Volume 3 features Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and a portion of 1 Samuel. Deuteronomy is a review of Israel's history and law prior to entering the Promised Land. Joshua, Moses' successor in the leadership of Israel, describes the challenges and triumphs of possessing the Promised Land. Judges is mainly a historical narrative that leads up to establishment of the monarchy in first Samuel. "The primary purpose of the book of Ruth is to highlight an island of faith and integrity in a sea of corruption." (Smith, 76)
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 3 adds a new study to C.M.H. Koenig's series; this covering Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, and a portion of First Samuel during the period between 1406 BC - 1025 BC. This third book in an 11-volume series takes the time and energy to pair analysis with a daily devotional designed to encourage a chronological, in-depth study of the Bible.
Each daily read is marked with a Biblical passage, accompanying devotional with food for thought, and footnoted references that connect Biblical concepts: "The eternal God is thy refuge." Deuteronomy 33:27 (AKJV)
The word refuge may be translated "mansion," or "abiding-place," which gives the thought that God is our abode, our home. There is a fullness and sweetness in the metaphor, for dear to our hearts is our home, although it be the humblest cottage, or the scantiest garret; and dearer far is our blessed God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being. It is at home that we feel safe: we shut the world out and dwell in quiet security. So, when we are with our God, we "fear no evil."
This opportunity to take Biblical study in digestible pieces and apply its teachings to life experiences and spiritual and philosophical enlightenment lends to a self- or group-study program like few others.
The Bible readings are paired with insights from several scholarly sources, from late 1700s Anglican priest and author Robert Hawker's Poor Man's Old Testament Commentary to the reflections of 1834 English Particular Baptist preacher and author Charles H. Spurgeon, and 1800s pastor and author Octavius Winslow.
The citations highlight striking features in Biblical figures and messages, present interpretations that will lend not just to individual reflection but group study and debate, and allow for daily connections to Biblical messages that analyze the heart of passages in a succinct, chronological approach.
While Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3 will appeal to scholarly and religious students, it's also quite accessible to everyday Christians who want to delve deeper into Biblical meaning and God's word in a manner different than most devotionals offer.
Those who find the Bible rich in lessons and meaning, but who need guideposts to fully absorb them, will find Old Testament Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3 and its series the perfect place to embark upon a well-organized study.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
