Veronica's 'Views: The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance

Thursday, April 9, 2015

The A to Z Guide to Bible Signs & Symbols: Understanding Their Meaning and Significance - by Neil Wilson and Nancy Ryken Taylor

About the book:

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.

My review:

This book was fascinating! It covers some of the most well-known signs and symbols and each topic was two pages. There are color photographs, a key verse and sidebars with facts or quotes from books or hymns. The topics' literal meanings or uses are talked about along with their symbolism or use as a sign. There are especially many Bible verses or references given where the topic is talked about. If you're familiar with the Bible, you'll probably be pretty well acquainted with these topics, but there was still a lot of interesting background or cultural information I didn't know. They were also good reminders for what I did already know. You could almost read this as a devotional with the spiritual insight it gives and how the sign or symbol should impact your faith and walk. It was easy to read and kept me engaged. I would highly recommend it!

I received this book free from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.

Neil Wilson is the author of several books, including Were You 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.