About the Book
Volume 7 features portions or all of 1 and 2 Kings, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, 2 Chronicles, Joel, Jonah, Amos, and Hosea. It begins with the latter years of King Solomon's reign. After King Solomon's death, the nation is divided into the kingdoms of Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The volume also includes the exciting tales of Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Amos and Hosea.
About the Author :
C.M.H. Koenig (a pen name) is an adult missionary kid (MK) and third culture kid (TCK) who grew up overseas and in the United States. Koenig's family had regular devotions since she was a child, and she was encouraged to continue the practice as she grew older. Koenig has read and re-read a number of devotionals and Bible reading plans over the last few decades. The selection and arrangement of these devotions were made with a crucial spiritual goal in mind. "Hawker, Spurgeon, and Winslow provide solid, tasty meat, a veritable feast I wish to share with others. They were abundantly gifted writers." Robert Hawker, a Royal Marine assistant surgeon, Anglican priest, and author, was born 1753 in Exeter, England. He was married aged 19 to Anna Rains, and they had eight children altogether. He was ordained as a minister in 1779. It was in the pulpit that "the Doctor" was best known and loved. Thousands flocked to hear the "Star of the West" preach when he was in London. An Evangelical, he preached the Bible and proclaimed the love of God. (Wikipedia: Robert Hawker 2020) Charles Haddon Spurgeon, an English Particular Baptist preacher and author, was born on 19 June 1834 in Kelvedon, Essex, England. He married Susannah Thompson in 1856 and had twin boys. Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various denominations, among whom he is known as the "Prince of Preachers." (Wikipedia: Charles Spurgeon 2020)
Review :
Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 7 continues C.M.H. Koenig's multi-volume focus on the Bible, providing discussions centered on the books of Kings, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, 2 Chronicles, Joel, Jonah, Amos, and Hosea. Portions of Psalms are peppered into these readings, as well. Followers of the prior volumes will want to pursue this addition to the series as it continues a methodical analysis of selected passages.
As in the prior books, the enlightening discussions come from the writings of Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow.
Footnoted references refer back to the Bible for those who would embark on further reading, while the accompanying insights from Hawker, Spurgeon and Winslow more closely examine Bible characters, their intentions and interpretations of their lives, and the actions and responses of God to these disparate lives.
Each reading and analytical passage provides food for thought. This will delight readers seeking a reasoned analysis that links to their own daily lives, conflicts, and ideas of salvation, sin, and spiritual strength.
This volume, in particular, outlines the successive history of Biblical figures, the presence of God in the hearts and minds of his people, and the daily events that affect them. The close inspection linking Biblical events and verses to considerations of how God operates within the soul and in the world allows readers to approach Biblical interpretation from three distinct viewpoints.
The result may all have been written centuries ago, but is here synthesized and presented in a form designed to appeal to busy readers interested in spirituality, Bible interpretation, and inspections that consider the foundations of faith and inspiration. Herein lay rich keys to making these associations between God's word and its enactment in daily living.
Volume 7 joins a formidable and inviting, scholarly discourse that is highly recommended for Christian readers and discussion groups alike.
Diane Donovan, Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
