Focus on the Bible
3 total works
Whatever the question - the answer is in Proverbs!
No book of the Bible gives the Christian more practical advice than Proverbs. It covers personal problems like sex, ambition, anxiety, fear, money; family matters such as marriage, parenting, discipline and education; social questions like neighbourliness, friendship, disputes and litigation; and even politics, both from the ruler's and citizen's viewpoint!
The revolutionary method employed in this commentary combines two different approaches. Firstly, the verse-by-verse approach and secondly, the thematic style. Most modern commentaries on Proverbs don't cover every verse, as this one does. Most other commentaries also don't show the thematic nature of the book of Proverbs.
Eric Lane shows his long investigation into the text by giving a comprehensive thematic index of topics covered. This means that whilst every verse is covered, each chapter is arranged topically, making it more reader-friendly.
Eric Lane succeeds brilliantly in bringing us a study of Proverbs that can be used as a devotional aid or bible study companion. He reveals Proverbs as something more than a disconnected collection of inspired sayings!
A Psalm is basically a poem set to music and sung. For centuries the Psalms would have been the most familiar part of scripture to people who had no access to books. They are not only an integral part of the shared experience of the church but they also communicate God's guidance to this world, reveal his character and encourage his people.
In his previous volume Eric taught us about the first three books of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). In it he introduced us to the staggering range of subjects covered in the Psalms.
This volume continues his exposition with the last two books of the Psalms (90 to 150) - which includes the earliest Psalm (Psalm 90 - attributed to Moses), and the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120 to 134). Each of these two books ends with their own doxology
This collection of Psalms is ancient - as least as old as the second or third century B.C. It is not chronological, nor even grouped according to author. The style is predominantly praise but the Psalms also include prayers, complaints - and even curses.
This volume also contains an appendix, giving a suggested chronological order for the Psalms. All of which makes this a fascinating book to seek guidance from - with the experienced help of Eric Lane.
Eric is also the author of Proverbs - Everyday Wisdom for Everyone in the Focus on the Bible commentary series.
A Psalm is basically a poem set to music, and sung. This sets the book of Psalms apart from other Scripture. You will find other Psalms and songs scattered throughout scripture - some are also used for worship - but they tend to be part of a narrative. Because people think of the Psalms purely as a 'song book' they have tended to overlook them as a place to look for teaching - even considered them as a less important part of the Bible.
Yet, for many centuries the Psalms would have been the most familiar part of scripture to people who had no access to books. They are not only an integral part of the shared experience of the church but they also communicate God's guidance to this world, unfurl his character and encourage his people.
The range of subjects covered is staggering! They extol God's greatness and invite repentance, express commitment to his covenants and adherence to his law - and look forward to the coming Messianic kingdom. The style is predominantly praise but includes prayers, complaints - and even curses! Many were composed as liturgy, to be sung by God's people together, others are private and personal - yet have still found a place as shared worship in the church.
All of which makes them fascinating! This volume covers the first 3 books of the psalms (Psalms 1 to 89). A Second Volume covers books 4 and 5 (Psalms 90 to 150) and includes an appendix with a suggested chronological order.
Eric is also the author of Proverbs - Everyday Wisdom for Everyone in the Focus on the Bible commentary series