Inane Comments in the Orthodox Study Bible

I’ve complained previously about the translation used in the Orthodox Study Bible, but I reserved discussion of the notes for later.

Before I complain, however, I want to note that I have found quite a number of comments that I regard as helpful. My study has been enriched by using this Bible.  At the same time, I am frustrated by the number of cases in which it could be so much more enriching than it is.

So herewith a small and perhaps nitpicky complaint–notes that actually add nothing to the text.

I was reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11 for my lectionary study, and checked the notes.  The passage is the story of how David finds himself living in a house of cedar, but God’s house is a tent, so he wants to build a temple.

The note on verses 1-3 reads:

David has united the tribes under his kingship, established Jerusalem as his capital, and lives in a house paneled with cedar.  The ark, though now brought up to the city, remains in the taernacle he pitched for it, a tent.  He seeks advice from Nathan the prophet, who instructs him to build a temple for the ark.

Umm, wasn’t that approximately what the text just said?  The only thing added is where the capital is.  The next note begins:

In a dream, God informs Nathan . . .

And you guessed it, we get the next several verses summarized.

There is much that this Bible does, but so much more that would be possible.  The notes are quite variable, ranging from profound, especially when they bring the eastern church fathers into the mix, all the way to completely inane such as these two.