As we read through the Bible each day with our children, my husband and I find that the reading brings up a host of questions for us. We have enjoyed reading various commentaries to get some unique perspectives on a passage of Scripture.
The following are some online commentaries we like:
Blue Letter Bible is my second favorite (http://www.blueletterbible.org). In the search box, I enter the passage of Scripture we're studying, and it brings up the text of that chapter in the version I've chosen. To the left I see several blue boxes, with letters such as K, C, L, V, I, or D. If I allow my cursor to float over these letters, it will tell me what each one offers. L stands for "List Available Commentaries."
Our favorite printed commentaries are the Bible Knowledge Commentaries, Old Testament and New Testament, edited by Walvoord and Zuck.
Do we agree with all of the interpretations presented in these commentaries? Not even close! In fact, we disagree with some of the commentaries we read so often that we read them just to see what "the other side" thinks.
This brings up the biggest danger of consulting a commentary in the first place. We must be very, very careful not to depend on the writings of a commentator over the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is my teacher (Luke 12:12, John 14:26). I must always remember to be still before Him and allow Him to teach me in His characteristic "still, small voice." I am also responsible to become thoroughly knowledgeable with the entire counsel of Scripture, so that I'm aware of interpretations that disagree with Scripture.
With these warnings in mind, we hope that you'll enjoy the commentaries that are available to us!
Hugs,
~Anne
We do similar. With every lesson, whether church or family reading selection, we fine comb it interjecting and rejecting according to what believe the text is really saying; according to how we are lead by the Spirit. Of course, before we attempt to read God's Word, in order to read with understanding, we are very prayerful asking the Lords Spirit to guide us in our comprehension.
Thank you for the truthfulness you have presented; it's an encouragement that it's ok to disagree and search God's Word for one's self and one's family.
Abundant blessings,
Kathryn
We believe that knowledge of the Bible, God's Word,
is essential for our children (in fact, for all people).
That's why, several years ago, we developed a Bible curriculum
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Jun. 9, 2008 - Wonderful post!
Thank you for the truthfulness you have presented; it's an encouragement that it's ok to disagree and search God's Word for one's self and one's family.
Abundant blessings,
Kathryn