In 2020, Word on Fire published the first of its series of “The Word on Fire Bible: Vol. I — The Gospels.” This was followed by “Acts, Letters and Revelation” (Vol. II, 2022) and “The Pentateuch” (Vol. III, 2023). This ambitious project continues in 2024 with the publication of Volume IV, “The Promised Land.” Like its predecessors, Volume IV is an extraordinary accomplishment, providing readers with a wealth of information beyond the text of Scripture itself. The term “must-have” is probably overused. But the library of every Catholic family would be enriched by adding these unique, lovely volumes.
In one sense, it is difficult to describe the Word on Fire Bible. But the best approach is to start with what it is not. The Word on Fire Bible is not a “study” Bible, in the way that is usually understood. It does not contain detailed footnotes or an extensive apparatus with explanations of difficult passages or cross references to other parts of Scripture. Such Bibles play an important role in our study of the Bible, to be sure. But the Word on Fire Bible is not that. I make this distinction not to disparage the Word on Fire Bible, but rather to distinguish it from all those study Bibles that we have on our shelves. You probably don’t need another study Bible. But that does not mean you won’t benefit from adding the Word on Fire Bible.
Not just a study bible
This is because the Word on Fire Bible is not “just another study Bible.” Rather, it is a work of theological, philosophical, historical, and artistic sophistication, situated and arranged around the full texts of Scripture. The wealth of information and contemplation included in them is far too rich for a brief column to account for. It is truly unique in Catholic publishing. Like its predecessors, “The Promised Land” includes scores of works of art, from photos of statues, mosaics, and friezes, to reproductions of paintings and drawings. Each is accompanied by a companion essay by a prominent scholar. It also includes more than 175 excerpts of commentary from Christian theologians, philosophers, historians and artists from across the centuries of the Church.
As the name implies, Volume IV of the Word on Fire Bible contains the books that comprise what is usually called the historical portion of the Old Testament, chronicling Israel’s ersatz sojourn in the land promised to Abraham and his descendants in the Pentateuch. This includes the Books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings, each section introduced by a prominent Catholic author. These include, for example, noted poet Sally Read and everyone’s favorite philosopher, Peter Kreeft. As a very small taste, consider this excerpt from Read’s introduction to Ruth:
“Ruth stands for more than one Moabite woman who was loyal to her mother-in-law. She represents the millions of Gentiles who will ultimately turn to the one true God. She stands for the wild trust of new believers who declare that the God of Israel is the God of every land. But ‘land’ doesn’t just mean geographical entity. It means a way of being, a way of life. It means a new way of conversion.”
A Bible for the whole person
While always informative and erudite, none of the meditations, interpretations or theological explorations in “The Promised Land” are beyond the ability of any thoughtful lay person to comprehend and appreciate. This is a Bible not merely for every person. Rather it is a Bible for every aspect of every person. It feeds the faith not merely through commentary on Scripture, but by showing how truth, beauty and goodness can be found in the wild, extravagant, violent, and sometimes even implausible stories of Israel’s raucous history in the time of the priests and kings. As such, we are enriched not only by the inspired text of Scripture, but also by the collective wisdom of the Church and her members.
Word on Fire projects three more volumes of this series, covering the Exile, Prophets, and Wisdom Literature. If the first four are a reliable indicator, when the Word on Fire Bible is complete, it will provide an abiding and enriching gift to the Church. Volume IV: The Promised Land is an admirable stop on this ambitious journey.
