Wading through biblical commentaries in an attempt to understand the Old and New Testaments can be as daunting as reading the Bible without any direction at all. Early has rendered the task manageable. In just under 250 pages, the author effectively guides the reader from Genesis to Revelation, tying together the Bible’s major themes. He also emphasizes the importance of symbolic language found in the words of the Bible’s prophets, storytellers, and, in the New Testament, of Jesus and his disciples. The book is organized into two major sections, with the first acting as an introduction to the historical, social, and political forces that would have influenced Jewish oral tradition and, subsequently, the Bible. The second section examines “the moral problem of humanity” from the Garden of Eden to the beginning of the “Jewish Epic” and through the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The most remarkable thing about this book is the scope and depth of information presented in a work a fraction of the size of most biblical commentaries. Early has a gift for homing in on what is important and creates an extremely readable study of the Bible while offering thoughtful commentary along the way. The book includes a chart which is helpful for a quick refresher of the history when needed. Even with the inclusion of Bible verses, historical information, and commentary, the author’s writing style is conversational and renders the text accessible. Early even manages to get in a King Herod joke and other tidbits that bring biblical figures to life, enhancing both the story and the reader’s enjoyment. This book is a must-read for anyone searching for a deeper understanding of the Bible or curious about its origins.

Return to USR Home