Released in the UK October 2018
Released in the US December 2018
Large trade paperback | 176 Pages
9781527102347 • £11.99 $17.99
BISAC – REL006060
Ruth and Esther, the only two biblical books that centre on the lives of women, display the hand of a God who works in the lives of individuals to bring about his plan for the salvation of many. Ruth is an outsider who finds a home among the people of God and whose descendants include not only King David, but David’s greater son, Christ the King of Kings. Esther’s story plays out in the palace precincts of a despotic king. While God’s name is famously never mentioned, we see his handiwork in each twist and turn of the narrative. He uses improbable means and improbable individuals to save His people, and we see that God is on His throne.
David Strain
David Strain is Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi. He is Chairman of the Board of Christian Witness to Israel, and Convener of the Twin Lakes Fellowship.
9781781915806 |
9781527100077 |
9781845501945 |
One of the positives in our current culture is a rediscovery of the value of story. David Strain unpacks the stories of two young girls whose lives and experiences illustrate the purpose of providence. If you ever wonder why you are where you are in life, Ruth and Esther will give you food for thought.
David Meredith
Mission Director, Free Church of Scotland, Inverness
David Strain has blessed both pastor and congregant by writing this volume on Ruth and Esther. Here is a commentary that exudes pastoral wisdom and heart–directed application flowing from thorough biblical exegesis and theological precision. As these pages are read, the student of Scripture should expect to witness the Lord’s work, not only in the lives of Ruth and Esther, but also in their own.
Jason Helopoulos
Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan
Strain shows how both books, seen in the light of the big Bible picture, are meant to draw us to a greater knowledge of a covenant keeping God as He works his own perfect plan into history, turning the chaotic into His own “eucatastrophe” to accomplish His perfect gospel objective in Christ Jesus.
Iver Martin
Principal, Edinburgh Theological Seminary, Edinburgh, Scotland
In Dr Strain’s flowing prose, both the text and the theological truths imbedded in the text are explained with pastoral thoughtfulness and a deft appreciation of their place within the biblical canon. These are commentaries that preachers will benefit from and all Christians find hugely instructive.
Ian Hamilton
President, Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Newcastle, UK