The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols Book Review

Understanding Their Meaning and Significance

SUMMARY:  Uncover worlds of meaning behind the signs and symbols in Scripture.

     How might our understanding of God's Word be deepened if we recognized the significance of the signs and symbols found within its pages - signs that were clear to the original readers?  Throughout the Scriptures, signs and symbols weave a consistent message of God's presence, grace, and faithfulness.  This illustrated resource will help you appreciate key biblical images that reveal God's purposes and truth, such as 

• Babylon
• beast
• candlestick
• eye
• fire
• grapes
• Jordan River
• key
• pigs 
• sword
• throne
• and much more

Each of the more than one hundred entries includes multiple illustrations, explanations, and key Bible passages.  Sidebars, quotes, and photos make this guide approachable and engaging.

REVIEW:  Have you ever read the bible and wished you understood some of the imagery and references that were mentioned? A land of milk and honey - sounds kind of messy to me but the Israelites were very impressed with the description of the Promised land.  What is the difference between the tabernacle and the temple? Why is anointing with oil so important?  This book does an incredible job explaining the signs and symbols in easy to understand language.  Each entry has scripture showing where this imagery is used, pictures, a key verse and a quote from notable bible scholars and ministers.  The summaries are listed in alphabetical order and are very easy to find.  The layout of each is very easy to read.  I have been looking for something like this for a long time.  This is one tome that will stay on my shelves and will be referred to quite often as I read and try to understand scripture.  Anyone wanting to understand the bible better should get a copy of this book.

This book was provided by Baker Books for review without compensation.

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were Your There? and The Handbook of Bible Application.  A graduate of Aurora College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Neil has ministered in Youth for Christ and as pastor of a local church.  He currently serves as a publishing project manager with Dr. James MacDonald's ministry Walk in the Word. 

Nancy Ryken Taylor is a freelance writer and editor who has worked behind the scenes on hundreds of books for many publishers, mainly in the areas of theology and Christian living.