Scripture Sevens Volume 2, compiled by Phil Coulson; published 2007 by, and available from, John Ritchie Ltd; 432 pages; price £15.95.
Scripture Sevens Volume 2 follows in the footsteps of the first volume which proved to be a versatile aid to Bible study as well as a daily encouragement to the believer.
This latest volume is beautifully produced on quality paper and is embellished with attractive headbands and a useful ribbon marker. A Scripture Index included at the end of the book further enhances the usefulness of Scripture Sevens Volume 2.
It is intended that the book be used on a daily basis. This is clearly indicated on the front cover where the subtitle states, "Daily meditations making up another 52 weekly studies on the delightful groups of seven found in the Scriptures".
The primary purpose of the compiler is to direct the reader to the "inexhaustible mine" of the Word of God. This theme is developed in the Preface where the rich array of precious treasures to be found in the Bible are elaborated upon. "Its shafts run to depths that have never yet been explored, its seams are rich beyond measure and they are endless in their extent. The surface all around is strewn with priceless gems, fine gold and purest silver, the sheer abundance of which defies a lifetime of diligent collection to diminish it at all".
Surely the great need of today is for each believer to dig deep daily. It is the expressed desire of the compiler that the book be used in order that the reader may "hear God speaking through His Word and to be given a fresh glimpse of the Saviour".
With this objective in view a poetic gem focusing on Gideon threshing wheat in the winepress by James M.S. Tait is included. The first part of the third verse prompts us to be diligent in feeding upon the Word of God.
A lesson learn from Gideon's floor:
Nutritious food for you
Is in the Word; abundance more
Than ever Canaan grew.
A wide variety of topics are considered throughout the year. These include: 7 places where blood was applied in the Tabernacle; 7 references to the Father's love for the Son; 7 synagogue scenes in the Gospels; 7 observances of the Passover; 7 references to "little children" in John's first Epistle; 7 things that left the Queen of Sheba breathless; 7 prayers of the Lord Jesus in Luke's Gospel. This selection of seven subjects should be enough to show the rich diversity of material contained in Scripture Sevens Volume 2.
What will the reader discover upon moving from the panoramic view for a closer look at one week of readings? Take as an example Week 40 by David Gilliland and 7 mentions of the "Great God". The theme is introduced using the following outline: "He is exceedingly great. He is exclusively great. He is eternally great. He is entirely great". The significance of the seven texts in Scripture where the expression "great God" is found are then examined and the heartfelt desire of the writer is stated as follows, "May they increase our awareness and appreciation of the God whose 'excellent greatness' (Ps 150.2) is worthy of eternal praise".
This one group alone clearly indicates the rich provision which can be enjoyed throughout the year from Scripture Sevens Volume 2 in order that we might be:
More like our risen glorious Lord
Whose face we soon shall see.
AC