Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible

This is "not your average reference book" - to quote the press release I received when asked to review this book. Always up to a challenge, my curiosity piqued, I requested the book, and I'm not at all disappointed. Let's change that "D" word to "delighted!" I love reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and the like, especially when it deals with any part of history. Biblical history is a particular fascination. When I had this new book in my hands I was captivated. "An illustrated A-to-Z Dictionary of the People and Places in Scripture" it says on the lower part of the cover. I thumbed it open and the book opened about mid-way to "Jeremiah." A blocked side-bar caught my attention: "Prophets Who Didn't Want the Job" and yes, Jeremiah was certainly one, along with Moses and Jonah. This fantastic book is illustrated in full color, with artist's interpretations of things like Noah's Ark, Herod's Temple, Lot's family fleeing Sodom, and an intriguing rendition of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar when he lost his mind and ate grass. Included are photos of modern day Israel and the way these historic places look today. And of course maps of all kinds. This isn't your normal dry, historical narrative interspersed with pictures and maps-the author shows his wit and humor with some wry and acerbic references such as the section about Solomon. Page 356 gives us this: "Solomon at his dumbest." What? Everyone knows that Solomon was the wisest man in the Bible. So what's this? Take a look: "There's a tie for first place. * Marriage can be plenty stressful with just one partner. "He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines [secondary wives]" (I Kings 11:3) * In his old age, Solomon worshipped idols." The author goes on to say that the two `dumbnesses' (his word - not mine) were related. Many, if not most, of Solomon's wives were acquired through peace treaties and trade deals with foreign nations. Unfortunately these wives brought their own gods with them. In 1 Kings 11:4 we read "In Solomon's old age they turned his heart to worship their gods instead of trusting only in the Lord." I could continue to dissect this book and give you bits and pieces of the jewels it contains, but a review does not permit that luxury. I can only say that this book would be a most valuable resource on your bookshelf - not just for writers - this would be an asset for Bible scholars, too. Stephen Miller, the author of "Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible" wrote in his Introduction: "Sorry, folks. It's just not possible for you to enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it." Well, I beg to differ. I have had the grandest time going through this book, and it has earned a prominent place with my Bible study reference books. If you're intrigued with the Bible stories and Biblical history, I strongly urge you to get this book. It's not going to give you deep historical facts, though there are some! What I find most refreshing about it is tha

Four hundred pages. Every one in color. Wonderfully designed. Loaded with color photos, illustrations, and maps. Five hundred entries. For under $15? And the writing won't let me go. Miller calls himself a journalist who writes about the Bible. And the writing shows it. He doesn't sound like a preacher printing out rehashed sermons. Reading this book is like reading a magazine. No Christian jargon. No religious clichés. The writing is clear, crisp, and best of all--funny. When the subject warrants it, Miller lets the subject have it. A few samples: Bethlehem In a cave beneath the oldest church in the world, priests sometimes get into a fistfight while worshiping at the birthplace of the Prince of Peace. Isaac Isaac was an unbuttered bagel kind of a guy. Plain. Judas Iscariot One of the most puzzling mysteries of the Bible is why Jesus--if he knew so much--chose Judas Iscariot as one of his disciples. Stephen Following Jesus' advice on how to stay alive forever is what killed Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Throughout the book Miller drops in short trivia features: "Prophets who didn't want the job." "Was there a worldwide flood?" "What did Paul look like?" (Miller paraphrases an ancient description: "A bald-headed, bow-legged, short man with a hooked and honking big nose that stuck out below one long eyebrow that lay on his forehead like a dead caterpillar.") Go ahead, try to find another Bible dictionary that paints word pictures like that. The index, by the way, is to die for. As thorough as I've found in any book anywhere. If you're looking for something, you'll find it quickly with this topical index.

This is a handy resource for your typical Bible reader (not a seminary graduate, not a student of the original languages, etc.) It contains 500 entries, complete with illustrations, maps, and an excellent index. As those who have read Miller's previous books know, he makes ancient people and ideas accessible ("Before David became a giant killer, he was a music therapist.") This is wonderful companion to keep next to your Bible.

Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible is packed with information and insights that would be helpful to the average curious person and busy Bible teacher or pastor alike. It's a credit to the author and the layout designer that so much detail over such a wide range of persons and places can be so concisely and attractively packaged. The use of color, sidebars, maps, and illustrations is outstanding. The material itself goes beyond mere description of names. Each entry provides clear understandings of the cultural background and its connection to related biblical events and concepts. Controversial or complicated issues are treated in a balanced and even-handed manner. Accurate, easy-to-use, and interesting to read, Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible is one of the handiest Bible dictionaries I've come across.

Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible, written by Stephen Miller, offers readers an in-depth look at each and every person and place mentioned throughout the Bible. What I enjoyed the most about this book was that is was a very easy reader, and its listing were all in alphabetical order. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles to make it through the Bible. Who's Who and Where's Where in the Bible is filled with colorful pictures, as well as interesting side notes. This book is going right on top of my Study Bible.