When the NIV Zondervan Study Bible came out last year, Zondervan kindly sent me a complimentary copy covered in soft, supple leather to review. This year, they sent a hardback review copy of the new large print version, which, unfortunately for my eyes, is only 9-point. However, if print size isn’t a factor, and you’re looking for an impressively thorough study Bible of encyclopedic proportions, this is it!
In my previous review, I talked about the impressive side bars, in-text maps, color photos, and numerous contributors to the study materials. So this time I want to focus on the articles written by a variety of theologians on such subjects as the glory of God, sin, covenant, law, love and grace.
The article “Prophets and Prophecy” by Sam Storms especially interested me as that’s not a topic typically discussed in study editions. In this one, though, we read, “A prophet’s primary function in the OT was to serve as God’s representative or ambassador by communicating God’s word to his people.” Furthermore, “The primary purpose of prophetic ministry is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort believers.” (See 1 Corinthians 14:3.)
In the article “Justice,” Brian S. Rosner writes, “the concept of justice in the Bible covers more than wrongdoing. It included treating all people not only with fairness but also with protection and care. God calls all people to seek justice for those most vulnerable to suffering injustice.”
In “Wrath,” Christopher Morgan says, “Whether presented as wrath, fury, displeasure, judgment, venegance, or indignation, God’s wrath first takes stage in the biblical story when sin enters.” Regardless of the terminology, “God’s wrath is his holy revulsion against all that is unholy, his righteous judgment against unrighteousness, his firm response to covenant unfaithfulness, his good opposition to the cosmic treason of sin.”
When we think of “Worship,” singing often comes to mind, but as David G. Peterson writes in the article by that name, “It may be best to speak of congregational worship as a particular expression of the total life-response that is the worship described in the new covenant…. Singing to God is an important aspect of corporate worship, but it is not the supreme or only way of expressing devotion to God. Ministry exercised for the building up of the body of Christ in teaching, exhorting, and praying is a significant way of worshiping and glorifying God.”
With many other articles and copious notes throughout, this very hefty edition might not get lugged to Bible study but will serve as a major resource for those of us who teach, preach, or write about God’s word. And, in Christ Jesus, that word is “Shalom.”
In the article “Shalom,” Timothy Keller tells us “Shalom is one of the key words and images for salvation in the Bible. The Hebrew word refers most commonly to a person being uninjured and safe, whole and sound. In the N.T., shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ…. Shalom experienced is multidimensional, complete well-being – physical, psychological, social and spiritual; it flows from all of one’s relationships being put right – with God, with(in) oneself, and with others.”
If you want to begin your new year with a renewed commitment to Bible study, I hope you’ll order this hardcover edition to keep on your desk or study area, which is what I plan to do. May your prayerful reading of God’s word and the adventures of a new year fill you with shalom.
Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2016
NIV Zondervan Study Bible, hardcover
I have read people complaining that the Zondervan NIV Study Bible is too "Calvinist" in theology. As a Methodist, this concerns me. From reading the notes and articles, do you get the impression as to its theological viewpoint? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDanny, the notes in this edition are so massive, I haven't read every one. However, I've always found Zondervan study notes to be well-balanced in that they typically present each of the views taken, so readers can decide for themselves. I like that as we get a fuller perspective of how various scholars understand the scriptures. Hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteSince D.A. Carson and Douglas Moo are primary editors (I believe Moo is, if memory serves), there is bound to be a Reformed slant to the comments. I don't own this one, but I have the ESV and the Reformation Study Bible edited by Sproul. I suppose the latter is obvious, but the editors of these will inevitably give interpretation some sort of a Calvinist slant. I'm not sure if the Zondervan NIV takes the space to give both sides of an argument, but I would doubt it. The emphasis for this is on Biblical theology, as opposed to Systematic.
ReplyDeleteJeff
You may be right. The NIV Study Bible by Zondervan has impressed me for years by its balance in presenting both sides, but as I refer to the NIV Zondervan Study Bible in my own studies, I have not found that emphasis.
ReplyDeleteI recently purchased a NIV Study Bible by Zondervan. Only to find out that a huge chunk of it is missing everything after Psalms 101 to Proverbs 4. I need help getting in contact with Biblica Inc. to resolve this issue
ReplyDeleteSearch for the company online or contact Zondervan's Customer Service. Just sounds like a printing error, so the publisher should replace the edition for you.
ReplyDelete