The Message of Job

by David Atkinson

Published 15 November 1991

The Message of Proverbs

by David Atkinson

Published 13 January 1997

This inspiring exposition goes back to the beginning. The early chapters of Genesis proclaim the origin of the world, and of human life on earth. David Atkinson applies what he finds here to the issues that face us at the beginning of a new millennium. The first eleven chapters of Genesis, he argues, are an overture to the rest of the Bible. They evoke wonder as God is portrayed in his creative power and beauty. They reveal his loving mercy and salvation even in his terrible judgment of those who turn from him and despoil the harmony of creation.
David Atkinson vividly presents the magnificent cosmic setting of the early story of mankind. Here is the insight that allows us to understand both the greatness and the tragic flaw inherent in human beings today. Here is the key to our history. We are responsible participants in God's creation who must, like Noah, confront the possibility of global catastrophe.

The Message of Ruth

by David Atkinson

Published 1 May 1974
The book of Ruth is a tale of charm and delight. Goethe called it the 'loveliest complete work on a small scale, handed down to us as an ethical treasure and an idyll'. Another writes, 'No poet in the world has written a more beautiful short story.'
The books tells us about very ordinary people facing very ordinary events. We meet Naomi, who underwent hardship in famine and bereavement but eventually won peace and security. We meet Ruth, a young foreign woman from Moab who attached herself to her mother-in-law, Naomi and to Naomi's God. And we meet Boaz, who by marrying Ruth fitted into God's purposes for history. Both King David and Jesus are numbered among their descendants.
Theologically, the story of Ruth is a story about God's providence. This David Atkinson demonstrates clearly in his passage-by-passage exposition.