The SDA Bible Commentary Set?

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

For those of you who aren't aware of what I'm talking about, it's this: http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/Detail.tpl?sku=0828015546

Several years back I managed to get to an ABC store in my area (which was way further than I expected. Ended up walking over 10km in wind chill. Rofl)...and among the purchase of my first Bible, I bought a copy of Daniel and The Revelation: Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. What I found out after was that it was a small section of a larger commentary...but it ended up put away until recently, when my interest resorted back to prophecy and Daniel.

So I picked it up. I've been using a Nelson's study Bible the past years and was really happy with it. It has maps, a concordance, pretty decent commentary and related articles -- basically, it's done me really well, although it's falling apart now. I thought THAT was full of resources, but I'm quickly realizing my little Dan. & Rev. book is far better. I've never seen a commentary so exhaustive or informative! Wow. It takes me a couple hours (I'm a slow reader) just to get through one chapter in Daniel. *lol*

Sooo, I figured maybe I'd invest in getting the whole commentary. It seemed worth it while reading my small section, and looked into it today. Only to find how insanely huge it is! The commentary alone is 7 volumes and around $250 US??? Woah. Not to mention the set I linked to above that's got the extra 5 books in it, for a regular price of over $400 US!

Now, from my tiny section I can undertand why. I mean seriously, a whole page of commentary for one verse alone? That could be indespensable for learning about the background history, beyond theology. (For example, I know a lot more about the Babylonian empire than I did before I picked it up. My other study Bible told me practically nothing in comparison.)

Still..that's a lot of money, and space on my bookshelf. So I'm wondering, has anyone else got it? What is your opinion of it? Is there another commentary out there that rivals it for how in depth it is, yet maybe a bit cheaper?

What kind of resources does it have? Is it really heavy on SDA theology or does it give different views on things? (My study Bible gives several different options for verses where denominations think differently, so I'm spoiled that way)

Would I be better to just buy the commentary itself, or the whole set?

Wow. This thing's huge. *lol* I need you guys' help.

Blessings and Love,
Sarah

 

[AndrewK788]

Hey Sarah,
I do have the entire set. If you want my opinion though, the extra 5 books are unnecessary as they are mostly SDA doctrine etc. Obviously the whole thing isn't going to present anything contrary to SDA beliefs but I never use the extra 5 so it's kind of a waste of money. But definitely a wealth of knowledge in those books.

If it's too expensive even for the 7 maybe buy one at a time? Just a suggestion.

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Hey Sarah,
I do have the entire set. If you want my opinion though, the extra 5 books are unnecessary as they are mostly SDA doctrine etc. Obviously the whole thing isn't going to present anything contrary to SDA beliefs but I never use the extra 5 so it's kind of a waste of money. But definitely a wealth of knowledge in those books.

If it's too expensive even for the 7 maybe buy one at a time? Just a suggestion.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for responding.

I was wondering if the other books were really needed, as I was thinking the same as you -- just buy the commentary itself. It's kinda half-half, though. It's only an extra $50 right now for the complete set due to it being on sale, so I'll have to think about it.

Do you find that you use the commentary often, or just on occasion for reference purposes?

It's not actually price that's really the problem in some ways. I can afford any of the sets at the moment (even the ones much more expensive)..but it's explaining to my mom why I want to spend so much on it. *lol* Which probably seems silly, but it's easier said than done.

 

[AndrewK788]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for responding.

I was wondering if the other books were really needed, as I was thinking the same as you -- just buy the commentary itself. It's kinda half-half, though. It's only an extra $50 right now for the complete set due to it being on sale, so I'll have to think about it.

Do you find that you use the commentary often, or just on occasion for reference purposes?

It's not actually price that's really the problem in some ways. I can afford any of the sets at the moment (even the ones much more expensive)..but it's explaining to my mom why I want to spend so much on it. *lol* Which probably seems silly, but it's easier said than done.

I don't use it every day but often enough to make it worth it lol. Any time I read a passage that is a little confusing or one that I'd like to hear a 2nd opinion, I check the commentary.

I don't read the whole thing for every Bible text I read though. I usually save that for in-depth study. I recently studied Romans in which I read the whole commentary on it and I've just begun Daniel and Revelation.

The big selling point for me is simply the quality and the fact I'll have these and be able to use them pretty much my entire life.

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

I don't use it every day but often enough to make it worth it lol. Any time I read a passage that is a little confusing or one that I'd like to hear a 2nd opinion, I check the commentary.

I don't read the whole thing for every Bible text I read though. I usually save that for in-depth study. I recently studied Romans in which I read the whole commentary on it and I've just begun Daniel and Revelation.

The big selling point for me is simply the quality and the fact I'll have these and be able to use them pretty much my entire life.

That's a really good point. Partly why I prefer the books verses computer version, too. A CD ROM can get scratched or something..and the whole thing is gone. Whereas books will last until they litterally fall apart, and even then you can get them re-bound.

There's just something so nice about getting all cozy in bed and reading, while spending time with God.

I'm currently reading the Dan and Rev one right through, as part of a study. Neat how you are too! I can see why you wouldn't use it all the time, though. Even my short commentary, which only normally had a couple lines per verse, I would only read when I was interested in it. Sometimes it's nice to just read the Word for what it is.

Actually, I'm really excited...I felt compelled to email my Pastor for his opinion, and he says he may be able to get me a set of the commentaries for free! Not for sure, but it'd be such a blessing. Tall and Sophia suggested another set that's way more expensive and bigger (59 volumes of commentary!)...and I could maybe get both that way. We'll see what God has planned.

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Oh, and awesome quote in your signature, by the way! I love C.S.Lewis. Just started reading him a few months ago. What book's that from?

 

[BobRyan]

Here is a nice place to check out SDA opinion on various things.

http://egwdatabase.whiteestate.org/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$vid=default

Here is a super-great way to view original Greek (NT) and LXX forms of OT translated for you and links to commentaries
http://www.searchgodsword.org/isb/bible.cgi?query=Ezek+44%3A27&section=0&it=nas&oq=ro%25203%3A25&ot=lxx&nt=na&new=1&nb=ro&ng=3&ncc=3

Here is a great non-sda commentary site -
http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/view.cgi?number=1586

Lot's of great resources online -- in addition to your SDA- Commentaries.

But if your interest is prophecy and going through Daniel and Revelation -- I would strongly suggest two books by Maxwell called "God Cares". There is one for Daniel and another one for Revelation.

So far I have not found anything better.

And oh yes -- there is "that thread" I started if your interest is in the very latest on prophecy -
http://christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=49553292&postcount=1

in Christ,

Bob

 

[thecountrydoc]

Hi Sarah,

You might want to try Ebay. There is almost always something from single volums to complete sets. Simply search for SDA Bible Comentary.

Your friend and brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[AndrewK788]

Ebay is a good idea. Also you might try Amazon.com. Even though they don't officially carry those books, private sellers will probably be selling them. I prefer Amazon over Ebay for two reasons: 1) it's not bidding, just buying, and 2) Amazon has more guarantees concerning its private vendors. Ebay has its clauses but too many of my friends have been ripped off by people taking advantage of loopholes in the system.

Actually, I'll go check now if Amazon has anything on it...

EDIT:

Yes there are a few individual volumes...but don't bother. *lol* Apparently people overestimate each volumes worth as sopme are priced as high as $99.95. Maybe try eBay after all!

 

[AndrewK788]

Oh, and awesome quote in your signature, by the way! I love C.S.Lewis. Just started reading him a few months ago. What book's that from?

I'm glad you like it!

I believe the quote is from Lewis's book "The Problem of Pain."

 

[DarylFawcett]

I purchased my SDA Bible Commentary Set at an ABC Book Sale at Campmeeting and got it for a really good price back then.

I use it often for researching things.

IMO, it is worth purchasing.

 

[reddogs]

I purchased my SDA Bible Commentary Set at an ABC Book Sale at Campmeeting and got it for a really good price back then.

I use it often for researching things.

IMO, it is worth purchasing.

Was that in book or DVD set?