Bibles – What Are They For?

Many people I know have quite a few Bibles lying around their houses. Unfortunately, there is a high percentage of those Bibles that hardly ever get any use; they just sit, gathering dust and taking up space. I own several Bibles, but they don’t just sit on a shelf, they are used. What about you? How many Bibles do you have, and are they actually read? Hopefully, you will be able to answer “yes” about making Bible reading a routine part of your lives.

Bibles are meant to be read, and if they only sit idly by, they are not doing anything for you. There are riches in the pages of God’s holy writ that are waiting to be uncovered by the reader who digs for them. Let me tell you, friend, what the Lord has for you will not jump off the pages and land in your spirit if you are not willing to spend time seeking for it.

While on the isle of Patmos, John wrote in Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” I believe the Lord wants to bless those who spend time with Him through the pages of the glorious book we call the Bible. Do you feel that way, too?

I’ve written about reading daily here and here. After reading several excellent blogs about the virtues of high quality bindings, covers and papers, I though it would be interesting to take a look at some of the Bibles I own. Understand, my intention is not to duplicate the fine work others have already labored over; it is, however, my intention to discuss the Bibles that are in my library.

Now, I must give credit to Mark Bertrand at the Bible Design & Binding Blog. While searching the Internet for a particular Bible, his remarkable blog appeared in the search list. After clicking on it for the first time, I was hooked in a big way. His articles are both interesting and informative, and I’ve learned quite a lot about quality Bibles through is writings. Many people, far more knowledgeable than me, frequent his blog, and I’ve gleaned a lot of information by just reading. Stay tuned.

Cambridge Large Print KJV 83 Black Text Only Bible

Until Florida’s 99th campmeeting in June, I had never owned a Cambridge Bible. Mark Bertrand’s excellent Bible Design & Binding Blog has several articles about Cambridge, and the posts are quite informative. He has reviewed a few of the high-end sort, and includes some very nicely done pictures. Unfortunately, I don’t own a digital camera, so you won’t find pictures on this blog, yet.

My eyes are not doing as well as they once did, and it’s time to think about Bibles with larger text. Most of my Bibles would be just right if not for the fact they are so difficult to read. Browsing through Mark’s blog lets me know I am not the only who has this problem.

At all our campmeetings, Pathway Press sets up a bookstore; it’s not hard to spend lots of time looking at the offerings and talking with friends. Hanging around the bookstore is a wonderful time of fellowship and quite a learning experience, too.

I asked if there were any Cambridge Bibles on hand, and was directed to a table that had some very nice offerings. There was a wide-margin in bonded leather, which was a definite no-go. Besides, the text was way too small for me. On the same shelf was a wonderful little Bible – the KJV 83 Black bound in French Morocco leather. I asked if it would be okay to put this one aside until I made up my mind. No problem.

Well, I bought that text-only Bible, and am quite pleased with it. The text is sharp and big enough for me to read comfortably. I do wish it had been a red-letter edition, but I can certainly live with black text. I know there are many who prefer no red on the pages of their Bibles. How about you?

There are absolutely no references in this Bible, and that’s alright. It is used primarily as a daily reading Bible, and for that purpose, it’s perfect. Cambridge chose to include only one ribbon marker, but three should be standard, as far as I’m concerned. Please don’t be stingy with markers; they are so useful, especially for a daily reading Bible.

My copy came in a King’s College slipcase, unlike most of the newer offerings. I really like this nice touch, and think Cambridge should go back to using them instead of the boxes they now use. I know, it’s such a small detail, but it’s important to a lot of other people, too.

Finally, the cover quality is quite disappointing. The lining wasn’t attached very well, and is already coming loose. There’s a lump under the lining on the inside front, and the corners were poorly glued. These quality issues should not be so evident coming from the oldest publisher in the world.

I’ve already spoken to the fine people at Baker Publishing Group, which is the North American distributor for Cambridge University Press Bibles. I was told it would be no problem to exchange my Bible for a new one. The trouble is, there aren’t any to trade for. There aren’t any in stock, and no one knows when a new shipment will arrive. I stay in contact with customer service, and will eventually get word to send mine in for exchange. Until that time, I will continue using this great Bible.