JUDGES AND RUTH
Vol. 5 of Unfolding Covenant History: an Exposition of the Old Testament
By David J. Engelsma
Reformed Free Publishing Association, USA. xxvi + 213 pages
ISBN 0 916206 86 6
Available from CPRF Bookstore, 7 Lislunnan Road, Kells, Ballymena BT42 3NR (028 25 89185 or http://www.cprf.co.uk)
This beautiful book has as its main theme the covenant faithfulness of God with his unfaithful people. Although set in a terrible time of apostasy, the books of Judges and Ruth (which are contemporaneous) bring hope.
The hope is not that Israel will reform herself (for she goes from bad to worse in her idolatry and spiritual whoredom), but the hope is in God. Israel is shown at her worst; God is shown at his best. Engelsma writes: ‘Israel cannot annul the covenant. God will not. If the book of Judges does not teach this, it teaches nothing’ (p.99).
