THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE COMMENTARY - 9780814624548

The International Bible Commentary is a one-volume Catholic and ecumenical commentary on the entire Bible, written by scholars from 32 countries across six continents and from many Christian communions. Edited by William R. Farmer, with associate editors Armando Levoratti, Sean McEvenue, and David L. Dungan, it was designed above all for pastors and preachers. It also suits teachers, students, and general readers who want serious scholarship explained in clear language. Alongside commentary on every book of the Bible, it includes general articles on interpreting Scripture, essays on contemporary issues, guides for pastoral use, and sixteen pages of full-color maps.

Each book's commentary is written in two parts. A "First Reading" identifies the subject of the book as a whole, giving the context needed to understand individual chapters and verses. A "Second Reading" then fills in the details of its poetry, preaching, and history. Short excursuses throughout explain key words and concepts, and the commentary notes how each biblical book is used in the Church's liturgy. Pastors' guides connect the commentary to preaching, liturgy, Christian education, social action, and pastoral care. Essays address topics such as Church and state, ecology, justice, poverty, and work. The contributors use the historical-critical method alongside attention to how early Christian interpreters such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen read the texts. The books of the Bible are presented in the order traditionally used in the first Christian millennium, and line drawings prepared for this commentary illustrate important biblical sites.

Use & care: Suited to homily and sermon preparation, liturgy planning, teaching, and Bible study leadership, with the pastors' guides linking each book to preaching and pastoral work. At nearly 2,000 pages, support the spine when opening it and store it upright or flat on a sturdy shelf, away from moisture and direct sunlight.