Dictionary of the Bible - Hastings

Ronald Quick

This resource will be shipping "tomorrow".  I read some of the other forum posts about Hastings and his works seem to be highly respected.  I was just wondering what this resource will add to my other Bible dictionaries?

I currently have the Platinum base package, AYBD and the IVP Reference collection - just to name a few.

I ordered this when it was in CP, so it's not very expensive.  My main reason for questioning getting this resource is because I've found myself purchasing excellent resources, but because of the size of my library they are not getting used like I think they should.  It doesn't matter how good a resource is if it never/rarely gets used because it has become lost or forgotten.  I am currently taking steps organizing my library with collections, passage guides and favorites - so this is helping tremendously.

I kinda got off the point of my initial question (I think I hijacked my own thread).  Any input on what makes this resource stand out would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Scott S

I'm glad you raised this question. Hastings' works are older, about 1900 and cheap.  Steve Runge, the guy at Logos developing the Discourse works, thinks there is value to old commentators and commentaries because they "were not distracted by modern issues".  I wonder if there might be value in consulting older dictionaries for the same reason?

Runge in Logos blog wrote:

"In a previous post I mentioned the value of older commentaries, noting that many times you will find a more robust engagement of the text on works by Godet, Olshausen and Alford, who were not distracted by the modern issues that can preoccupy new commentators."  http://blog.logos.com/2010/03/which_commentary_is_best/

and

"If you’re interested in modern interpretive controversies, there are plenty of titles to chose from (see, e.g., our Commentaries Product Guide).
But if solid engagement with what the biblical text actually says is
what you’re after, I will pass on the advice that I have richly
benefited from: check out Godet and the his contemporaries (e.g., Henry Alford, William Robertson Nicoll, John Eadie, J. P. Lange, and the authors of the Classic Commentaries on the Greek New Testament like J. B. Lightfoot, H. B. Swete, and B. F. Westcott).
They provide an important balance to modern scholarship, filling in
holes that unfortunately seem to be growing bigger as the years pass. Do
not look down on the “dead guys.” READ them."  http://blog.logos.com/2010/02/commentaries_that_comment_on_the_text/

In an unrelated search, yesterday I came across "Books for Expositors" at The Master's College, by Stitzinger, which lists Hastings dictionaries. I offer the link without comment. http://www2.masters.edu/Libraries/pdf/Books%20for%20Bible%20Expositors.pdf