F. B. Meyer (1847–1929)

I gave up on finishing this. A few chapters were very good, but most of the points seemed to hang on either the "shepherd" metaphor or some other metaphor. There was a lot of filler and flowery language, and I found myself wishing that he would just come out with it and get to the metaphors' meaning.
As an example, I disagreed with his treatment of Psalm 23:4. Most of the chapter was about death, because of the translations which say "the valley of the shadow of death." Modern translations show more here don't even mention death; it is assumed to be a misdivision of the Hebrew word—which is simply a plural, "darknesses," (tselmot)—into two words, "shadow" (tsel) and "death" (mot). But there is another Semitic root, "tselm", which also means "darkness," and "-ot" is just a plural marker. (The word is used in Amos 5:8, "He ... turns darkness into morning.") To treat this verse as being about death itself is an interpolation (or an "eisegesis") that is based entirely on what I consider an English translation error. It also seems to be unrelated to the context.
Often with such authors, I don't necessarily disagree with what they're saying, but with how they have treated Scripture.
I will probably try a different F. B. Meyer book later on since his works on Scripture character (on Moses, Paul, Abraham) seem to be rated more highly. show less

This is a beautiful little book! Meyer does an excellent job of blending a devotional treatment of Psalm 23 with an adequately profound exposition. The book's heart is meaningful meditation on the text but does not leave the meaning behind in doing so. The writing though a touch archaic is not too dry or heavy for the average Christian reader. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading spiritual books as a part of their walk with the Lord. I will be looking for more of Meyer's books show more going forward. show less

The author takes up the burden of revealing, or actually transforming, a well-known character limned from Scripture. No work of archeology is referenced.
Born of Hannah, an intense, devoted mother who had long been bitterly childless, Samuel lived a life of beauty and fulfillment. He did not prophesy anything, in the sense of foretelling. Nor was he as eloquent as Isaiah. But he was "saintly", and by the "moral grandeur of character", he "arrested the ruin of his people". [28]
The Lord show more repeatedly appeared to Samuel, not in visions and dreams, but by "the Word of the Lord", as in Shiloh. Born into an age of chaos, and no leader who could unite the tribes, and few who claimed they knew the Lord and His Work. Quoting Scripture: "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes". [34]
In "An Epilogue", Meyer places the Prophet in perspective and significance: "' Samuel the prophet' thus practically bridges the gulf between Samson the judge and David the King." [192] His name is identified with the two books of Scripture which describe "this great transitional period".

The author lived and died as a millenarian evangelist who believed he was witnessing the "last days", and that he would live forever in a palace. show less

Excellent easy read for new Christians and those seeking a Christian life

Wow! I wish someone had recommended this book to me earlier. This is a book you can read in about 2 hours. It begins with testimonies from well known people that describes their need for Jesus in their lives. Then, the author explains what a Christian is, how to ask forgiveness from God, and how to begin begin the path for a Christian life. It is very easy to read, references many scriptures that are very helpful and show more clear especially to a new believer. Highly recommended for all Christians. show less