The Good Book Company has produced a phenomenal series called “God’s Word For You,” which includes the volume Judges For You. Tim Keller writes in a way that helps us to see the centrality of Jesus Christ in all of God’s Word.
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“God’s Word for You” Series
The Good Book Company has produced a phenomenal series called “God’s Word For You.” This series aims to be Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevantly applied, and easily readable. The volumes in this series are created (1) to read, (2) to feed, and (3) to lead. In other words, this book could be read from cover to cover, or as a daily devotional, or as a resource that assists in preparation to lead others through the study of God’s Word.
These are not technical commentaries dealing with original languages or interacting with historical and recent scholarship. However, they are verse by verse expository guides to books of the Bible. Though not intended to be exhaustive in their interaction with the text, they are nevertheless quite thorough in their treatment of each verse.
About the Author: Tim Keller
Timothy Keller has written (or technically, this book has been edited from the study by Tim Keller) Judges For You. This book contains 13 chapters and is just at 200 pages long. Tim Keller needs no introduction, but it’s worth noting that he is an excellent Bible teacher who is more than competent to guide us through the Word of God. Keller writes in a way that helps us to see the centrality of Jesus Christ in all of God’s Word.
Themes in the Book of Judges
Here are six themes that Keller sees in the book of Judges:
- “God relentlessly offers his grace to people who do not deserve it, or seek it, or even appreciate it after they have been saved by it.”
- “God wants lordship over every area of our lives, not just some.”
- “There is a tension between grace and law, between conditionality and unconditionality.”
- “There is a need for continual spiritual renewal in our lives here on earth, and a way to make that a reality.”
- “We need a true Savior, to which all human saviors point, through both their flaws and strengths.”
- “God is in charge, no matter what it looks like.”
And perhaps this best sums up his book: “I’ve tried to let the narrative speak for itself (the stories, while often depressing and sometimes disturbing, are always exciting and unpredictable); and to draw out the ways we are being pointed to Jesus, the ultimate Judge, and being shown how to live lives which are honoring and pleasing to him among our pluralistic societies today.” I believe that Keller succeeds in his task.
It’s definitely worth noting that Keller provides an excellent appendix on the nature of holy war in the Bible. This is not an easy topic to address or even to understand, but Keller guides us wisely through this issue.
Layout and Content of Judges For You
Each chapter is divided into two parts. As one works through the chapter, each verse is found in bold (making it very easy for those who are using this as a resource to teach). There are also bold headings that help the reader to know what each section of the text is about. I also like the added touch of the indented quotes found on some of the pages.
Each chapter includes questions for reflections. Now, please hear me out at this point! Many books provide questions at the end of a chapter. I am guilty of skipping over those questions at times because of how poorly they can be written (not always practical; sometimes too easy, sometimes too complicated; etc.). Keller writes out questions that are actually helpful and useful! Don’t skip over these.
Lastly, I just want to mention that there is a glossary included at the back of the book. Every now and then, the reader will come across a word that is gray, indicating that the word is found in the glossary due to it being a word that is not used in everyday language outside of the church. This can be very helpful!
I recommend this volume within the series “God’ Word for You”. I have come to love this series, and it is because of excellent volumes like this one by Keller. Tolle Lege, take up and read!
Other Book Reviews in the “God’s Word For You” Series:
- 1 & 2 Samuel For You
- 1 & 2 Timothy For You
- Colossians & Philemon For You
- Ephesians For You
- Exodus For You
- Galatians For You
- John For You
- Luke For You
- Philippians For You
- Psalms For You
- Revelation For You
- Romans For You
Related Book Reviews by The Good Book Company:
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Good Book Company for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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