Book Review of Deeper into the Word: OLD TESTAMENT

Deeper in the Word: Old Testament
by Kerri Wyatt Kent
ISBN 978-0-7642-0843-0
Bethany House Publishers
Reviewed by Clint Walker

Over the last year or two, I have come to respect and enjoy the writing and thinking of Kerri Wyatt Kent. She is intelligent. She communicates clearly. Kerri also has a way of thinking through and studying things that most people wouldn't take the time to study. Then she shares what she has learned on her journey in a way that people want hear more of what she has to say.

Kent's latest book is a sequel of sorts. I reviewed her first book on the New Testament in July.  This book is a collection of word studies on the Old Testament. It is just as good, if not better, than the book I read last summer.

Deeper into the Word: Old Testament takes on 100 words that are important in the Old Testament Scriptures, and explains that word's meaning and significance more in depth. Each entry is two to four pages long. The words are listed in alphabetical order, which makes it really to get to the word you are looking to study.

I think the Old Testament is a lot more interesting to look at with word studies. Much of Hebrew is driven by word pictures, and so many of the words merit further description once you understand them. Kent's work on this set of word studies reflects this truth. I particulary liked the studies on "glory" and on "harvest".

Another thing that makes the book interesting is the specific words Kent picks to study. Some of the words you would expect in an Old Testament word study, such as "covenant". I was also overjoyed when she picked words like "wander", that are unique enough to grab my attention but also do a good job of shedding light on God's Old Testament story.

I would recommend this book to those seeking a meaningful devotional, or for those wanting a helpful word study resource. As a meaningful devotional, it would be really easy to chose to read a word a month for the next couple of months. As a word study resource, it would be helpful in preparing for some Bible studies and sermons.