The Names of God Bible

The Names of God Bible

Edited by Ann Spangler

From the back cover:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Name of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.


The Names of God Bible restores more than 10,000 occurrences of specific names of God - like Yahweh, El Shadday, El Elyon, and Adonay - to help readers connect with the Hebrew roots of their Christian faith and experience a deeper understanding of God's character. Perfect for personal study, prayer, and reflection, The Names of God Bible includes these special features: 

• More than 10,000 names and titles of God restores to their Hebrew equivalent and printed in brown ink to stand out within the biblical text
• Names of God reading paths lead readers to the next reference of the name so they can pray and study the names of God throughout Scripture
• Name pages feature
• background information associated with the most important names and titles of God
• key scripture passages in which the name is revealed
• devotional readings for each of the featured names
• specific Bible promises connected to each of the featured names
• Calling God by Name sidebars shed light on the relationship between biblical people and the specific names they called God

When I first heard this Bible was available for review, I quickly responded to review it. Several years ago I was in a Bible study that went over the names of God in depth. I realized that this Bible would help me to utilize the names that I learned several years ago.

Each book of the Bible includes a short introduction that includes the key names of God that are used in that book. For instance, the key names in the book of Proverbs are Yah and Yahweh (Lord), El, Elohim, and Eloah (God), and Migdal-Oz (Strong Tower). Then, throughout each book, instead of using the name "God," the specific name of God is used. For instance, here are the names of God used in Job 19:25-26:

"But I know that my Go'el lives, and afterwards, he will rise on the earth. Even after my skin has been stripped off my body, I will see Eloah in my own flesh." 

When I read that passage, it was my first time reading the name Go'el, so I looked it up and discovered that it mean "Redeemer/Defender." I also found a devotional reading on it, which gave me even greater understanding of its use. 

Now that I have The Names of God Bible, I am confident that I will be able to remember and use the names of God in prayer. I believe this Bible is an excellent resource for anyone who would like to know more about the names of God throughout Scripture.

About the editor, Ann Spangler:

Ann Spangler likens herself to the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to address themes of profound interest to many readers. Praised for the freshness, depth, and honesty of her writing, Ann writes in ways that reveal not just her intellectual curiosity but her desire for a deeper connection with God. An award-winning writer, Ann published her first book in 1994. It became an instant best-seller. Since then she has followed up with several best-selling books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda), Praying the Names of God, and Praying the Names of Jesus. Together, her books have sold nearly 3 million copies.

By paying attention to the spiritual and emotional hungers that animate us and by finding creative ways to explore God's self-revelation in Scripture, her writing surprises by revealing a God who is far often bigger and better than we might imagine.

In addition to writing, Ann has enjoyed a lengthy career in Christian publishing, working for William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Servant Publications, and Zondervan Publishing in marketing, editorial, and management roles. Her broad experience in publishing has convinced her that readers are looking for well-written books that explore the connection between spiritual experience and everyday life, books that engage the mind and strengthen the heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Book That Made Your World

The Book That Made Your World

by Vishal Mangalwadi

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it. I attribute this to several factors, one being I was reading other books that seemed more interesting at the time. Another being the book's foreword that didn't interest me at all. But then I started reading the prologue, and looked up Mangalwadi's biography and was fascinated. Mangalwadi states that the book celebrates the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, but that his book isn't solely about the Bible, but about art, music, and literature that influenced the world we live in today.

In the first chapter Mangalwadi talks about how Kurt Cobain's album Nevermind, and his suicide later on, paints a portrait of a generation that had lost its way, that had decided that life was essentially meaningless.

Mangalwadi talks more about his personal story in Part 2 of the book. He and his wife, Ruth, picked up their somewhat affluent life and moved to rural India, an area that was known for gang violence and poverty. The two felt God had called them to serve these people and show them His love. One story in this section of the book that I don't think I will ever be able to forget is that of the infant named Sheela. Sheela was a little girl who was being starved by her parents because they felt she was more of a liability than a gift to the family. They felt they didn't have enough money to raise her, then pay her dowry for a future marriage, so they chose the route of slowly killing her. 

As I got further into the book, though, I discovered that my first opinion of the book had returned. I am sure there is is interesting information in the book; however, it is so lengthy and packed with historical details, it seemed like a chore to wade through it. Don't get me wrong - I love history, and I love reading about the "whys" and "hows" of things. I think this book would be better suited to a Bible/Theology/History class, as a lot of the information the author presents would be good for a discussion format.

Would I recommend this book? I definitely can't say that I "can't recommend" this book, because there is nothing inherently wrong with it. I think I just got bogged down in all of the details and lost interest after a few chapters.

About the author:

Vishal Mangalwadi (1949-) is an international lecturer, social reformer, political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes.

His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India's Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It was Mangalwadi’s books, In Search of Self and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic, engaging speaker who has lectured in 32 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.

Vishal and Ruth are currently in the United States exploring The Soul of Western Civilization - the Bible. This study was inspired by Vishal and Ruth's recognition of India's need for the reforming power of the Bible. The first fruits of their research are available in (i) Eight-Part lecture series "The Book of the Millennium" and (11) Eleven-part lecture series "Must the Sun Set On the West?" available from www.SoughtAfterMedia.com. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from BookSneeze. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."