Review: The Temple and the Tabernacle

I just finished reading "The Temple and the Tabernacle" by J. Daniel Hays and must say this was a excellent read. One might at first glance think a book by such a title deals only with issues of the Old Testament and belongs buried in the stacks of Old Testament Studies but this is not the case with this book. The very first thing that struck me when I opened this book was the colour. The book has many full colour illustrations throughout featuring artist renderings, archaeological finds and photos of scale models. The images are high quality and wonderfully compliment the text.

As for the text itself, the eight chapters are written in very accessible language keeping this book very readable. Though easy to read, it is full of excellent material and thoughtful insights. One thing that Hays does well in this book is begin with a succinct summary and finish with a conclusion that offers how this topic relates to the church today. This "so what" conclusion really helps one reflect on the content of the book and how to read the Old Testament in light of it. I think one of the most important points Hays makes here is showing how through the tabernacle and the iterations of the temple God was seeking to dwell with us but His holiness and our sinfulness required levels of separation. When one looks back on levels of separation that were required between us and the most holy place, it helps us see the incredible gift we have that the Holy Spirit now dwells within us.

One section that found particularly interesting was the chapter on Solomon's temple and the comparison between the construction account in 1 Kings and the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus. His comparison of the two accounts helps show the trajectory the nation of Israel is on through the remainder of the book of Kings and provides a useful background to the events recorded in the remainder of 1&2 Kings.

The chapter dealing with the temple in the New Testament is also quite helpful. Apart from addressing the theological issues around the Temple in light of the reality of Christ, Hays does a great job at providing the background to the New Testament events that occur in and around the temple. His treatment of this background helps bring the events of the Gospels and Acts alive and give the reader a deeper appreciation of those events.

Overall I think this is a wonderful book that will enrich one's understanding of one of the most important structures and institutions found in scripture and give one a deeper appreciation of the God who seeks to dwell with us.

(I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own)

The Story of God, Story of Us - Review

"The Story of God, Story of Us" by Sean Gladding is one of the best books I've read in this past year. Gladding sets out to do something desperately needed in Christian thinking today, namely get a handle on the big story of the Bible.

Gladding starts his retelling of the grand biblical narrative with an evening gathering of the Jewish exiles gathering at the end of their work week by river of Babylon. As the exiles gather the young who have never known their homeland are beginning to express their frustration at their situation on of their wise elders tells them to know who they really are they must know who their God is. It is only in the knowning of the story of a God can they find their own story. As we journey through the telling of the story of God we learn together purpose, meaning and value that God has imprinted into us all. 

The New Testament is told by a leader in an early house church sharing the Story as it sees fulfilment through the promised Christ. The audience is a curious traveller who has heard of these Christians and wants to know more. The Story he hears encapsulated the Gospel and gives us a wonderful retelling that is easily shared and understood. 

Gladding has put the grand narrative of the Bible into a very engaging and accessible retelling of it allowing you to entering into the story of God and begin to see our own stories within it

Buy it here: