The Dake’s Annotated Bible is almost as controversial as the author. Finis Jennings Dake (1902 – 1987) was ordained a minister by the Assemblies of God in 1927. This ordination was revoked in 1937 due to Mr. Dake being convicted for violating the Mann Act. Although he proclaimed his innocence, Finis Dake plead guilty in order to receive a lighter sentence of six months in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin House of Corrections.
Many critics of the Dake’s Annotated Bible based their disagreement with his work on the problems non-charismatics have with those who are so-called Charismatic. The difference in the doctrine of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit has been a church divider (For more on the difference of doctrine go to “Finis Dake” at Wikipedia. At the bottom of the page find the “External Sources” reference section. It is recommended that you read “Confused Theology” and the response which is located directly beneath it.)
Regardless of the specific personal problems Dake may have had it is without question that the Dake’s Annotated Bible is one of the best study bibles ever! As a study tool there are few bibles that can stand up to the 35,000 notes contained within the pages of the Dake’s Annotated Bible. The extensive historical and cultural references give the reader excellent insight into the different biblical eras. The print is small to compensate for large volume of data on each page. Each page consist of four columns. The scripture text occupy the middle sections. There is a “large print” editions available.
At the conclusion of each book of bible there is a brief summary of the specific book and a listing of notes to compliment references within the text and in the reference columns. What makes this study bible stand out from the others is the easy access to a vast amount of information. Anyone who has studied the bible knows that the deeper the study the more research material you need. You could find yourself literally surrounded by books. To have one bible supply so many research tools in one volume is extremely convenient. Of course, depending on the level of study, its purpose is not to totally replace individual language tools, concordances, dictionaries or cultural aids. But, the Dake’s Annotated Bible can surely stand on its own for in-depth reading.