I have been interested in how this present age is going to end. Since becoming a Christian a few years back, I have tried to share our hope with those outside of Christ. This book has helped me see more ways to reach people. I read the book through in the first reading and then went back through it again. I did so, so that I could spend the time to look up the Scripture references and read them in context. I find that this is an essential part of any study of the Bible that you undertake. I was impressed with the way that the interpretation kept within the context of the passage. It took me extra time to do so, but, I feel that this is what is needed for evangelism so that we will always be able to explain the passages to those that are searching. I would recommend this book as a great tool to use when you talk with someone about Christ and about the promises that we are given. You are able to show God's love for us by showing not only what He has done in the past, but what He is going to do on our behalf in this present age and in the age to come. This book not only helps you with your sharing of our Lord, it enriches your own faith and deepens your love and appreciation of our God

What a witnessing opportunity prophecy can be as we head into the twenty first century. Everyone, whether Christian, atheist, Muslim, or Buddhist has an opinion on how the end will come about. As Christians, we have the answers as to what is going to happen in the future. What better way to discuss biblical truths with an unbeliever than to talk about something that is so important in today's society? In doing this, however, we need to know the truths and the promises God has made to us, and other parts of the world. Dr. Walvoord has spent his life researching this topic that is talked about so much in these days. Walvoord talks about end times in a way that the simple layman can understand, but with truths that should be taken to heart by the most devout student of the Bible. Walvoord explains in detail some of the issues that are staring the near future in the face. If you want to know what the Bible says about today's headlines and about why we should study prophecy, you owe it to yourself, and others to get this book. What an inspiration to know how God has kept His promises, and will keep His promises in the future.

Many people do not understand Bible history and if you don't understand the past, it is harder to comprehend the future. I have heard about so much of the last days prophecy and have heard so many explainations that were confusing and unsubstantiated. This book starts by giving the ancient history of Jerusalem and Israel and then leads into how the scriptures talk of the past and the present. By understanding the past, the future is easier to comprehend. Charles Halff, the author then goes on to clearly explain serveral of the Bible prophecies using a multitude of scripture and other reliable sources. His explainations lift the veil of mystery concern prophecy such as: The Dry Bones, the 144,00, the Great Tribulation, the Fig tree, and one that fascinates many people and that is the mark of the beast 666. He also explains the signs of the times and tells how we know we are ending the end of the times as we know them. He also explains the Rapture, which is very interesting and often misunderstood, I have heard many versions and theories. The author quotes the scripture, that no man knows the when the end will come, and warns against such speculation. He encourges us to look to God for salvation and not to mankind. I appreciate his book because it also explains how God loves both the Jew and Gentile. God loves each of us and wants us all to be saved. This book is well written and the author shows such knowledge and humility. I would encourage anyone interested in Bible prophecy concerning the end times to go out and buy a copy of this book. You won't regret it.

After reading The End Times Are Here Now, I have a much clearer understanding of the Bible prophecies concerning Jerusalem, the nation of Israel and why the Jewish people are as loved and important to God as the Gentile people. This book is easy to understand and is an excellent source of history. The Bible is used as a reference through out the book. You can read along in scripture most of the history. This convinces me that I have found a true source to help me better understand prophecy and the importance of Israel and the Jewish people. In the first part of the book Charles Halff discusses the ancient history of Jerusalem and then goes on to discuss the creation of the nation of Israel. I have also learned the meaning of serveral Jewish terms such as Ruach-breath, pogroms-persecuted,and Aliyah-ascent, along with many more. The author discusses several pieces of prophecy that I have heard about but did not understand. He made them very clear, such as: Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37, the Rapture, the Great Tribulation, 666 The Mark of the Beast, who are the 144,000, Signs of the Times,and other subjects most of us have heard of but did not understand. I thank God and the author of this book for unveiling the truth for me. He also brings out and proves by scripture about the signs in the Bible such as the Fig tree in Luke. I now understand and agree with his warning of not trying to set the date of God's return, many religious groups do this and I believe that it can be dangerous and disasterous. This book was written by an author that has a lot of common sense, Biblical knowledge, courage in standing up for God and the humbleness to give God credit in all things. I urge anyone interested in Bible prophecy to go out and buy a copy of this book, it will bless you.

I love this book! I have given copies to many people I know when they are going through something difficult in their lives and I don't have the right words of comfort for them. This book helps to make sense of why we go through some of the things we do in life. I first read it 20 years ago and it helped me through a very difficult time in my life. Everyone should read this book!

This book is (especially considering its brevity) one of the finest treatments of suffering available. It is sensitive, Biblical,and perfectly suited to pass on to anyone that is going through a difficult time. I highly recommend it.

This is the most balanced study of the Hebrew Bible available today. Dr. Isbell is very sensitive to the subject matter and the debate over biblical "truth".

When I want to figure out why my Bible says something that I don't understand, I turn to this book for the answers. Dr. Isbell tells all from his 30+ year experience in teaching the Bible to answer my questions. This books is great!

This is a great Hebrew lexicon with detailed entries with references to the other semitic languages such as Aramaic, Arabic, Syriac, and Ethiopic. In fact, it even has a biblical Aramaic lexicon as an appendix.

This Oxford edition is much nicer than the Hendrickson one.

Why a lexicon? "In the beginning was the WORD." Word usage is enormously helpful to Biblical understanding. H.W.F. Gesenius (mid 1800's) is acclaimed as the Noah Webster of Old Testament Hebrew lexicons (dictionary). He brings to the Old Testament a wonderful blend of Christian/Jewish background and insight. Be sure to note not only the word you are looking up, but also the words that surround it, for they too often lend very interesting and even uncanny insight (divine providence).

In his book, Swindoll shows in a concise, vivid and entertaining manner the things that Joseph had to undergo and adequately explains that the only way he survived them and came out on top was due to his extreme devotion to and faith in God. He uses the method of displaying a passage of scripture and then analyzing it piece by piece. What would you have done in Joseph's position? How did Joseph do what he did? This book is extremely superb, whether you want to take an in depth look at your favorite patriarch, or if you are struggling with integrity and forgiveness in your own life.

Chuck Swindoll has done it again! If you read only one book this year, you owe it to yourself to read "Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness."

After reading a number of Swindoll's books, booklets, and articles, I firmly believe "Joseph" to be his finest work concerning personal integrity! It challenged me to reach for new levels of personal, Christ-like character.

Be prepared to laugh, shed a some tears, and have your life challenged by the book's insightful observations, masterful commentary and penetrating questions for application. It delivers the goods in a life changing way!

I have read one of CHM's Misc. volumes on "The All Sufficiency of Christ" and its insight into the scriptures was food for my soul. I truly know that this author had a deep passion towards understanding how Jesus Christ, and his work accomplished on the cross, is peculiarly revealed on every page of The Holy Bible. CHM's work in bringing these pictures/types(symbolism)out from the pages of Scripture will give new meaning and encouragement to the Christian reader to more fully explore the Old Testament for another glimpse of the Great Prophet-Priest-King. Please do read this author's work for the good of your soul!

Mackintosh's works set forth, in luminous detail, the innermost convictions and heartfelt feelings of any true servant of God. In this dispensation of God's grace, no serious Bible student may leave this treasury unread, for it draws the heart heavenward as perhaps no other work ever has. It is obvious that the writer had not only a deep and abiding love for Christ, but a thorough-going understanding of the personal application of most of the key doctrines of scripture. A must for any who would mature in their experiential knowledge of Christ. C.H.M.'s unfolding of truth in terms of its application to the life of the individual is unparalleled. (This reviewer made the mistake of putting Mackintosh aside for 15 years because of outside pressure to read him. ...it was a serious blunder, FORTUNATELY corrected!)

In 1948 Charles Feinberg began the work that would evolve into a rare gem of a book when he published the first part of his extensive studies in the Minor Prophets. Originally, a collection of expository essays, Feinberg took great care in transferring them into a scholarly collection of much quality. Feinberg proves himself a first rate scholar with his careful exposition of the text. Before his rather recent death, he was known as one of the nation's foremost authorities in issues stemming from Jewish history, both Old Testament and intertestamental. And his expertise in Biblical prophecy was among the top of his field. After all, of how many Biblical scholars can it be said that they trained for the rabbinate before their conversion?

The Minor Prophets is primarily a compilation of five volume previously published in the book series The Major Messages of the Minor Prophets. These divisions are seen in the book's five sections reproduced in the exact order of their publication. Feinberg's ultimate purpose seems to be to produce an introductory work on these oft-neglected books. He goes into minimal detail. This is after all not so much a commentary as a guidebook. But those details he does reveal prove to be well chosen and work effectively in giving the reader a more than adequate acquaintance with the Twelve.

Feinberg does not attempt at a general introduction to the Minor Prophets. Nor does he a conclusion. Rather, he allows the individual books to speak for themselves. Any unity that exists among the Twelve must come from the Biblical text itself, rather than from some forced sense of cohesiveness pushed onto the text by the writer. The grouping together of chapters within the five parts follow the order of the English text (save Zechariah which is in a category all its own) instead of a historical or thematic type of unity. This is advantageous as a point of reference. However, thematic unity would have been more helpful in this writer's opinion if for no other reason than to make interpretation easier and more convenient.

The setup of individual chapters is convenient for purposes of a general overview. The splitting of the text into major and minor sections without outline numbers gave it a more informal tone. However, for the one studying a minor prophet or a part of a chapter or book in depth, this is no way to go. It is difficult to find information on a specific verse without time wasted in searching that could have been spent in study.
As an example of how Feinberg handles the text we shall examine his examination of one of the prophets in depth. Let us look at his handling of, let's say Joel. He begin the chapter by dedicating it to his children, and then offering his purpose for writing the chapter. He then begins the main text of the chapter, dividing it into three sections: The Locust Plague and Day of Jehovah, The Outpoured Spirit and The Judgment of All Nations. He divides the first major section into five more, the second major section into ten and the third major section into six. Each of these sections range in size from one sentence to four or five paragraphs.

He begins the first section by discussing the background of the prophet, the meaning of his name and other pertinent background information. He moves quickly into exegesis, making frequent reference to various verses of Scripture that parallel various concepts in Joel's prophecy. In one section, he discusses Peter's quotation of Joel 2:28-32 in his Pentecost sermon and its possible interpretations and implications.

This approach proves to be a success. Of course, it must be admitted that the fact that the previous example took a cursory examination of a Biblical book to test the book's usefulness. And for this type of study, it works. However, few serious Bible students engage in this type of study.

It would have been helpful if the author or an editor had made more of an effort to fashion the text into a cohesive unity. Some attempt was made in the form of those paragraphs at the beginning of each chapter, but this was far too little to be as effective as was necessary. For example, the use of charts and tables concerning the historical placement of the prophets would have been helpful. This almost makes the book seem to be more of an afterthought.

If the reader is shows at least a cursory interest in the Minor Prophets, Feinberg's book is a must-read. It provides the basic background necessary for further studies to be undertaken. It provided this writer with information that he will value for a lifetime. One major advantage of this text is its emphasis on finding the Messiah in the Minor Prophets. Feinberg stays true to the principles of only identifying a Scripture as a Messianic prophecy when the New Testament identifies it as such. While this information is helpful, it is far too scattered. Perhaps an appendix essay wherein instances of Messianic prophecy in the Twelve are discussed and identified would have been helpful. At the very least, I would have like this in chart form.

Feinberg's text is perfect for one seeking a casual introduction to the Minor Prophets. But for one who wants to sit at the knees of one of them, so to speak, soaking up his knowledge, learning from the mistakes of the land and praising God for its triumphs, this text falls miserably short. But that is not necessarily a bad thing. What has been said before will be echoed again. This book was never intended to be an in-depth study. One must appreciate it for what it is-a guidebook.

This work is the best commentary on the Minor Prophets from a conservative, dispensational, premillennial viewpoint. The work is ideally suited for pastors or serious Bible students. It is not tedious, but definitely scholarly and well researched.

The strength of this book is its purpose, interpretation. It is not intended to be a popular commentary with an accent on application, but seeks to focus upon discerning the text. Yet it does not get tedious with grammatical overkill.

As a pastor of over 20 years, it is the first book I reach for (after my Bible) when studying the Minor Prophets. I rarely sense a need to reach for another.

As a pastor, I have recommended the Ryrie Study Bible since it was first released in the later 1970's. The revised edition is even better than its predecessor, with in-text maps, charts, and Ryrie's most unique feature: prolific interpretative notes at the foot of almost every page.

When folks ask me Bible questions as their pastor, if I do not have the answer in my head, more times than not the notes provide the answer (makes me look good!). And the maps and indexes are unique.

The Ryrie Study Bible is doctrinally based upon a literal view of the Bible. It is Dispensational, Premillennial, Eternally Secure, and Non-charismatic. But Evangelical Christians of various positions will find it very helpful indeed. The best study version of the best Book of all time!

This is a great Bible to study, great footnotes,very user freindly and well constructed. A great Bible for a beginner or a scholar to own in a library for reference.

I am a layperson.

The depth of the commentary and the fastidious cross-referencing in the margin has made this Bible the gateway for my growth as a Christian. The maps in the back and other commentary at the beginning of each book create a depth of understanding in my Christian experience that I find too infrequently from the pulpit.

The commentary has great life application elements and historical references as well.

Well Done Dr. Ryrie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition is truly an excellent study bible. In addition to clear and detailed notes on every page, this bible has some of the best explanatory charts and tables I have found in any study or reference bible.

Each book in this bible includes an extensive introduction with detailed notes on authorship, date, contents, an outline, and a feature I especially enjoy, a graphical timeline for that book. Also included is a sizable concordance, and over a dozen detailed full-color maps depicting the Holy Land from the Old Testament through Christ's ministry and Paul's journeys and up to present day.

If I had to recommend any one study bible, this would be it. I would especially recommend it for anyone in the ministry or actively evangelizing. The wealth of reference material in this bible makes God's Word not only easier to understand, but also easier to explain to others. Also available in King James Version, I give the Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition my highest recommendation.