Old Testament Readings & Devotionals

Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 10 is another fine addition to Koenig's Bible study series. It expands the reflections of scholars Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow to consider works from Ezekiel, Daniel, Psalms, Haggai, and Zechariah.

This period of time covers Israel and Judah's exile from 605 BC to 518 BC. It examines key verses and scriptures that are accompanied by in-depth reflections by one of the featured scholars on God's intentions and message.

As with its predecessors, each passage is linked to discussions designed not just to expand upon their underlying meaning and message, but link to the reader's daily experiences and efforts to become closer to God's living word.

These range from specific admonitions key to the passages selected to general observations contrasting the approaches and messages of the Biblical prophets. One early example lies in Hawker's thought-provoking contrast between Ezekiel's delivery and other prophet choices in delivering God's word. Ezekiel used lively images to cement his messages with visual embellishments, for example.

Hawker's commentary on the passages and messages in Ezekiel allow for insights that expand upon the evolution of the church, God's message, and the Lord's concern for the poor and repressed of His world.

Hawker provides most of the commentary in this volume as he moves from Ezekiel to Zechariah's book of prophecy and its importance and impact on the church.

The promise of salvation to representations of Christ, Israel's history, culture, and the impact of the prophets on the delivery of God's word and its incarnation in human affairs makes for many thought-provoking insights highly recommended not just for individual pursuit, but, ideally, Bible group discussion.

Having the commentary linked to specific passages and presented in a digestible daily devotional format lends to a study that excels in embracing the messages of God, Jesus, and how they were interpreted or can be reconsidered in light of Scripture references.

Bible students will find this 10th volume an ongoing journey of discovery that offers many analytical insights connected to the word of God.

~Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services