alfred John Church, and William Jackson Brodbribb [Digireads.com – January 1, 2005] – The history of the Roman Empire 14 A.D. – 66 A.D. (Tiberius to Nero)
• Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius Pamphilus and C. F. Cruse [Hendrickson Publishers; Updated edition – October 1, 1998] – Named the “Father of Church History”, Eusebius transcribed vital facts and information of the Christian Church in the first 3 centuries.
• Behind the Scenes of the New Testament by Paul William Barnett [InterVarsity Press – December 1990] – A look at the 1st century Jews.
• The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity by James S. Jeffers [InterVarsity Press – October 1999] – Well written, this book will help you gain insight into what life was like for Christians in the 1st century.
• Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus: An Investigation into Economic & Social Conditions During the New Testament Period by Joachim Jeremias [Augsburg Fortress Publishers – June 1979] – Economy, social classes, social positions discussed will give you insight into the world around Jesus.

• Daily Life at the Time of Jesus by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh [Palphot – July 10, 2007]
– Full of pictures this takes a simple look at daily life.
• New Testament History by F.F. Bruce [Galilee / Doubleday – March 15, 1983] – Jesus and the history of two generations of Christians.
• New Testament Times: Understanding the World of the First Century by Merrill Tenney [Baker Books – May 1, 2004] – Photographs, maps and charts help you visualize the 1st century world along with answers to questions that you may have.
• The Holy Land (The Ancient World) by Peter Connolly [Oxford University Press, USA – March 25, 1999] – A reconstruction of the lives of the Jewish people up to the fall of Masada in 73 A.D.
• The Holy Temple of Jerusalem by Chaim Richman [Carta – January 1997] – An extensive look at the Temple services, vessels and rites.
• The Temple: Its Ministry and Services, Updated Edition by Alfred Edersheim [Hendrickson Publishers; Updated edition – January 1, 1994] – Gain understanding of the Temple and its services through this book.
• The Ritual of the Temple in the Time of Christ by Leen Ritmeyer and Kathleen Ritmeyer [Carta Jerusalem – January 2002] – Photographs, drawings and reconstruction models help visual the rituals of the Temple. Based on ancient sources and Alfred Eidersheim’s work.
• Sketches of Jewish Social Life in the Time of Christ by Alfred Edersheim [Boomer Books – February 28, 2007] – Examines marriage, home, literature, etc in the time of Jesus.
• Life in Biblical Israel (Library of Ancient Israel) by Philip J. King and Lawrence E. Stager [Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition – January 16, 2002] – A look at the lifestyles and attitudes of Israel.
• The Life and Times of Jesus Messiah: New Updated Edition by Alfred Edersheim [Hendrickson Publishers; New Upd edition – July 1, 1993] – A classic, this work portrays the culture and the people during Jesus’ time.
• In Their Sandals by David, G Hansen [Xulon Press – January 25, 2007] – Discover Jesus as those in the 1st century knew him. This book takes a fresh look at 9 different Bible accounts in the life of Jesus.
• The Mishnah by Herbert Danby [Oxford University Press, USA – December 31, 1933] – A collection of Jewish traditions written down from oral law.
• The New Testament and The People of God by N.T. Wright – An Introduction to the New Testament by D. A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo [Zondervan; 2 edition – September 1, 2005] – This book takes the approach of looking at authorship, date and purpose to ensure that the New Testament is understood historically.

Hard Sayings:

• Hard Sayings of Paul by Manfred T. Brauch [InterVarsity Press – June 1989] – Looks at 48 difficult saying and supplies background information to help them become more understandable.
• Hard Sayings of Jesus by Frederick Fyvie Bruce [InterVarsity Press – June 1983] – Looks at 70 difficult to understand passages.
• More Hard Sayings of the New Testament by Peter H. Davids [Hodder & Stoughton Religious – 1992]

Dictionaries, References:

• Dictionary of New Testament Background (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Craig A. Evans and Stanley E. Porter [InterVarsity Press – November 2000] – Excellent research tool in understand historical background.
• Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Joel B Green, Scot McKnight, and I Howard Marshall [InterVarsity Press – January 1992] – A comprehensive look at Jesus and the Gospels.
• Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Developments (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids [InterVarsity Press – December 1997] – Focuses on Acts, Hebrews, the Epistles, Revelation, the Church Fathers and Christianity up through the middle of the second century.
• The Complete Word study New Testament With Greek Parallel by Spiros Zodhiates [AMG Publishers – September 1992] – Text is KJV. A handy book to have in your reference library.

Old Testament Commentaries

• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas [InterVarsity Press – November 2000] – Provides historical information on the books of the Old Testament.
• Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Set of 28 Books) by D.J. Wiseman [IVP Academic – June 1991] – Each volume covers themes and questions about each book and possible interpretations.
• Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus by Allen P. Ross [Baker Academic; Pbk. Ed edition – March 1, 2006] – Discover the depth of Leviticus, the foundation of the gospel and how it links to teachings in the New Testament.
• Numbers: A practical commentary by B Maarsingh [Eerdmans – 1987]
• Job: Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by J. Gerald Janzen [Westminster John Knox Press – May 1985] – Questions and more questions arise from the book of Job. A useful book in studying or teaching.
• How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman [InterVarsity Press – June 1988] – Times of reflection and suggested exercises help bridge the gap between the writers of the psalms and their imagery and today.
• Ecclesiastes: A Practical Commentary by J. A. Loader [Eerdmans Pub Co – May 1986]

Old Testament General Reference

Historical Background:

• Archaeology and the Old Testament by Alfred J. Hoerth [Baker Academic – July 1, 1998]
– Lots of illustrations bring alive sites in the Old Testament.
• Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction by James L. Crenshaw [Westminster John Knox Press; Rev Sub edition – November 1998] – Through and well organized. Especially helpful when time is limited.
• Persia and the Bible by Edwin M. Yamauchi [Baker Academic; 1st Paperback Ed edition – February 1, 1997] – A valuable tool for researching Persian history and culture in light of the Bible.
• The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East by American Schools of Oriental Research and Eric M. Meyers [Oxford Univ Pr (Txt) – December 1996] – For the serious student. A comprehensive look at the study of archaeology in a five volume work.
• Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin [Paulist Press; 3 Rev Exp edition – January 2, 2007] – A collection of Middle Eastern texts.
• The Ancient Near East (Volume I): A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures by James Bennett Pritchard [Calif Princeton Fulfilment -1973] – Contains information on the anthology of the ancient near east.
• The Ancient Near East (Volume II): A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures by James Bennett Pritchard [Princeton University Press – February 1, 1976] – A study of the ancient near east from the Bronze and Iron
• An Introduction to the Old Testament by Tremper Longman and Raymond D. Dillard [Zondervan Publishing Company; 2 edition – December 2006) – Looks at historical background, literary analysis, and theological message.
• Old Testament Times: A Social, Political, and Cultural Context by R. K. Harrison [Baker Books – August 1, 2005] – Explores people and events of the Old Testament. Includes maps, charts, photographs and illustrations.
• A Survey of Israel’s History by Leon J. Wood [Zondervan; Rev Sub edition – October 11, 1986] – Looks at the history of God’s chosen people. Map, charts and diagrams included.
• Peoples of the Old Testament World by Alfred J. Hoerth, Gerald L. Mattingly, and Edwin M. Yamauchi [Baker Academic – August 1, 1998] – Insightful looks at the people groups surrounding and influencing Israel.
• Bible History Old Testament: New Updated Edition by Alfred Edersheim [Hendrickson Publishers; Updated edition – April 1, 1995] – Edersheim’s familiarity with Judaism and love of the Word can be seen in this book.
• Exploring Machines, Buildings and Weaponry of Biblical Times by Max Schwartz [Thomas Nelson – February 5, 2004] – Find answers to the questions on the different things used for building, weapons, etc.

Charts and Maps:

• Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament by John H. Walton [Zondervan; Revised edition – October 30, 1994] – One hundred charts covering archaeological, historical, literary, and theological points.

Hard Sayings:

• Hard Sayings of the Old Testament by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. [InterVarsity Press – June 1988] – Sheds some light on those difficult sayings.
• More Hard Sayings of the Old Testament by Walter C. Kaiser Jr. [Intervarsity Press – January 1992]

Dictionaries, References:

• The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament by Warren Baker and Gene Carpenter [AMG Publishers – October 2003] – Simple and concise.
• Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by David W. Baker and T. Desmond Alexander [InterVarsity Press – January 2003] – Overviews and insights into the Old Testament times of the Pentateuch
• Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Williamson [InterVarsity Press – December 2005] – A thorough look at background for the historical books.

Miscellaneous:

• The Heart of the Old Testament: A Survey of Key Theological Themes by Ronald Youngblood [Baker Academic; 2nd edition – September 1, 1998] – Links Old and New Testaments through nine key strands.

Prophetic, Apocalyptic:

• Plowshares & Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic by D. Brent Sandy and Brent D. Sandy [InterVarsity Press – November 2002] – Help understand the imagery and language of the prophetic.
• Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy by J. Barton Payne [Baker Book House – June 1980] – Covers over 1800 Biblical predictions and has discussions of the over 8000 predictive verses.
• Offerings, Sacrifices and Worship in the Old Testament by John Henry Kurtz [Hendrickson Publishers – October 1, 1998] – A comprehensive look at the Old Testament rituals and worship.
• A Guide to Biblical Prophecy by Ward W. Gasque and Carl E. Amerding [Wipf & Stock Publishers – July 2001]

Tabernacle, Priests, Sacrifices:

• The Tabernacle of Israel: Its Structure and Symbolism by James Strong [Kregel Classics; 2 edition – September 3, 2003] – Explore the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle.
• Tabernacle and Its Priests and Services by William Brown [Kessinger Publishing – June 2003] – Study of the tabernacle. Illustrations help you visualize the tabernacle.
• From Sinai to Jerusalem by Leen Ritmeyer and Kathleen Ritmeyer – Drawings, photographs and maps help construct the possible journeys of the Ark.

Old Testament Commentaries

• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas [InterVarsity Press – November 2000] – Provides historical information on the books of the Old Testament.
• Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Set of 28 Books) by D.J. Wiseman [IVP Academic – June 1991] – Each volume covers themes and questions about each book and possible interpretations.
• Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus by Allen P. Ross [Baker Academic; Pbk. Ed edition – March 1, 2006] – Discover the depth of Leviticus, the foundation of the gospel and how it links to teachings in the New Testament.
• Numbers: A practical commentary by B Maarsingh [Eerdmans – 1987]
Job: Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching by J. Gerald Janzen [Westminster John Knox Press – May 1985] – Questions and more questions arise from the book of Job. A useful book in studying or teaching.
• How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman [InterVarsity Press – June 1988] – Times of reflection and suggested exercises help bridge the gap between the writers of the psalms and their imagery and today.
• Ecclesiastes: A Practical Commentary by J. A. Loader [Eerdmans Pub Co – May 1986]

Old Testament General Reference

Historical Background:

• Archaeology and the Old Testament by Alfred J. Hoerth [Baker Academic – July 1, 1998]
– Lots of illustrations bring alive sites in the Old Testament.
• Old Testament Wisdom: An Introduction by James L. Crenshaw [Westminster John Knox Press; Rev Sub edition – November 1998] – Through and well organized. Especially helpful when time is limited.
• Persia and the Bible by Edwin M. Yamauchi [Baker Academic; 1st Paperback Ed edition – February 1, 1997] – A valuable tool for researching Persian history and culture in light of the Bible.
• The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East by American Schools of Oriental Research and Eric M. Meyers [Oxford Univ Pr (Txt) – December 1996] – For the serious student. A comprehensive look at the study of archaeology in a five volume work.
• Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin [Paulist Press; 3 Rev Exp edition – January 2, 2007] – A collection of Middle Eastern texts.
• The Ancient Near East (Volume I): A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures by James Bennett Pritchard [Calif Princeton Fulfilment -1973] – Contains information on the anthology of the ancient near east.
• The Ancient Near East (Volume II): A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures by James Bennett Pritchard [Princeton University Press – February 1, 1976] – A study of the ancient near east from the Bronze and Iron Ages.
• An Introduction to the Old Testament by Tremper Longman and Raymond D. Dillard [Zondervan Publishing Company; 2 edition – December 2006] – Looks at historical background, literary analysis, and theological message.
• Old Testament Times: A Social, Political, and Cultural Context by R. K. Harrison [Baker Books – August 1, 2005] – Explores people and events of the Old Testament. Includes maps, charts, photographs and illustrations.
• A Survey of Israel’s History by Leon J. Wood [Zondervan; Rev Sub edition – October 11, 1986] – Looks at the history of God’s chosen people. Map, charts and diagrams included.
• Peoples of the Old Testament World by Alfred J. Hoerth, Gerald L. Mattingly, and Edwin M. Yamauchi [Baker Academic – August 1, 1998] – Insightful looks at the people groups surrounding and influencing Israel.
• Bible History Old Testament: New Updated Edition by Alfred Edersheim [Hendrickson Publishers; Updated edition – April 1, 1995] – Edersheim’s familiarity with Judaism and love of the Word can be seen in this book.
• Exploring Machines, Buildings and Weaponry of Biblical Times by Max Schwartz [Thomas Nelson – February 5, 2004] – Find answers to the questions on the different things used for building, weapons, etc.

Charts and Maps:

Hard Sayings:

Dictionaries, References:

Miscellaneous:

Prophetic, Apocalyptic:

Tabernacle, Priests, Sacrifices:

• The Tabernacle of Israel: Its Structure and Symbolism by James Strong [Kregel Classics; 2 edition – September 3, 2003] – Explore the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle.
• Tabernacle and Its Priests and Services by William Brown [Kessinger Publishing – June 2003] – Study of the tabernacle. Illustrations help you visualize the tabernacle and priests.
• From Sinai to Jerusalem by Leen Ritmeyer and Kathleen Ritmeyer – Drawings, photographs and maps help construct the possible journeys of the Ark.

Starter Library Collection

Just getting started on your SBS library collection? Here are some of the books we recommend.

Commentaries:

• Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Set of 28 Books) by D.J. Wiseman [IVP Academic – June 1991] – Each volume covers themes and questions about each book and possible interpretations.
• Tyndale New Testament Commentaries by R. T. France, R. Alan Cole, Leon Morris, and Colin G. Kruse [IVP Academic – January 2007] – Each volume covers themes and questions about each book and possible interpretations.
• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, and Mark W. Chavalas [InterVarsity Press – November 2000] – Provides historical information on the books of the Old Testament.
• The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener [InterVarsity Press – February 1994] – A verse by verse aid in providing the cultural background of what you are reading.
• How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman [InterVarsity Press – June 1988] – Times of reflection and suggested exercises help bridge the gap between the writers of the psalms and their imagery and today.

Maps, Charts:

• The Moody Atlas of Bible Lands by Barry Beitzel [Moody Publishers – October 15, 1985] – Text and maps combine to make this atlas a great reference tool for your library.
• Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts: All the Visual Bible Study Aids and Helps in One Key Resource-Fully Reproducible by Nelson Reference [Thomas Nelson – September 4, 1999] – A resource full of visual aids which can be reproduced for classroom use.

Dictionaries, Concordance, References:

• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible by James Strong [Hendrickson Publishers; Har/Cdr Up edition – June 30, 2007] – Need help finding a word or verse in scripture? What does the word mean in Greek or Hebrew? This concordance is one of the most used reference tools for the KJV.
• The Complete Wordstudy New Testament With Greek Parallel by Spiros Zodhiates [AMG Publishers – September 1992] – Text is KJV. A handy book to have in your reference library.
• The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament by Warren Baker and Gene Carpenter [AMG Publishers – October 2003] – Simple and concise.
• Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary: Completely Revised and Updated Edition by Ronald F. Youngblood [Thomas Nelson – August 25, 1995] – A comprehensive dictionary with maps, photographs and pronunciation guides.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the Old & New Testament Words by W. E. Vine [Nelson’s Publlishing] – Help in understanding word, context and where they come from.
• Dictionary of New Testament Background (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Craig A. – Evans and Stanley E. Porter [InterVarsity Press – November 2000] – Excellent research tool in understand historical background.
• Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Joel B Green, Scot McKnight, and I Howard Marshall [InterVarsity Press – January 1992] – A comprehensive look at Jesus and the Gospels.
• Dictionary of the Later New Testament & Its Developments (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids [InterVarsity Press – December 1997] – Focuses on Acts, Hebrews, the Epistles, Revelation, the Church Fathers and Christianity up through the middle of the second century.
• Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by David W. Baker and T. Desmond Alexander [InterVarsity Press – January 2003] – Overviews and insights into the Old Testament times of the Pentateuch.
• Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books (The IVP Bible Dictionary Series) by Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Williamson [InterVarsity Press – December 2005] – A thorough look at background for the historical books.
• Evangelical Dictionary of Theology by Walter A. Elwell [Baker Academic; 2 edition – May 1, 2001] – Covers systematic, historical and philosophical theology.
• Dictionary of Biblical Imagery by Leland Ryken, Jim Wilhoit, Tremper Longman, and Colin Duriez [InterVarsity Press – November 1998] – Explores the images, symbols, motifs, and metaphors of the Bible.

Hard Sayings, Figures of Speech:

• Figures of Speech Used in the Bible: Explained and Illustrated by E. W. Bullinger [Baker Books – April 1, 2003] – A valuable reference tool in understanding and explaining the different figures of speech used in nearly 8.000 passages throughout the Bible.
• Hard Sayings of the Bible by Peter H. Davids, Frederick Fyvie Bruce, Manfred T. Brauch, and Walter C. Kaiser [InterVarsity Press; Subsequent edition – October 1996] – Historical, cultural, and linguistic background helps provide good references for those difficult verses.

Historical Background:

• The New Manners & Customs of Bible Times by Ralph Gower [Moody Publishers – October 12, 2005] – Maps, photographs, charts and diagrams help bring to life the cultural aspect of the Bible.
• New Testament History by F.F. Bruce [Galilee / Doubleday – March 15, 1983] – Jesus and the history of two generations of Christians.
• The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity by James S. Jeffers [InterVarsity Press – October 1999] – Well written, this book will help you gain insight into what life was like for Christians in the 1st century.
• Josephus: The Essential Writings by Flavius Josephus and Paul L. Maier [Kregel Academic & Professional – July 12, 1990] – Maier translates and condenses Josephus into an easy to read format.
• Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius Pamphilus and C. F. Cruse [Hendrickson Publishers; Updated edition – October 1, 1998] – Named the “Father of Church History”, Eusebius transcribed vital facts and information of the Christian Church in the first 3 centuries.
• A Survey of Israel’s History by Leon J. Wood [Zondervan; Rev Sub edition – October 11, 1986] – Looks at the history of God’s chosen people. Map, charts and diagrams included.