How (and why) to Use a Bible Dictionary

A Bible dictionary is one useful tool that readers of the Bible can use to help them in their understanding of particularly confusing passages. A Bible dictionary does for the Bible, what Merriam-Webster or Oxford English dictionary does for everyday speech-- it explains what a particular word means or refers to. When reading the Bible many words might appear that may not be familiar (who of us can profess to have 'grain offering', 'covenant', or 'Gog' at the forefront of our minds on a regular basis?). This is where a Bible dictionary can be of great service. 

Take for example Ezekiel 38 and 39. The editors of the English Standard Version (ESV) have titled his section, "Prophecy Against Gog". Ezekiel 38 begins with God commanding Ezekiel to prophecy against "Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meschech and Tubal". If this was covered in my third grade Sunday School class, then I must have been asleep at the time. I do not know who (or perhaps where or what) a "Gog" is. So, I consult a Bible dictionary. 

1. Choose a Bible dictionary. There are many Bible dictionaries. Some will use a lot of Greek and Hebrew (making it less accessible), but others will not focus on the original languages (or focus on them to a much lesser extent). One accessible volume that is on my bookshelf is Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible.
   
2. Look up your subject of inquiry. So, in our example, you will look up "Gog". In the Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible there is a brief article under "God, Magog". The article begins with a brief summary, "A ruler and his land or people, portrayed as Israel's apocalyptic foe". A further examination of the article yields a reference to Gog in Ezekiel 38-39 and says:
   
   "In Ezek. 38-39 Gog is 'of the land of Magog' in 'the remotest parts of the north' (38:51; 39:2). He is the commander who, following Israel's return from Babylonian exile, will invade the land and so provoke a final, decisive battle with Yahweh. The battle between Gog and Yahweh is depicted in the cosmic imagery associated with the Day of Yahweh; earthquake and storm accompany the enemy's demise. Yahweh's victory will at last vindicate his holy name, proving that the Exile occurred because of Israel's sins rather than through Yahweh's weakness" (Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, "Gog, Magog"). 
   
   The end of the article discusses the debate whether Gog refers to a historical figure (some suggestions are given as to what historical rulers Gog could refer to) or to a symbolic figure who opposes the God of Israel. In the New Testament, Gog is mentioned in Revelation 20:7-10 as a distant nation that marches against the people of God, only to be defeated by the God who cares for and defends his chosen people.
   
3. Summarize your findings. The context of Ezekiel 38-39 does not require Gog to be a literal commander. In fact, given the promises of God to restore his people for his name's sake in the previous chapters (c.f. Ezekiel 36-37), it is likely that Gog is symbolic of those who have opposed God and scoffed at his ability to provide for his covenant people. With the help of our Bible dictionary, we can understand the passage as being God's promise to his people that there will come a day when all who oppose the people and purpose of God will be defeated.

Many people are choosing to purchase Bible software that may include electronic Bible dictionaries. These electronic dictionaries are fast and convenient (you would use them in a similar way as I described above). For those who prefer hard copies, this means that affordable Bible dictionaries can be found at church bazaars, rummage sales, and used bookstores.