A Review of Bible Reference Tools
I chose a theme (‘Jubilee’) and wrote a comparative evaluation of the treatment the theme receives in The Anchor Bible Dictionary, The New Bible Dictionary for Interpreters, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary and D. Bruggemann reverberations of faith.
Anchor Bible Dictionary
In defining the ‘Year of Jubilee’, The Anchor Bible Dictionary (ABD) covers socioeconomics, theology, exegesis, historicity, ethics, and eschatology as applied to the subject. Well-researched (more interesting?) sermons and more comprehensive exegetical articles can be developed using this source. Of the four dictionaries reviewed, Anchor is perhaps the best source for this type of information, without analysis of modern implications. A theologically oriented work, apart from unusually interested lay readers, ABD will remain the exclusive domain of theologians.
HarperCollins Bible Dictionary
Brief and concise, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (HCBD) provides the basic facts, including correct English pronunciation and Hebrew derivation. The historical function; what, when and why the ‘jubilee’ was proclaimed is listed without details, and the full entry comprises a summary paragraph. This dictionary is best used by anyone who is unfamiliar with biblical scholarship and who requires concise, easy-to-understand definitions. On the contrary, theologians may find this quick study a simple review, convenient when a direct definition is required. In its brevity, HCBD contrasts sharply with the other three dictionaries in this review.
reverberations of faith
reverberations of faith is a socio-theological and editorial analysis work. It is admitted that the historicity of the jubilee, especially when it belongs to the ‘covenant imagination of ancient Israel’, is not verified. Therefore, the opinion expressed in this reference work is, by definition, partly speculative. ‘Reverberations of Faith’ presents Jubilee as potentially relevant to today’s economy, although he states that this ‘requires an immense moral imagination’. One weakness is the leap of faith the reader must take to accept the interpretation. Any disagreement on your part means that the work is potentially less valuable, however this can also be turned into an advantage if there is an agreement. Regardless, the usefulness of the work is much more apparent when deadlines are looming. Very useful for crafting sermons, exegetical interpretations, and all endeavors that relate the Bible to today, in ways that perhaps weekly and non-churchgoers can (often) identify with.
New Bible Dictionary for Interpreters
Tea Dictionary of the new interpreter (NID) devotes an additional paragraph to explaining the evolution of the Jubilee as it is expanded upon in Isaiah 61 and the Synoptic Gospels, hinting at an eschatological element to the theme. Brief explorations in socioeconomics, exegesis, historicity, and ethics are also offered. Like ABD, NID is primarily for theologians and is a theological work. The joint use of NID and ABD can thoroughly verify the information. NID is much shorter, which makes it perhaps more useful when time is of the essence.
