The abundance of Old Testament doxologies and benedictions is overwhelming, but Stan Evers has selected eighteen, beginning with the first recorded prayer in the Bible (Gen.4:26), Some are familiar, such as Numbers 6:22-27, which is often used at the end of worship, and Job 1: 21, a bereaved father’s praise. Others are not so well-known, such as 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 (which anticipates the Lord’s prayer), the praise and prayer of an old king; and Daniel 2:20-23, a prophet’s benediction. The author desires that reflection on these expressions of praise will lead to a fresh awareness of God’s grace and glory. He is worthy of our praise!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan Evers, a Londoner, was the pastor of Potton Baptist Church, Bedfordshire, from 1986 until his retirement in 2011. Married to Wendy, he now lives in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, and keeps busy preaching and lecturing on church history.
He is author of Doing a great work – Ezra and Nehemiah simply explained
(Evangelical Press), Christ in Exodus (Grace Publications), Doxology! Exploring and enjoying New Testament benedictions (Day One).
Commendations
It is a real pleasure to commend Hallelujah!, the latest offering from the pen of Stan Evers. As its subtitle helpfully alerts us, this is an invitation to explore and enjoy the benedictions of the Old Testament. In other words, this is not intended to be a deeply technical work. Rather, its chief aim is twofold: to encourage the reader to a better understanding of these benedictions, and also to inspire a personal and devotional response to them. In this it succeeds admirably, and in no small measure due to the warmth of a pastoral heart which pervades each of its chapters. Hallelujah! is a worthy companion to the author’s earlier work on the New Testament entitled Doxology! Both volumes are available from Day One Publications.
Daniel Webber, former Mission Director of the European Missionary Fellowship and Principal of its School of Biblical Studies for 21 years. Before joining the EMF he had served as pastor of Waterford House Evangelical Free Church, Strood, Kent. He now lives in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
Benedictions and doxologies, which often conclude sections and passages of Holy Scripture, are all too frequently overlooked by even the most attentive of Bible readers. But as this new study by Stan Evers rightly reminds us, these portions of God’s Word contain doctrinal riches well worth contemplating and thrilling assurances we need to remember. Read, ponder well, and rejoice!
Michael A. G. Haykin, FRHistS, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
