This comprehensive guide to topics and themes in the bible is more extensive than you could imagine. Thoroughly cross-indexed to related themes, this would make a good guide for anyone doing topical bible study or preparing sermons. Also includes an index by scripture citation in which the themes they've identified are given in scriptural order.

Unlike dictionaries of the Bible, which include articles about a smaller number of subjects written by scholars, this book is more of a lexicon, with much less editorial content and a much more expansive listing of citations. This is what makes the book truly useful.

Most of themes are accompanied with short commentaries of 1-2 sentences each--here the editors' biases show most clearly. Even though the conservative theology of the editors can sometimes grate, especially when one approaches scripture from a different point of view, the work is still thorough enough to be used by the most liberal of scholars. Recommended, if with a wee bit of salt.

If you are looking for a book to help to you to study the Bible more deeply, you found it. This is that book. Almost all the most important references are quoted. In some few cases the editors could have gone a little far away. But it doesn't affect the great value of the work. You can seek the references through the themes listed in the book, or you can seek the references that are linked to the chapters and verses of the Bible. Everything is arranged in a very practical way. You will feel very comfortable using this book. Extraordinary! Don't lose it!