Hitchcock's compendium of Bible names and their definitions demystifies the meanings of every Bible name from A to Z - thus, it is a superb reference manual for spiritual study. A good supplement to Biblical studies, Hitchcock's book lists the meanings behind the various names. This allows readers to discover the etymological origins of the most famous figures in the Bible, place these names in their proper context, and thus perform readings of the holy scripture from a more informed perspective. Many of the names pertain directly to the qualities of their holders. For example the name Behemoth from the Book of Job simply means 'monstrous', while the name 'Iscariot' (as in Judas Iscariot) means 'a man of murder; a hireling'. Other names are however more nuanced - the name 'Baal' means 'master, or lord', contrasting the demonic connotations applied by 17th century Gothic fiction.

"The fruit of many years of loving labor," Scottish Presbyterian minister Matthew George Easton's Illustrated Bible Dictionary has become a classic reference for those studying the Bible. Originally published in 1897, three years after Easton's death, it contains almost 4,000 entries and dozens of illustrations and maps. Readers will find definitions of terms ranging from Alpha to Zuzims. In between they'll find entries both obscure and common, such as Emims (a warlike tribe of giants), Hagar (Sarah's handmaid), immortality, meekness, Pentecost (the feast of harvest), seventy weeks (a prophetic period of time before the coming of the Messiah), sling (what David used to slay the giant), and Zorah (Samson's birthplace).

The Holy Bible: Complete and How to Understand It, published by author Roswell Hitchcock in 1869, breaks down the verses of the Bible (more than 30,000) based on their meaning into 27 Books, 242 Chapters, and 2,369 Sections. Topics include Scripture, Jesus Christ, Miracles, the Hebrews, Civil and Social Law, Fallen Man, and Eschatology. It also contains Hitchcock's "Bible Name Dictionary," which describes more than 2,500 Bible and related names and their definitions. Verses are cataloged with like verses, and, though large, the book is extremely navigable. The Cosimo version is unabridged, including the original illustrations by Nast and Carpenter and Cruden's Complete Concordance to the Holy Scriptures; all in all, a unique collection. The Holy Bible: Complete and How to Understand It is a perfect tool for the serious Bible scholar and those who want to break the Bible down into its most essential parts. ROSWELL DWIGHT HITCHCOCK (1817-1887) was an American theologian and writer who graduated from Amherst in 1836 and studied at Andover theological seminary. Hitchcock was a professor at Bowdoin College in Maine and Union Theological Seminary in New York City and was also the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Exeter, New Hampshire, from 1945-1952. He was elected president of the American Palestine Exploration Society in 1871 (after his many travels to Palestine and the Middle East) and of Union Theological Seminary in 1880. He is the author of several books, including The New and Complete Analysis of the Holy Bible, Life of Edward Robinson, and Carmina Sanctorum, among others.

"The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books presents articles on numerous historical topics as well as major articles focused on the books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. Other articles focus on the Deuteronomistic History as well as the Chronicler's History, the narrative art of Israel's historians, innerbiblical exegesis, text and textual criticism, and the emergence of these books as canonical. One feature is a series of eight consecutive articles on the periods of Israel's history from the settlement to the postexilic period, which forms a condensed history of Israel within the DOTHB.". "Syro-Palestinian archaeology is surveyed in one article, while significant archaeological sites receive focused individual treatment. Other articles delve into the histories and cultures of the great neighboring empires - Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia and Persia - as well as lesser peoples, such as the Ammonites, Edomites, Moabites, Philistines and Phoenicians. In addition there are articles on architecture, agriculture and animal husbandry, roads and highways, trade and travel, and water and water systems."--Dust jacket.

In the history of the first-century church, the ministry of Apostle Paul was well-recorded by Dr. Luke in the Book of Acts. If Dr. Luke had not taken the time to write the Book of Acts, we would probably know hardly anything about him today. The Bible tells us that Barnabas, one of Paul’s companions, introduced him to the other apostles. He was responsible for recognizing Paul’s efficiency and the one who brought him to a minister in Antioch. Sadly, Barnabas himself was not well-known by most Christians. It was Paul’s friends who helped his ministry spread wide and become effective. As you read this book, I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten your heart and mind to help you understand the importance of Divine guidance and mission through spiritual mentors and be strengthened in faith.