Book Review by Ann L. Coker
Two Companion Books on the Ten Words
Psalm One gives us the reason for studying the Ten Words (Commandments). “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (verse 2, ESV). God’s law was given for our delight. With this perspective, we move from thinking about the law as commands from a dictator to the delight of understanding who God is and that He loves us.
Jen Wilkin, a skilled Bible teacher and author, put in the research required to present such a study for her book Ten Words To Live By. She connects the Old and New Testaments, our Father God and Jesus Christ His Son. Her aim is not only obedience but Christlikeness. Wilkin gives proof to back her claim about the law being a standard for a good relationship between God and His people and enlarging that relationship between humans.
Wilkin’s writing style is personal and exalts God’s Word. The format of the book lends itself to individual and group study, for she includes in each chapter verses for meditation and questions for reflection. Space is available to write answers in the book. One unique aspect is her direction for the reader to write a prayer related to the study of that chapter’s Word.
My husband, Bill, published a book on the same subject: Words of Endearment: the Ten Commandments as a Revelation of God’s Love. Because of this connection, I read Ten Words To Live By to discover any similarities and differences. I was pleasantly surprised to find how well the two books connected, but also that Wilkin’s book gave fresh insights. Thus, I highly recommend both books for someone who wants to learn more about the Ten Words and relate them to knowing God and His love for us.
Ann Coker 