Some time ago, I realized that it would be a fairly easy matter to create a Chronological Audio Bible. This will be fairly obvious to some of you but I’m posting this in case it’s a new thought for any of you. I’m sure there are various ways to accomplish this, but all my comments will be Apple iPod/iTunes-centric.
I’m using The Bible Experience but it could be done with any Audio Bible that’s importable into iTunes. Downloading an Audio Bible is an option, though you have to investigate the quality of the digital files first. Some companies trade off quality for file size so that downloads can be faster. You could import audio CDs into iTunes, but you’ll have to deal with a lot of CDs. Your best bet is to purchase the Audio Bible in MP3 CDs. This dramatically lowers the number of CDs that make up the entire Old and New Testaments.
The Bible Experience (in Today’s New International Version) and Max McLean’s The Listener’s Bible (I have it in the English Standard Version, but it’s also available in the King James and New International Versions) both divide their tracks by chapters, so that’s the lowest unit of organization that can be used in iTunes (some chronological orderings of the Scriptures divide up chapters).
Once you’ve downloaded or imported the Scriptures, you can create a Chronological Audio Bible simply by creating an iTunes Playlist. For ease of navigation and/or for size limitations, you may wish to create a series of Playlist. I created three for the Old Testament and one for the New because I’m only using an 8 GB Nano (Third Generation) and I import everything pretty thickly at 224 kilobits per second. Then, of course, you simply drag each and every chapter into the playlist in the order in which you wish for them to appear. The playlist will keep the order in which you add the tracks irrespective of their position in the original media.
There are, of course, a variety of chronological schemes that can guide you. Right now, I’m using the ordering by Stanley M. Horton, who is Distinguished Professor of Bible and Theology Emeritus at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary but this search will lead you to a number of other chronological schemes that might be helpful.
This is a great idea. I have the ESV audio bible on my iPod, but have never thought to put it into chronological order.
yeah, I’m really enjoying it. it’s helping me in the OT especially.
Nice work. I’ve been thinking alot about this lately when I found your page. Good work. Is there any way you can share your list as a playlist and I can have it call to my tracks. Or can, you at least share you list. Thanks so much, Mike
Thank you so much for the idea. I have been looking for a chronological bible on itunes and everywhere online and can’t find one. This is a great alternative. Thanks again. ~Stephanie