Old Testament Readings & Devotionals

Like its predecessors, the 9th volume of Old Testament Readings & Devotionals continues the approach of linking daily devotional readings to the accompanying wisdom of three Biblical commentators: Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow. This perspective continues to offer the greatest accessibility by linking, in chronological order, books of the Bible to spiritual analysis that relates to daily experiences.

The timeline in this 9th volume is 687 BC to 538 BC, before and after the exile of the people of Judah from the southern kingdom. The books covered are 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Lamentations, and Psalms.

Key verses for each day are presented in italics and are from the Christian Standard Bible, with scripture references sometimes linked to the key passage and other times incorporating other scripture. When quoted directly, the Authorized King James Version of the Bible is used.

These readings are accompanied by footnotes linking to all the Biblical references, including Romans, Ezekiel, Luke, and other Old Testament books. This deepens and widens discussions which seek to emphasize the goodness and purpose of God through interactions in early history.

Within this 9th volume lie promises, insights, and analyses of prophecies and calamities alike. From the lessons of false prophets and keys to identifying them to the role of the church in leading people closer to God, Hawker, Spurgeon, and Winslow's reflections use Biblical stories and examples to bring their lessons directly into the discussion groups and minds of readers who would better interpret and understand God's word.

The books of Jeremiah help define the concept of the living God, while the inspections of these three wise men offer further enlightenment that Christian readers will find thought-provoking and essential to both the effort of daily living in keeping with God's word and the bigger picture of how faith operates in human affairs and history.

Volume 9 continues the analytical path set forth in Volumes 1-8, and will be appreciated by Bible students who study the passages and their connections to daily living.

~Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services