JourneyOnline
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
$39.95
From Adam and Eve to Peter, Paul and of course Mary, the Bible is full of characters – both good and undeniably evil. Pharaohs, prophets, kings, soldiers, slaves, merchants, mothers, mistresses, sons, daughters, heroes, saints, sinners, angels, demons and many more are included, some only once. Others are much more fully described in the scriptural writings. Remembering the characters names, let alone any details about them is difficult, if not impossible.
Losch’s volume lives up to its title – it literally lists all of the Bible’s characters. An alphabetical listing notes every person named in the Bible, including those only mentioned once, such as those included in the genealogies and about whom nothing else is known. This listing includes pronunciations, biblical references and brief descriptions.
The larger part of All the People in the Bible describes over 600 characters, some we are familiar with, such as Jonah and Rachel, others not so well known like Euodia and Syntyche.
For each person, Losch enumerates the evidence found in the books of the Bible, notes contradictory passages, relates both varying and complementary traditions and occasionally gathers related historical and archaeological data.
The result is an excellent guide to both the central and minor characters of the Bible. All the People in the Bible is a fantastic resource for anyone, but particularly for those who preach and lead worship.
Reviewed by Karyl Davison, Rural Ministry Coordinator, Central Queensland & Mary Burnett Presbyteries
