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VirginiaHuguenot · #16 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 06:30 PM

From Roelof A. Janssen of Inheritance Publications:

Quote:

The National Synod of Dort, held 1618/19, is probably the most important synod since the Reformation. Although the Dutch officially refer to it as a National Synod, it had official advisers from several countries, including England and some territories within what we now call Germany. Though the French king did not allow the invited French delegates to attend, the French Reformed Churches did later extend their approval to the decisions which had been made at Dort in relation to the Remonstrants or Arminians.

The Synod's decisions in rejecting the errors of the Arminians are well known; those decisions are inscribed in the Canons of Dort. But the Synod also made an important decision to commission a completely new translation of the Bible into the Dutch language. Some of the most learned theologians were appointed to carry out this task, and the result has been a great blessing for the Dutch churches.

Of special benefit are the annotations that were made by the translators. Because those annotations are so important, we considered translating them into English. Great was our excitement when we were told by Rev. Jerome Julien that those annotations had already been translated and that the late Rev. Charles Spurgeon had a copy of the translated annotations in his personal library. Again we were delighted when we found that several libraries had a microfilm edition of this translation. After obtaining a microfilm and then photocopying all the pages, we got several people to help with the task of typing the original translation of Theodore Haak into the computer.

We have carefully compared the translation with the Dutch editions of Den Hertog (1997, based on a 1657 edition; 1980, based on a 19th century edition). We then re-translated and edited further, and generally updated the translation. We have tried to remain as close as possible to the original Dutch text.

The Dutch States Bible is an accurate translation of the same original texts as the Authorized Version of 1611. However, since the annotations were directly related to the Dutch text, we found it necessary to follow the exact Dutch translation of the Greek and Hebrew text of the Bible, just as Theodore Haak had done (see "A Plain and True Narrative" by Theodore Haak on pages 17 and 18 of the first volume).

We have checked all text references and corrected a few obvious printing errors. The Dutch editions kept the annotations (which often included text references) separate from the text references which indicated other places where the exact Hebrew word was also used. For some reason unknown to us, Theodore Haak omitted most of these references. We have included them within the annotations.

- Roelof A. Janssen

The Dort Study Bible

An English translation of the Annotations to the Dutch Staten Bijbel of 1637 in accordance with a decree of the Synod of Dort 1618-1619

Rev. Jerome Julien in The Outlook: This is a wonderful addition to a home, church, school, or minister's library . . . Originally, these notes were commissioned by the Great Synod of Dort, 1618-1619, along with the Staten Bijbel, a completely new translation of Scripture. In a very real sense, this is probably the earliest study Bible ever produced. We might say of it that it is a short commentary on the Bible.

The notes are preceded by an introduction to each Bible book, and a summary at the head of each chapter. While the notes on Genesis are much more detailed due to the nature of the content, many insights are found on all the pages. These notes might not be what you would read in a commentary published today, but they give concise explanations of the verses. Regularly, they give cross references to other Biblical passages which shed further light on what God says in the text. Also, these notes give a historic-redemptive understanding of the Bible history. Ministers, as well as Bible students, will find helpful information here, as well as ideas to develop.

For those who might be interested, the position on creation days is "that night and day.. . made up one natural day together . . . comprehending twenty-four hours" (see Genesis 1:5). Further, the Book of Genesis lays open God's "everlasting covenant." The note on Genesis 17:7 states that it is "Everlasting for all believers in Christ . . ." This subject is discussed at great length in the appropriate places.

Of what value is this new, but very old set of notes? Some scholars might look withdisdain on a republication of these notes. Yet, historically they have value because we can read in English what our fathers at Dort taught and believed concerning Biblical teachings other than those well explained in the Canons of Dort. It is foolhardy to cut ourselves off from our heritage, as so many wish to do today. Now, what has been readily available in the Dutch language for the last 350 years, is in a newly translated and typeset English edition for our reading and spiritual benefit.

Further, this volume has a practical value. For those who still attend church society meetings, or for those involved in Bible studies, here is a concise and helpful Reformed commentary. Its format allows it to be on the table with our Bibles, Psalters, and notes. This is an ambitious project which Inheritance has undertaken. We must be grateful for their dedicated work. It is the hope of this reviewer that the day will come, beginning now, when this set will not only be displayed in many, many homes, but also well worn through use. In this day of seemingly shrinking interest in the Reformed Faith we and our children must be grounded in God's Truth!

Special package deal for the first 4 volumes (until July 31, 2008):

$80.00 (regular $99.80)

IP/CMR Product 5

(See this page also for more information and sample pages)

The easiest way to get vol. 5 - 14 automatically sent to you (D.V. from 2009 - 2016) is to join the Inheritance Publications Book Club.

IP/CMR Product14

Vol. 1 Genesis and Exodus ISBN 1-894666-51-8 $24.95

Vol. 2 Leviticus - Deuteronomy ISBN 1-894666-52-6 $24.95

Vol. 3 Joshua - 2 Samuel ISBN 1-894666-53-4 $24.95

Vol. 4 1 Kings-1 Chronicles ISBN 978-1-894666-54-1 $24.95

With friendly regards,

Roelof A. Janssen

INHERITANCE PUBLICATIONS

BOX 154, NEERLANDIA, ALBERTA

T0G 1R0 CANADA

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